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

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

First, it is important to understand the mechanics of damage resistance and burst damage. Damage resistance means that the enemy takes half damage from a specific damage type, or in some cases, all damage types. Burst damage refers to high amounts of damage dealt in a short period, often through powerful spells or abilities. To counter these, you need to focus on strategies that bypass resistance, control the battlefield, and manage your resources effectively.

One effective strategy is to use abilities and spells that bypass resistance. For example, spells like Magic Missile deal force damage, which is rarely resisted. Similarly, abilities that cause conditions like paralysis or stun can neutralize enemies without relying on damage. Crowd control spells such as Hold Person or Hypnotic Pattern can disable enemies, giving you time to focus on other threats or set up combos.

Another key tactic is to exploit enemy weaknesses. Some enemies may have vulnerabilities to specific damage types, even if they are resistant to others. For instance, a creature resistant to physical damage might be vulnerable to radiant or necrotic damage. Use spells like Guiding Bolt or Inflict Wounds to target these vulnerabilities. Additionally, items like elemental arrows or scrolls can provide access to damage types your party might not normally have.

Positioning and terrain are crucial in these fights. Use high ground to gain advantage on ranged attacks and avoid enemy melee attacks. Terrain features like chasms or flammable surfaces can be used to your advantage. For example, pushing an enemy off a cliff with Thunderwave or Eldritch Blast can instantly remove them from the fight. Similarly, setting oil or grease on fire can deal consistent damage over time, bypassing resistance.

Action economy is another important factor. Make sure to use your actions, bonus actions, and reactions efficiently. For example, a Rogue can use Cunning Action to hide or disengage, while a Fighter can use Action Surge to gain an extra attack. Spells like Haste can give your party members additional actions, allowing you to outpace the enemy in terms of damage output.

Common mistakes to avoid include focusing too much on damage-dealing spells and abilities without considering utility. For example, using a high-level spell slot on a Fireball might seem tempting, but if the enemy is resistant to fire damage, it will be ineffective. Instead, use spells like Counterspell to negate enemy abilities or Bless to boost your party's accuracy and saving throws.

Advanced techniques include combining spells and abilities for maximum effect. For example, a Sorcerer can use Twinned Spell to target two enemies with Hold Person, effectively disabling them. A Paladin can use Divine Smite to deal radiant damage, which is less commonly resisted. Additionally, using environmental hazards like explosive barrels or traps can turn the tide of battle in your favor.

Related D&D rules and mechanics include the concept of action economy, which is the number of actions each side can take in a turn. Balancing your actions to maximize efficiency is key. Additionally, understanding the conditions and status effects in the game can help you control the battlefield. For example, the Prone condition gives advantage on melee attacks against the target, while the Restrained condition reduces their movement and gives disadvantage on Dexterity saving throws.

Specific examples and scenarios include fighting a powerful demon resistant to most damage types. In this case, using spells like Banishment can remove the demon from the battlefield temporarily, giving you time to deal with other threats. Another example is fighting a group of enemies with high resistance. Using area-of-effect spells like Web or Grease can control their movement, allowing you to pick them off one by one.

In conclusion, fighting enemies with high resistance and burst damage requires a combination of strategic planning, resource management, and understanding of game mechanics. By using abilities that bypass resistance, exploiting weaknesses, controlling the battlefield, and optimizing your action economy, you can overcome even the toughest foes in Baldur's Gate 3.