How do I upgrade the Sword of Justice in Baldur's Gate 3?

The Sword of Justice is a powerful weapon in Baldur's Gate 3, and upgrading it can significantly enhance its effectiveness in combat. This weapon is a greatsword that deals additional radiant damage, making it particularly useful against undead and fiends. However, upgrading it requires a combination of in-game mechanics, strategic planning, and understanding of the game's crafting and enhancement systems. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to upgrade the Sword of Justice, including mechanics, strategies, and tips.

First, itÔÇÖs important to understand that Baldur's Gate 3 does not have a traditional weapon upgrade system like some other RPGs. Instead, upgrading the Sword of Justice involves finding ways to enhance its effectiveness through character abilities, spells, and equipment synergies. The Sword of Justice itself cannot be directly modified or improved through crafting, but you can make it more powerful by optimizing your character build and using it in conjunction with other abilities and items.

To begin, you need to acquire the Sword of Justice. This weapon is obtained during the quest "Hunt the Devil," which involves interacting with Anders, a paladin of Tyr, in the Risen Road area. After completing the quest, you will receive the Sword of Justice as a reward. Once you have the sword, you can start focusing on ways to enhance its performance.

One of the most effective ways to upgrade the Sword of Justice is by increasing your characterÔÇÖs Strength or Dexterity, depending on your build. The swordÔÇÖs damage scales with your attack modifier, so having a high Strength score will increase the damage you deal with each hit. If you are playing a Dexterity-based character, you can use the Finesse property of the sword to make it scale with Dexterity instead. This flexibility allows you to tailor the weapon to your characterÔÇÖs strengths.

Another way to enhance the Sword of Justice is by using spells and abilities that boost your attack rolls or damage output. For example, the Bless spell increases your attack rolls, making it more likely that you will hit your target. Similarly, the Divine Smite ability available to paladins can be used in conjunction with the Sword of Justice to deal massive radiant damage, especially against undead or fiends. If you are not a paladin, consider multiclassing or having a paladin companion in your party to take advantage of these abilities.

Equipment optimization is also crucial for upgrading the Sword of Justice. Look for items that increase your attack rolls, damage, or critical hit chance. For example, gloves that add extra damage to melee attacks or rings that increase your Strength score can significantly enhance the swordÔÇÖs effectiveness. Additionally, consider using a shield or armor that provides bonuses to AC or saving throws, as this will help you survive longer in combat and make the most of the swordÔÇÖs damage potential.

In terms of combat tactics, the Sword of Justice excels in situations where you are facing enemies vulnerable to radiant damage. Undead and fiends are particularly susceptible to this type of damage, so prioritize using the sword against these foes. Additionally, positioning is key in Baldur's Gate 3. Try to flank enemies or use terrain to your advantage, as this can give you bonuses to attack rolls and make it easier to land critical hits.

One common mistake to avoid is neglecting your characterÔÇÖs survivability. While the Sword of Justice is a powerful weapon, it wonÔÇÖt do you much good if your character is constantly being knocked out in combat. Make sure to invest in defensive abilities, spells, and equipment to ensure that you can withstand enemy attacks while dealing damage with the sword.

Advanced techniques for optimizing the Sword of Justice include multiclassing and using feats to enhance your combat effectiveness. For example, taking levels in Fighter can give you access to the Action Surge ability, allowing you to make additional attacks in a single turn. The Great Weapon Master feat is another excellent choice, as it increases your damage output with heavy weapons like the Sword of Justice. However, be aware that this feat comes with a penalty to attack rolls, so itÔÇÖs best used when you have a high attack bonus or are facing enemies with low AC.

In terms of D&D 5E rules, the Sword of Justice functions similarly to a +1 greatsword with additional radiant damage. This means it benefits from the same rules and mechanics as other magical weapons in the game. For example, it can bypass resistance to non-magical attacks, and its radiant damage is particularly effective against creatures vulnerable to radiant damage. Understanding these rules can help you make the most of the swordÔÇÖs abilities and plan your combat strategies accordingly.

Finally, consider the story choices and consequences that come with using the Sword of Justice. As a weapon tied to the paladin order of Tyr, it may influence your interactions with certain NPCs and factions. For example, using the sword in a way that aligns with the ideals of justice and righteousness may earn you favor with paladins and other lawful characters, while using it for more nefarious purposes could lead to conflict or disapproval.

In conclusion, upgrading the Sword of Justice in Baldur's Gate 3 involves a combination of character optimization, strategic combat tactics, and equipment synergy. By focusing on increasing your attack modifiers, using supportive spells and abilities, and equipping items that enhance your combat effectiveness, you can make the Sword of Justice a formidable weapon in your arsenal. Avoid common mistakes like neglecting survivability, and consider advanced techniques like multiclassing and feats to further enhance your performance. With the right approach, the Sword of Justice can become one of the most powerful weapons in your journey through Baldur's Gate 3.