Saving Throws are a common defensive mechanic in Baldur’s Gate 3. Unlike Attack Rolls, spells and moves that utilize Saving Throws technically always land, and it is up to the target to endure. Some builds might want to focus highly on their Saving Throws to prevent various ill effects.

Offensive-minded characters will also want to know how Saving Throws functions but in reverse. You may instead make your magic more potent to resist, including basic beginner spells in BG3. Or find out which Saving Throw is an enemy’s weakest - most creatures only have one or two strong Saving Throws, while the others can be exploited.

Attacker Sets The Challenge

Saving Throws are used to overcome a set Difficulty Class - often abbreviated in-game simply as “DC.” Hazards, like traps and poison, have a value pre-determined by Larian throughout Baldur’s Gate 3’s campaign. Humanoid characters have a ive DC applied to their actions, determined by this formula:

• 8 + Spell/Feature’s Ability Score Modifier + Proficiency Bonus + [Additional Bonuses]

The used Ability Score depends on whether a character learned the attack via class or race. For example, the default Dark Urge is a Sorcerer in BG3 that uses Charisma to cast magic. But, when they use their Dragonborn Breath, it factors in Constitution. Monsters without a class tend to use an arbitrary score, mainly favoring Strength or Charisma.

Illithid Powers uses the above stat from the class last invested in, even if it isn’t the overall highest. For example, a fifth-level Bard that takes one level of Druid will now use Wisdom to determine the Difficulty Class of their latest Mind Flayer Parasites.

Defender Resists The Consequences

Once an attacker unleashes their assault, it is now the target’s turn to stop it with a Saving Throw. Mitigation depends on the specific spell - a success may either lessen or cancel the effect. The defender must beat or tie the DC based on the following roll:

• 1d20 + Saving Throw Ability Score Modifier + [Class Proficiency] + [Additional Bonuses]

When the target has an Advantage, they roll 2d20 and apply the higher result. If they instead have a Disadvantage, they roll 2d20 and take the lower. If someone has both Advantage and Disadvantage, it is a wash and returns to a standard 1d20.

Common Legacy Saves

Previous additions of Dungeons and Dragons contained only three Saving Throws instead of six. This can be seen in older video games like Neverwinter Nights 2 and The Temple of Elemental Evil. These were Fortitude (Constitution), Reflex (Dexterity), and Will (Wisdom). By existing longer, these three saves are incredibly common throughout the whole adventure of Baldur’s Gate 3. Some rare weapons in Baldur's Gate 3 can even inflict such conditions on a hit.

New Dungeons and Dragons Fifth Edition Saves

Baldur’s Gate 3 expanded the Saving Throw list with the inclusion of Strength, Intelligence, and Charisma. Being newer, these are less likely to occur. But, to make up for this, failing a roll tends to have much more dire consequences, like being unable to move, insanity, or outright death.