What are the best tactics for fighting enemies with high resistance to all damage types in Baldur's Gate 3?

Fighting enemies with high resistance to all damage types in Baldur's Gate 3 can be a challenging task, but with the right tactics and understanding of the game mechanics, you can overcome these formidable foes. Here is a detailed guide to help you navigate these encounters effectively.

First, it is important to understand the mechanics of damage resistance. In Baldur's Gate 3, resistance reduces the damage taken by half. This means that if an enemy has resistance to all damage types, any damage you deal will be halved unless you can bypass or overcome this resistance. To counteract this, you need to focus on strategies that either bypass resistance, increase your damage output, or control the battlefield to minimize the enemy's effectiveness.

One of the most effective ways to bypass resistance is by using spells or abilities that deal damage types which the enemy is not resistant to. For example, if an enemy is resistant to physical damage but not to psychic damage, using spells like Mind Blast or abilities that deal psychic damage can be highly effective. Additionally, some spells and abilities can remove or suppress resistance, such as the spell Dispel Magic, which can remove magical effects including resistance.

Another strategy is to focus on increasing your damage output. This can be achieved through buffs and debuffs. Buffs like Bless or Haste can increase your attack rolls and damage, while debuffs like Bane or Hold Person can reduce the enemy's effectiveness. Combining these spells with high-damage abilities or spells can help you deal significant damage even with resistance in play.

Positioning and terrain are also crucial in these encounters. Taking advantage of high ground can provide bonuses to your attack rolls and damage, while using cover can protect you from enemy attacks. Additionally, using environmental hazards like explosive barrels or chasms can deal significant damage to enemies, often bypassing their resistance.

Action economy is another important factor. Make sure to optimize your actions, bonus actions, and movement each turn. For example, using a bonus action to cast a spell like Spiritual Weapon can provide additional damage output without using your main action. Similarly, using your movement to reposition can help you avoid enemy attacks and set up better angles for your own attacks.

Common mistakes to avoid include focusing solely on damage without considering control or utility. For example, trying to brute force your way through an enemy with high resistance can lead to wasted resources and prolonged battles. Instead, consider using control spells like Sleep or Hold Person to incapacitate the enemy while you deal with other threats or set up for a more effective attack.

Advanced techniques include combining multiple spells and abilities for maximum effectiveness. For example, using a spell like Faerie Fire to grant advantage on attack rolls against the enemy, followed by a high-damage spell like Guiding Bolt or Fireball, can significantly increase your damage output. Additionally, using abilities like Sneak Attack or Divine Smite can provide burst damage that can quickly deplete an enemy's health despite their resistance.

Related D&D rules and mechanics include the concept of vulnerability, which doubles the damage taken by an enemy of a specific type. While rare, some enemies may have vulnerabilities that you can exploit. Additionally, understanding the rules for concentration and spellcasting can help you manage your resources more effectively and avoid losing important spells due to damage or other effects.

Specific examples and scenarios include fighting enemies like the Githyanki or certain types of constructs, which often have high resistance to multiple damage types. In these cases, using spells like Magic Missile, which deals force damage and cannot be resisted, can be highly effective. Additionally, using abilities like the Paladin's Divine Smite, which deals radiant damage, can bypass many resistances and deal significant damage.

In conclusion, fighting enemies with high resistance to all damage types in Baldur's Gate 3 requires a combination of understanding the mechanics, optimizing your actions, and using strategic spells and abilities. By focusing on bypassing resistance, increasing your damage output, and controlling the battlefield, you can overcome these challenging encounters and emerge victorious.