What is the best way to deal with enemies that can summon environmental effects like fire or ice in Baldur's Gate 3?

Dealing with enemies that can summon environmental effects like fire or ice in Baldur's Gate 3 requires a combination of tactical awareness, proper positioning, and effective use of abilities and spells. These environmental effects can significantly impact the battlefield, creating hazards that deal damage over time or impose conditions like burning or freezing. Understanding how to mitigate these effects and turn them to your advantage is crucial for success in combat.

First, it's important to understand the mechanics of environmental effects. When an enemy summons a fire or ice effect, it typically creates a hazard zone on the battlefield. Fire hazards deal fire damage to any creature that starts its turn or moves through the area, while ice hazards can cause creatures to slip and fall prone, making them easier targets. These effects can persist for several turns, so managing them is essential.

One of the most effective strategies is to control the battlefield by limiting the areas where these hazards can be placed. Use characters with high mobility to position themselves in a way that forces enemies to summon hazards in less advantageous locations. For example, if you can position your party on high ground or behind cover, you can reduce the effectiveness of these hazards. High ground not only provides a bonus to ranged attacks but also makes it harder for enemies to target your party with area-of-effect spells.

Another key tactic is to use spells and abilities that can counteract or remove these hazards. Spells like Create Water can extinguish fire hazards, while Gust of Wind can disperse clouds or other environmental effects. Additionally, characters with the ability to cast Dispel Magic can remove magical hazards directly. It's also worth considering the use of spells that create your own environmental effects, such as Wall of Fire or Ice Storm, to control enemy movement and create zones of denial.

When facing enemies that summon environmental effects, it's crucial to prioritize targets. Focus on taking out the summoners first to prevent them from creating additional hazards. Use crowd control abilities like Hold Person or Sleep to incapacitate these enemies, or use high-damage spells and attacks to eliminate them quickly. If you can't take out the summoners immediately, try to disrupt their concentration by forcing them to make Constitution saving throws. Spells like Magic Missile or abilities that deal multiple instances of damage can be particularly effective for this purpose.

Positioning is another critical factor. Spread out your party to minimize the impact of area-of-effect hazards. Avoid clustering your characters together, as this makes them easy targets for spells like Fireball or Ice Storm. Instead, use the environment to your advantage by positioning your characters behind cover or in areas that are difficult for enemies to reach. This can also help you avoid being caught in the crossfire of your own area-of-effect spells.

One common mistake is underestimating the duration and impact of environmental hazards. It's easy to forget about a fire or ice effect after a few turns, but these hazards can persist and continue to deal damage or impose conditions. Always be aware of the battlefield and plan your movements accordingly. Use abilities like Misty Step or Dimension Door to quickly reposition your characters if they become trapped in a hazardous area.

Advanced techniques include using environmental effects to your advantage. For example, you can lure enemies into fire hazards or use ice hazards to create difficult terrain that slows their movement. Combining environmental effects with crowd control abilities can create powerful synergies. For instance, casting Grease on an area already affected by ice can make it nearly impossible for enemies to move without falling prone.

In terms of character building, consider including characters with abilities that can manipulate the environment or counteract hazards. Druids, Wizards, and Sorcerers are particularly well-suited for this role, as they have access to a wide range of spells that can create or remove environmental effects. Additionally, characters with high Dexterity and proficiency in Acrobatics can more easily navigate hazardous terrain without falling prone.

Related D&D rules and mechanics include the rules for concentration, which determine how long a summoned environmental effect lasts. If the summoner loses concentration, the effect may end prematurely. Additionally, the rules for difficult terrain and movement penalties apply to environmental hazards, making it important to consider how these effects will impact both your party and your enemies.

Specific examples and scenarios include facing off against a group of enemy spellcasters who can summon fire walls or ice storms. In this situation, you might use a combination of crowd control spells and high-damage attacks to take out the spellcasters quickly, while using Create Water or Dispel Magic to neutralize the hazards they create. Another scenario might involve navigating a battlefield covered in ice hazards, where you use abilities like Misty Step to reposition your characters and avoid slipping.

In conclusion, dealing with enemies that summon environmental effects in Baldur's Gate 3 requires a combination of tactical awareness, proper positioning, and effective use of abilities and spells. By understanding the mechanics of these effects, prioritizing targets, and using the environment to your advantage, you can mitigate the impact of these hazards and turn them to your benefit. Always be mindful of the battlefield and plan your movements carefully to avoid common mistakes and optimize your combat strategy.