Baldur's Gate 3 is based on a mostly faithful recreation of the Dungeons & Dragons Fifth Edition system, adapted for PC and PS5 by Larian Studios. As a CRPG adaptation, Baldur's Gate 3 does make some changes to the tabletop system, however, one feature that has remained almost completely untouched is proficiency.
Proficiency determines whether a character is trained/experienced in a particular skill, weapon, armor, or saving throw. Proficiency will either grant a bonus or remove a penalty when using it. Depending on their race, class, subclass, and feat choices, players will gain many proficiencies on their journey to level 12 in Baldur's Gate 3.
Weapon, Armor, and Shield Proficiency
Weapon Proficiency
Weapons in Baldur's Gate 3 are divided into Simple and Martial, and most classes grant proficiency in either one or both categories. However, it's also possible to gain proficiency in an individual weapon, either through a race, class, or subclass choice.
While characters can use weapons without the appropriate proficiency, they'll miss out on two important bonuses. Using a proficient weapon allows characters to add their Proficiency Bonus to their Attack Rolls, which will range from +2 to +4 as they gain levels. Additionally, having proficiency in a weapon unlocks its Weapon Action, a unique ability for that weapon in Baldur's Gate 3.
Armor Proficiency
There are three types of Armor in Baldur's Gate 3, each with its own proficiency:
- Light Armor: Low AC armor that allows players to add their full Dexterity modifier to AC
- Medium Armor: Moderate AC armor that allows players add a max of +2 Dexterity to AC and sometimes give Disadvantage on Stealth checks
- Heavy Armor: High AC armor that isn't affected by the player's Dexterity modifier and always give Disadvantage on Stealth checks
Wearing a type of armor that the character isn't proficient in will give Disadvantage on all Ability Checks, Saving Throws, and Attack Rolls as well as prevent spellcasting. Armor Proficiency is mostly dependent on the character's class, but players can also gain new proficiencies from their subclass, race, or feats.
Shield Proficiency
Just like Armor Proficiency, using a shield without Shield Proficiency will impose Disadvantage on all Ability Checks, Saving Throws, and Attack Rolls as well as prevent spellcasting. Characters can gain Shield Proficiency from their race, class, subclass, or through the Moderately Armored Feat.
Spellcasting, Saving Throw, and Skill Proficiency
Spellcasting Proficiency
In Dungeons & Dragons Fifth Edition Spellcasting Proficiency rarely comes up. This is because all spellcasting classes gain proficiency automatically, allowing them to add the bonus to Spell Attack Rolls and Saving Throw DCs, and only spellcasters can use scrolls. However, in Baldur's Gate 3 non-spellcasters can also use scrolls to cast magic, but will not benefit from their Proficiency bonus when they do so.
Saving Throw Proficiency
Each class in Baldur's Gate 3 allows the character to gain proficiency in two different Saving Throws, granting its bonus each time they roll that save. Multiclassing into another class does not grant additional Saving Throw Proficiencies. The only other way to gain a new Saving Throw Proficiency is with the Resilient Feat.
Skill Proficiency
There are many ways to gain proficiency in a skill in Baldur's Gate 3, allowing players to add the bonus to all Ability Checks they make with that skill. Each class grants between two and four Skill Proficiencies of the player's choice, which backgrounds add another two. Some races, feats, and subclasses unlock additional Skill Proficiencies, allowing players to grow their character's skill-set as they level up.
Baldur's Gate 3 is available in Early Access on PC and will be available on August 3rd, 2023. The PlayStation 5 version will be available on September 6th, 2023. A version for Xbox Series X/S is still in development.
