What is the best way to deal with enemies that can summon environmental hazards like poison clouds in Baldur's Gate 3?

Dealing with enemies that can summon environmental hazards like poison clouds in Baldur's Gate 3 requires a combination of tactical awareness, proper positioning, and effective use of abilities and spells. These hazards can quickly turn the tide of battle if not managed correctly, as they can deal continuous damage, impose debilitating conditions, or restrict movement. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to handle such situations effectively.

First, itÔÇÖs important to understand the mechanics of environmental hazards. Poison clouds, for example, are typically area-of-effect (AoE) hazards that deal poison damage over time to anyone standing within them. They can also cause conditions like Poisoned, which reduces attack rolls and ability checks. These hazards are often summoned by enemies with specific abilities or spells, and they can persist for several turns, making them a significant threat if not addressed.

To counter these hazards, start by identifying the source. Enemies that summon hazards often have limited uses of these abilities, so focusing on them early can prevent the hazard from being summoned in the first place. Use high-damage abilities or spells to take them out quickly. If the hazard is already active, consider using abilities that can dispel or neutralize it. For example, the Gust of Wind spell can disperse poison clouds, while the Create Water spell can dilute or wash away certain hazards.

Positioning is crucial when dealing with environmental hazards. Always try to keep your party spread out to minimize the impact of AoE hazards. If a hazard is summoned, move your characters out of the affected area as quickly as possible. Use the Dash action if necessary to ensure they can escape the hazardÔÇÖs range. High-mobility characters, like Rogues or Monks, can be particularly effective at avoiding these hazards due to their increased movement speed.

Another effective strategy is to use terrain to your advantage. If you can position your characters on high ground or behind cover, you can reduce the likelihood of being affected by hazards. Additionally, using choke points can funnel enemies into areas where hazards are less effective, or where you can control the battlefield more easily.

When it comes to character builds, consider including characters with abilities that can mitigate or resist environmental hazards. For example, a PaladinÔÇÖs Aura of Protection can provide bonuses to saving throws, making it easier to resist the effects of poison. Similarly, a Druid or Ranger with the Poison Resistance feature can reduce the damage taken from poison clouds. Spells like Protection from Poison can also be invaluable in these situations.

Common mistakes to avoid include clustering your party too closely, which makes it easier for hazards to affect multiple characters at once. Another mistake is ignoring the hazard and focusing solely on the enemies, which can lead to your party taking unnecessary damage over time. Always prioritize neutralizing the hazard or moving out of its range before continuing the fight.

Advanced techniques include using environmental interactions to your advantage. For example, if a poison cloud is near a flammable object, you can use a fire spell to ignite it and potentially clear the hazard. Additionally, using summons or familiars to trigger hazards can be a safe way to neutralize them without risking your main party members.

In terms of D&D rules, environmental hazards like poison clouds are typically treated as ongoing effects that require saving throws to resist. Understanding the specific rules for these hazards can help you plan your strategy more effectively. For example, knowing that a poison cloud requires a Constitution saving throw to resist the Poisoned condition can inform your decision to buff your partyÔÇÖs Constitution saves or use abilities that grant advantage on saving throws.

Specific examples include encounters with enemies like the Phase Spider Matriarch, who can summon poison clouds. In this scenario, using ranged attacks to take her out from a distance while keeping your party spread out can prevent the poison clouds from becoming a major issue. Another example is the fight against the Duergar in the Underdark, who can use abilities to create hazardous terrain. In this case, using spells like Gust of Wind or Create Water to neutralize the hazards can turn the tide in your favor.

In conclusion, dealing with enemies that summon environmental hazards in Baldur's Gate 3 requires a combination of quick thinking, strategic positioning, and effective use of abilities and spells. By understanding the mechanics, avoiding common mistakes, and using advanced techniques, you can turn these hazardous situations to your advantage and emerge victorious in battle.