Summary
WhileBaldur’s Gate 3has found success as a relatively faithful representation ofDungeons and Dragons' systems, it has also taken several liberties when it comes to translating elements of those core mechanics into a video game. Some of these changes are rather inconsequential outside how they help to support an experience under what is essentially a digital AI game master, but others have opened the door for builds that would never have been possible withinDnD. Among the differences betweenBaldur’s Gate 3and 5e which created newly viable options, the altered effects of one Feat in particular have had a powerful impact.
From examples like potions being consumable as a Bonus Action, toBG3’s level 12 cap, there are no shortage of small changes that keen players of 5th Edition might find. Multiple Feats have found themselves differing from their tabletop counterparts in order to better fit into these rules, but Tavern Brawler has risen especially far beyond the heights of its original incarnation. Capable of being the foundation for entire playstyles, this Feat is one of the most potent options for an unconventional approach to combat.
Why Tavern Brawler is Far Better in Baldur’s Gate 3
Completely Different Functionality Compared to Dungeons and Dragons
InDnD, Tavern Brawler seems to have been originally intended to help flesh out Barbarians and generally rough-around-the-edges characters, providing mostly situational benefits. Its effects listed in the 5ePlayer’s Handbookare:
Due to the complete lack of grappling and its unique approach to the other mechanics,BG3was in a tough scenario when it came to how it would handle this Feat. Larian Studios ultimately decided to make it a remarkably useful option, as it was instead made to have the effect of adding a character’s Strength modifier twice to damage and attack rolls made using unarmed, improvised weapons, or throwing attacks. As if this wasn’t enough, it also kept its status as aDnDHalf-Feat, still providing the same option for an Ability Score point which can further bolster these rolls.
Classes like Monk and Barbarian Can Take Full Advantage of Unarmed Damage with BG3’s Tavern Brawler
Overriding the Monk’s Need for Dexterity
The utility of Tavern Brawler might not be obvious among most of the game’s various weapon or magic-based classes, but its effect on unarmed strikes essentially redefined the Monk. Instead of investing in Dexterity and Wisdom, as has always been encouraged, taking points in Strength after acquiring Tavern Brawler can make for deadly damage numbers and accuracy on features like Flurry of Blows. Builds that just wouldn’t make as much sense within the tabletop game, like theMonk and Rogue multiclass inBG3, are completely built upon this increased power.
Berserker Barbarians Make the Most Out of Throwing
More in line with the Feat’s original intent, Barbarians who don’t use traditional equipment can also be made around Tavern Brawler. Using improvised weapons, whether they be objects or other characters, heavy damage can be dished out since these are considered unarmed attacks. With the plethora of throwable items and weapons, like theReturning Pike inBaldur’s Gate 3, however, there are reliable builds centered around throwing which can be achieved courtesy of the Feat. For those interested in exploring choices that aren’t present in the 5e source material ofBG3, Tavern Brawler offers deliberate players the freedom to dominate battles without ever even equipping a weapon.
Baldur’s Gate 3
WHERE TO PLAY
Abducted, infected, lost. You are turning into a monster, but as the corruption inside you grows, so does your power. Forge a tale of fellowship and betrayal, sacrifice and survival, and the lure of absolute power. Caught in a conflict between devils, deities, and sinister otherworldly forces, you and your party will determine the fate of the Forgotten Realms.THE ULTIMATE D&D EXPERIENCEChoose from a wide selection of D&D races and classes, or play as an origin character with a hand-crafted background. Adventure, loot, battle, and romance as you journey through the Forgotten Realms and beyond. Play alone or as a party of up to four in multiplayer – and select your companions carefully.A CINEMATIC STORYTELLING EPICForged with the new Divinity 4.0 engine, Baldur’s Gate 3 gives you unprecedented freedom to explore, experiment, and interact with a world that reacts to your choices. A grand, cinematic narrative brings you closer to your characters than ever before, as you venture through our biggest world yet. Romance, deceive, aid, obstruct, and grow alongside your friends thanks to Larian’s next-generation RPG engine.
