Getting magical items in Baldur's Gate 3 elevates a character build in potentially unforeseen ways. Sometimes these ways are straightforward, adding +1 to a specific saving throw or allowing the wearer to cast a spell like Speak with Animals. But other buffs are a bit more mysterious.
One of these conditions is called 'Momentum.' Dungeons and Dragons, the game Baldur's Gate 3 is based on, has a feat called Momentum but this buff does not behave anything like that ability. Instead, this is a passive buff that comes in very handy on character builds that make use of it.
Momentum Buff
- Movement Speed increased by 1.5m.
- Momentum is canceled when Restrained, Incapacitated, Prone, or Slowed.
Movement speed is critical for melee attackers. When players are selecting the best race for every class, an extra meter or two can mean an extra attack for classes like Rogues, Barbarians, and Fighters. With an item that grants Momentum, melee attackers can often reach distant enemies in a single round.
Most items grant Momentum conditionally. For example, the Haste Helm gives the wearer Momentum for the first three rounds of combat but the Springstep Boots only give the wearer Momentum for three turns if they first use a dash or similar action.
If players do find such an item, switch party members and give the benefit to somebody like Karlach, Lae'zel, or Astarion who can make good use of it. Of course, if the player character gets a huge benefit from movement speed, feel free to hold onto the piece.
Especially on the game's toughest difficulties, enemies can be difficult to reach as they use the environmental altitudes to their advantage. A fast enough character can cut down these archers and spellcasters quickly, getting into melee range and opening the enemies up to attacks. Just be sure not to provoke opportunity attacks by leaving fights too early.
Baldur's Gate 3 is available now for PC. The PlayStation 5 version will be available on September 6th, 2023. A version for Xbox Series X/S is still in development.