What is the best way to handle enemies that can summon illusions or duplicates in Baldur's Gate 3?

Handling enemies that can summon illusions or duplicates in Baldur's Gate 3 requires a combination of careful observation, strategic planning, and effective use of your party's abilities. These types of enemies can be particularly challenging because they can create confusion, waste your actions, and even turn the tide of battle if not dealt with properly. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to handle such encounters.

First, itÔÇÖs important to understand the mechanics behind illusions and duplicates. In Baldur's Gate 3, as in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, illusions are magical effects that create false images or sounds. Duplicates, on the other hand, are often created by spells like Mirror Image, which creates illusory duplicates of the caster that can absorb attacks. The key difference is that illusions are typically intangible and can be dispelled or seen through with certain abilities, while duplicates can sometimes interact with the environment or even attack, depending on the spell used.

To effectively deal with these enemies, start by identifying the source of the illusions or duplicates. This can often be done by observing the enemyÔÇÖs behavior or using abilities like Detect Magic, which can reveal magical auras. Once youÔÇÖve identified the caster, focus your attacks on them. Taking down the source will usually dispel the illusions or duplicates, making the rest of the fight much easier.

Next, consider the abilities and spells your party has at their disposal. Spells like Dispel Magic can remove magical effects, including illusions and duplicates. If you donÔÇÖt have Dispel Magic, other spells like Faerie Fire can reveal invisible creatures and make illusions easier to spot. Additionally, abilities like True Seeing, which allows a character to see through illusions, can be invaluable in these situations. If you donÔÇÖt have access to these spells, consider using area-of-effect (AoE) attacks. Since illusions and duplicates are often clustered around the real enemy, AoE spells like Fireball or Shatter can help you clear them out quickly.

Positioning is also crucial. Try to position your party in such a way that you can attack the real enemy without being overwhelmed by their illusions or duplicates. Use terrain to your advantage, such as taking high ground for ranged attacks or using cover to avoid being targeted. If the enemy is using duplicates to block your path, consider using abilities that allow you to move through or around them, such as Misty Step or Thunderwave.

One common mistake is wasting actions on attacking illusions or duplicates. Always verify your target before committing to an attack. If youÔÇÖre unsure, use abilities that can reveal the true nature of the enemy, such as an Insight check or a spell like Detect Thoughts. Another mistake is neglecting to focus fire on the caster. Even if the illusions or duplicates are distracting, taking down the caster should always be your priority.

Advanced techniques include using crowd control spells to incapacitate the caster while you deal with their illusions. Spells like Hold Person or Sleep can prevent the caster from summoning more illusions or duplicates, giving you time to clear the battlefield. Additionally, consider using summoned creatures or familiars to distract the illusions or duplicates, allowing your main party members to focus on the real threat.

In terms of character building, consider having at least one party member with access to spells like Dispel Magic, Detect Magic, or True Seeing. These spells can make a significant difference in battles against illusionists. Additionally, having a character with high Perception or Insight can help you identify illusions more quickly.

A specific example scenario might involve fighting a powerful wizard who uses Mirror Image to create duplicates of themselves. In this case, you would want to use AoE spells to damage all the duplicates at once, or use a spell like Dispel Magic to remove the Mirror Image effect entirely. If you donÔÇÖt have these spells, focus on using abilities that reveal the true enemy, such as Faerie Fire or True Seeing.

In conclusion, handling enemies that summon illusions or duplicates in Baldur's Gate 3 requires a combination of careful observation, strategic planning, and effective use of your partyÔÇÖs abilities. By understanding the mechanics, focusing on the caster, and using the right spells and tactics, you can turn a potentially confusing and difficult battle into a manageable one. Always be mindful of your actions, and donÔÇÖt waste them on illusions or duplicates. With the right approach, you can overcome even the most deceptive foes.