How do I handle enemies that can cast wish in Baldur's Gate 3?
Handling enemies that can cast Wish in Baldur's Gate 3 is one of the most challenging scenarios you can face in the game. Wish is a 9th-level spell in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, and its implementation in Baldur's Gate 3 closely follows the rules of the tabletop game. The spell allows the caster to alter reality in powerful ways, making it a formidable tool in the hands of an enemy. To effectively counter such a threat, you need to understand the mechanics of the spell, prepare your party accordingly, and execute a well-thought-out strategy.
First, let's break down the mechanics of Wish. In D&D 5E, Wish can be used to replicate any spell of 8th level or lower without expending a spell slot or requiring material components. This means an enemy casting Wish could potentially unleash devastating spells like Meteor Swarm, Power Word Kill, or even Time Stop. Additionally, Wish can be used to create non-spell effects, such as granting resistance to a damage type, creating a valuable object, or even undoing a recent event. The versatility of Wish makes it unpredictable, so your strategy must account for a wide range of possibilities.
To handle an enemy with Wish, your first priority should be to disrupt their ability to cast spells. Counterspell is your best friend in this situation. If you have a spellcaster in your party with access to Counterspell, make sure they are ready to use it when the enemy attempts to cast Wish. Counterspell requires a reaction, so position your caster within 60 feet of the enemy and keep their reaction available. If the enemy's spellcasting ability is high, you may need to roll an ability check to successfully counter the spell. To improve your chances, consider using abilities or items that boost your spellcasting modifier, such as the Spell Sniper feat or the Robe of the Archmagi.
Another effective strategy is to focus on action economy. Enemies that can cast Wish are often powerful spellcasters with limited defenses. Use your party's actions, bonus actions, and movement to overwhelm the enemy before they can cast Wish. For example, a Fighter with Action Surge can deliver multiple attacks in a single turn, while a Rogue can use Sneak Attack to deal massive damage. If you have a Monk, consider using Stunning Strike to incapacitate the enemy and prevent them from casting spells altogether. The key is to eliminate the threat as quickly as possible, minimizing the chances of them using Wish.
Terrain and positioning also play a crucial role in this encounter. If the enemy is on high ground, use spells like Misty Step or Dimension Door to close the distance and engage them in melee combat. Alternatively, use environmental hazards to your advantage. For example, if the enemy is near a cliff, you can use spells like Thunderwave or abilities like the Battle Master's Pushing Attack to knock them off the edge. This not only deals damage but also removes them from the battlefield entirely.
One common mistake players make is underestimating the enemy's ability to recover from setbacks. Even if you disrupt their first attempt to cast Wish, they may have other powerful spells or abilities at their disposal. Always have a backup plan, such as healing spells or defensive buffs, to keep your party alive if the enemy retaliates. Additionally, avoid clustering your party members too closely together, as this makes them vulnerable to area-of-effect spells like Fireball or Chain Lightning.
Advanced techniques include using spells like Silence to create a zone where the enemy cannot cast verbal spells, including Wish. Silence has a 20-foot radius and lasts for up to 10 minutes, making it an excellent tool for shutting down spellcasters. Combine this with abilities like the Sentinel feat to prevent the enemy from moving out of the Silence zone. Another advanced tactic is to use spells like Hold Monster or Dominate Person to take control of the enemy and turn their power against them.
In terms of character building, consider including a Paladin or Cleric in your party for their ability to provide healing and protection. A Paladin's Aura of Protection can boost your party's saving throws, making it harder for the enemy to land debilitating spells. A Cleric's Spirit Guardians can create a zone of damage around them, deterring the enemy from approaching. Additionally, a Bard with the College of Lore subclass can use Cutting Words to reduce the enemy's ability checks, including those made for Counterspell.
Finally, remember that Wish is a high-risk, high-reward spell. If the enemy uses Wish for a non-spell effect, they risk suffering the spell's backlash, which includes losing the ability to cast Wish again and taking damage every time they cast a spell. Use this to your advantage by prolonging the fight and forcing the enemy to overextend themselves.
In summary, handling enemies that can cast Wish requires a combination of preparation, quick thinking, and adaptability. Use Counterspell to disrupt their casting, focus on action economy to overwhelm them, and leverage terrain and positioning to gain the upper hand. Avoid common mistakes like clustering your party or underestimating the enemy's resilience, and consider advanced techniques like Silence or Hold Monster to neutralize the threat. With the right strategy, you can turn even the most powerful spellcaster into a manageable challenge.
First, let's break down the mechanics of Wish. In D&D 5E, Wish can be used to replicate any spell of 8th level or lower without expending a spell slot or requiring material components. This means an enemy casting Wish could potentially unleash devastating spells like Meteor Swarm, Power Word Kill, or even Time Stop. Additionally, Wish can be used to create non-spell effects, such as granting resistance to a damage type, creating a valuable object, or even undoing a recent event. The versatility of Wish makes it unpredictable, so your strategy must account for a wide range of possibilities.
To handle an enemy with Wish, your first priority should be to disrupt their ability to cast spells. Counterspell is your best friend in this situation. If you have a spellcaster in your party with access to Counterspell, make sure they are ready to use it when the enemy attempts to cast Wish. Counterspell requires a reaction, so position your caster within 60 feet of the enemy and keep their reaction available. If the enemy's spellcasting ability is high, you may need to roll an ability check to successfully counter the spell. To improve your chances, consider using abilities or items that boost your spellcasting modifier, such as the Spell Sniper feat or the Robe of the Archmagi.
Another effective strategy is to focus on action economy. Enemies that can cast Wish are often powerful spellcasters with limited defenses. Use your party's actions, bonus actions, and movement to overwhelm the enemy before they can cast Wish. For example, a Fighter with Action Surge can deliver multiple attacks in a single turn, while a Rogue can use Sneak Attack to deal massive damage. If you have a Monk, consider using Stunning Strike to incapacitate the enemy and prevent them from casting spells altogether. The key is to eliminate the threat as quickly as possible, minimizing the chances of them using Wish.
Terrain and positioning also play a crucial role in this encounter. If the enemy is on high ground, use spells like Misty Step or Dimension Door to close the distance and engage them in melee combat. Alternatively, use environmental hazards to your advantage. For example, if the enemy is near a cliff, you can use spells like Thunderwave or abilities like the Battle Master's Pushing Attack to knock them off the edge. This not only deals damage but also removes them from the battlefield entirely.
One common mistake players make is underestimating the enemy's ability to recover from setbacks. Even if you disrupt their first attempt to cast Wish, they may have other powerful spells or abilities at their disposal. Always have a backup plan, such as healing spells or defensive buffs, to keep your party alive if the enemy retaliates. Additionally, avoid clustering your party members too closely together, as this makes them vulnerable to area-of-effect spells like Fireball or Chain Lightning.
Advanced techniques include using spells like Silence to create a zone where the enemy cannot cast verbal spells, including Wish. Silence has a 20-foot radius and lasts for up to 10 minutes, making it an excellent tool for shutting down spellcasters. Combine this with abilities like the Sentinel feat to prevent the enemy from moving out of the Silence zone. Another advanced tactic is to use spells like Hold Monster or Dominate Person to take control of the enemy and turn their power against them.
In terms of character building, consider including a Paladin or Cleric in your party for their ability to provide healing and protection. A Paladin's Aura of Protection can boost your party's saving throws, making it harder for the enemy to land debilitating spells. A Cleric's Spirit Guardians can create a zone of damage around them, deterring the enemy from approaching. Additionally, a Bard with the College of Lore subclass can use Cutting Words to reduce the enemy's ability checks, including those made for Counterspell.
Finally, remember that Wish is a high-risk, high-reward spell. If the enemy uses Wish for a non-spell effect, they risk suffering the spell's backlash, which includes losing the ability to cast Wish again and taking damage every time they cast a spell. Use this to your advantage by prolonging the fight and forcing the enemy to overextend themselves.
In summary, handling enemies that can cast Wish requires a combination of preparation, quick thinking, and adaptability. Use Counterspell to disrupt their casting, focus on action economy to overwhelm them, and leverage terrain and positioning to gain the upper hand. Avoid common mistakes like clustering your party or underestimating the enemy's resilience, and consider advanced techniques like Silence or Hold Monster to neutralize the threat. With the right strategy, you can turn even the most powerful spellcaster into a manageable challenge.