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'''Ability scores''' are the numerical values for a character's six abilities. They represent a creature's physical and mental attributes. The scores translate directly into ability score modifiers - the bonuses or penalties that are added to (or subtracted from) most [[Dice rolls|dice rolls]] in the game.
| title = Abilities
| description = Abilities are representations of a creature's physical and mental attributes in ''Baldur's Gate 3''.
}}
{{hatnote|This article is about the in-game attributes. You may be looking for [[Actions]].}}
'''Abilities''' are representations of a creature's physical and mental attributes in ''Baldur's Gate 3''. There are six abilities in ''Baldur's Gate 3'', and every creature has a set of six '''ability scores''' – numerical values which represent how well they perform at each ability.
 
Each ability score translates directly into an '''ability score modifier''' – modifiers which function as bonuses or penalties that are added to most [[dice rolls]] in the game.


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Charisma Score Icon.png|[[Charisma]]|link=Charisma
Charisma Score Icon.png|[[Charisma]]|link=Charisma
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== Overview ==
== Overview ==
The six abilities each represent an aspect of a creature's capabilities:
Each ability describes a creature's capability in a different area:  
* [[Strength]] (STR), physical power and might
* [[Strength]]: Physical power.
* [[Dexterity]] (DEX), agility, coordination and balance
* [[Dexterity]]: Agility and finesse.
* [[Constitution]] (CON), health and endurance
* [[Constitution]]: Overall health and endurance.
* [[Intelligence]] (INT), rational reasoning and memory
* [[Intelligence]]: Rational reasoning and memory.
* [[Wisdom]] (WIS), awareness and insight
* [[Wisdom]]: Common sense and insight.
* [[Charisma]] (CHA), influence and force of character
* [[Charisma]]: Charm or force of character.
 
Ability scores are bought with points during [[Character Creation|character creation]]. The minimum ability score during character creation is 8, and the maximum is 15, before any lf the ability score increases are applied.


Ability scores are bought with points during [[Character Creation|character creation]]. The minimum ability score during character creation is 8, and the maximum is 15, before any of the ability score increases are applied.
Ability scores can be permanently increased through the [[Ability Improvement]] class feature (presented in the list of [[Feats|feats]]), though this cannot raise them above 20.


=== Ability score modifiers ===
=== Ability score modifiers ===
Each ability has an ability score modifier, which is derived from its ability score. The ability score modifiers are being added to any ability checks, [[saving throws]] and [[attacks|attack rolls]] a creature makes associated with that ability, as well as to the [[Difficulty Class]] (DC) of any spells that they cast.
Each ability has an ability score modifier, which is derived from its respective ability score. The modifier is added to dice rolls in the game, including [[Attack roll|attack rolls]], [[Damage rolls|damage rolls]], [[Ability check|ability checks]] and [[Saving throw|saving throws]].


Creatures also add an ability score modifier to [[Initiative|initiative rolls]] and some [[damage|damage rolls]] they make, and some [[features]] allow creatures to add additional or alternative ability score modifiers to specific rolls.
Ability score modifiers are decreased by ''1'' for every odd ability score below 10, and are increased by ''1'' for every even ability score above 10.


An ability's modifier is decreased by ''1'' for every odd score below 10, and is increased by ''1'' for every even score above 10. Alternatively, it can be calculated by subtracting 10 from the ability score, then dividing by 2 and rounding down.{{note|Ability score modifiers cannot be increased beyond ''+10'', even if their respective ability scores are increased further.}}
For example, a Strength score of 8 or 9 has a Strength modifier of ''-1'', and a Strength score of 12 or 13 has a Strength modifier of ''+1''.


The formula used for calculation an ability score's modifier is {{InfoBlob|1=Modifier = (Score − 10) ÷ 2 <small>''(rounded down)''</small>}}.
{{AbilityScoreModifierTable}}
{{AbilityScoreModifierTable}}
==Ability checks==
{{Excerpt|Dice rolls|Ability checks|subsections=yes|templates=SkillsTable, SAI, InfoBlob, note, cond, em}}
== Saving throws ==
{{Excerpt|Dice rolls|Saving throws|subsections=yes|templates=SAI, InfoBlob, note, cond}}
== Spellcasting ability ==
{{hatnote|For more information, see [[Spells#Spellcasting_ability_and_proficiency|Spellcasting ability and proficiency]].}}
Every class has a spellcasting ability whose modifier they add to the attack rolls and save DCs of their known spells.{{note|The primary ability of caster classes always corresponds to their spellcasting ability, with the exception of Rangers and classes that gain spellcasting via a subclass class feature.}}{{note|Racial spells may use their own designated ability. For example, the [[cantrip]] granted during character creation by the [[Elf|elf]] or [[Half-Elf|half-elf]] race always uses Intelligence, regardless of the creature's class.}}
{{table list|
; Intelligence : [[Fighter]], [[Rogue]], [[Wizard]].
; Wisdom : [[Cleric]], [[Druid]], [[Monk]], [[Ranger]].
; Charisma : [[Barbarian]], [[Bard]], [[Paladin]], [[Sorcerer]], [[Warlock]].
}}
Spells from sources other than class instead use the spellcasting ability of the class the caster most recently took a {{em|first}} level in.


== Interactions with classes ==
== Interactions with classes ==
Each [[class]] has designated primary and secondary abilities. While these have no particular mechanical significance, they are mentioned in the character creator, and serve as recommendations for players unfamiliar with the rules of the game. Classes do, however, frequently have features that rely on these abilities.
==== Primary and secondary abilities ====
Each class has designated primary and secondary abilities. While these have no particular mechanical significance, they are mentioned in the game's tooltips, and serve as recommendations for players unfamiliar with the rules of the game.


== Overview of abilities and skills ==
The primary abilities for the classes are:
=== Strength ===
{{main|Strength}}
[[File:Strength Score Icon.png|frameless|left|150px]]
Strength represents a creature's ability to exert physical force, and is the game's recommended primary stat for barbarians and fighters.


==== Uses of Strength ====
* {{SmallIcon|Strength Score Icon.png|link=Strength}} [[Strength]] (STR): {{Class|Barbarian}}s, {{Class|Fighter}}s
; Attack and damage rolls : Creatures add their Strength modifier to the results of [[Attacks|attack]] and [[damage]] rolls for melee weapons.
* {{SmallIcon|Dexterity Score Icon.png|link=Dexterity}} [[Dexterity]] (DEX): {{Class|Monk}}s, {{Class|Ranger}}s, {{Class|Rogue}}s
; Jump distance : The distance which a creature can [[jump]] is determined by their Strength score.
* {{SmallIcon|Intelligence Score Icon.png|link=Intelligence}} [[Intelligence]] (INT): {{Class|Wizard}}s
; Carrying capacity: A creature's Strength score is used to determine how much weight a creature can carry before becoming [[Encumbered (condition)|encumbered]].
* {{SmallIcon|Wisdom Score Icon.png|link=Wisdom}} [[Wisdom]] (WIS): {{Class|Cleric}}s, {{Class|Druid}}s
; Throws : The maximum weight a creature can [[throw]] is determined by their Strength score.
* {{SmallIcon|Charisma Score Icon.png|link=Charisma}} [[Charisma]] (CHA): {{Class|Bard}}s, {{Class|Paladin}}s, {{Class|Sorcerer}}s, {{Class|Warlock}}s


==== Strength checks ====
==== Spellcasting ability ====
; General : Strength checks are made when physical might is required, such as when attempting to push over a heavy object or when attempting to force open locked doors or containers during dialogue.
{{hatnote|For more information, see [[Spells#Spellcasting_ability_and_proficiency|Spellcasting ability and proficiency]].}}
; Athletics : Athletics is used during attempts to [[Shove|shove]] other creatures, as well as when attempting to resist being shoved.
Every class has an ability that affects their spellcasting. These affect the attack rolls and [[Difficulty Class]] of their spells. The primary ability of casters classes always corresponds to their spellcasting ability, with the exception of rangers and classes that gain spellcasting via a subclass class feature.
 
==== Strength saves ====
Strength saves are rare, and primarily called for when attempting to resist being [[Prone (condition)|knocked prone]].{{ref|{{SAI|Thunderous Smite}}}}
 
=== Dexterity ===
{{main|Dexterity}}
[[File:Dexterity Score Icon.png|frameless|left|150px]]
Dexterity represents a creature's agility and reflexes.
 
Dexterity is the game's recommended primary stat for monks, rangers and rogues.
 
==== Uses of Dexterity ====
; Attack and damage rolls : Creatures add their Dexterity modifier to the results of attack and damage rolls of ranged weapons and, when the creature's Dexterity score is higher than their Strength score, melee weapons with the [[Finesse]] property.
; Armour Class : Creatures also add their Dexterity modifier to their [[Armour Class]] (AC) – making them more difficult to hit, up to a maximum of ''+2'' when wearing most medium [[armour]]. The bonus is ignored when wearing heavy armour, unless otherwise specified.
; Initiative : Creatures add their Dexterity modifier when rolling for [[initiative]], used to determine the [[Turn-based mode|turn order]] during combat.
 
==== Dexterity checks ====
; General : Dexterity checks are made when attempting to be nimble.
; Acrobatics : Acrobatics is used to resist attempts at being shoved.
; Sleight of Hand : Sleight of Hand is used when attempting to pick locks, disarm [[traps]], pickpocket NPCs or when attempting to steal items without being noticed.
; Stealth : Stealth is used to [[hide]] from other characters and when attempting to remain undetected while [[invisible]].
 
==== Dexterity saves ====
Dexterity saves are commonly called for by spells that deal area of effect damage, often halving the damage rolls of those spells.
 
=== Constitution ===
{{main|Constitution}}
[[File:Constitution Score Icon.png|frameless|left|150px]]
Constitution represents a creature's health and endurance.
 
==== Uses of Constitution ====
; Hit points : Creatures add their Constitution modifier to the amount of [[hit points]] they gain on level up. This increase is applied retroactively.
 
==== Constitution checks ====
Constitution checks are rare and have no associated skills.
; General : Constitution checks are made when a creature's resilience is tested, but more commonly a Constitution save is attempted instead.
 
==== Constitution saves ====
Constitution saves are made to maintain [[concentration]] on long-duration spells, and are used when saving against [[poisons]] or spells that test a target's endurance or resilience.
 
=== Intelligence ===
{{main|Intelligence}}
[[File: Intelligence Score Icon.png|frameless|left|150px]]
Intelligence represents a creature's recall, as well as their ability to reason and think quickly.
 
Intelligence is the game's recommended primary stat for wizards, and it is the spellcasting ability of wizards, fighters and rogues.
 
==== Intelligence checks ====
; General : Intelligence checks are used when a creature attempts to apply logic or reason, or when attempting to remember something specific.
; Arcana : Arcana is used when attempting to remember facts about the Weave, the source of magic and spells.
; History : History is used when attempting to remember specific historical dates or events.
; Investigation : Investigation is used by creatures to discover unusual things in their surroundings, and is used during attempts at deduction during dialogue.
; Nature : Nature is used when attempting to remember facts about nature.
; Religion : Religion is used when attempting to remember facts about deities and the planes of existence.
 
==== Intelligence saves ====
Intelligence saves are used against psionic spells and features, such as those used by [[illithids]].
 
=== Wisdom ===
{{main|Wisdom}}
[[File:Wisdom Score Icon.png|frameless|left|150px]]
Wisdom represents a creature's awareness of their surroundings and their intuition.
 
Wisdom is the game's recommended primary stat for clerics and druids, and it is the spellcasting ability of clerics, druids, monks and rangers.
 
Wisdom is also an important ability for monks, as several of their class features benefit from it.


==== Wisdom checks ====
Racial spells may use their own designated ability. For example, the [[cantrip]] granted during character creation by the [[Elf|elf]] or [[Half-Elf|half-elf]] race always uses Intelligence, regardless of the creature's class.
; General : Wisdom checks are attempts to discern situations and read between the lines.
; Animal Handling : Animal Handling is used when interacting with animals.
; Insight : Insight is used to read situations and when attempting to get a greater understanding of someone's intentions.
; Medicine : Medicine is used during dialogue to heal and aid others, as well as by [[Transmutation School]] wizards to [[Alchemy|craft]] extra materials with the [[Experimental Alchemy]] class feature.
; Perception: Perception is used when a creature attempts to discover hidden or hard to find things in their surroundings, such as hidden containers, mechanisms or traps, as well as when attempting to spot hidden creatures. During dialogue, it is used to notice hard to spot details.
; Survival : Survival is used when attempting to spot hidden treasure, as well as during dialogues when dealing with anything related to experience with animals or the wilderness.


==== Wisdom saves ====
== Overview of abilities ==
Wisdom saves are some of the most common saves in the game, frequently made to resist spells that test a creature's composure, willpower or self control.
==== Strength ====
: Associated skills: [[Athletics]].
A creature's Strength score increases that creature's [[Carrying capacity|carrying capacity]] and jump distance. The Strength modifier improves chances of success of shoving or resisting being shoved. It is also added to the result of [[Attack Roll|attack]] and [[Damage Roll|damage]] rolls for melee weapons.


=== Charisma ===
==== Dexterity ====
{{main|Charisma}}
: Associated skills: [[Acrobatics]], [[Sleight of Hand]] and [[Stealth]].
[[File:Charisma Score Icon.png|frameless|left|150px]]
A creature's Dexterity modifier is added to the results of attack and damage rolls of ranged weapons and, when the creature's Dexterity score is higher than their Strength score, melee weapons with the [[Finesse]] property.
Charisma represents a creature's ability to exert their will when interacting with others.


Charisma is the game's recommended primary ability for bards, sorcerers, warlocks and paladins, and it is the spellcasting ability of barbarians, bards, paladins, sorcerers and warlocks.
A creature's Dexterity modifier is also added to their [[Armour Class]] (AC), but the bonus added may be limited depending on what armour they have equipped.


==== Charisma checks ====
Medium armour usually limits the bonus added to the creature's AC to ''+2'', whereas, heavy armour tends to ignore the bonus entirely.
; General : Charisma checks are attempts at influencing others during dialogue.
; Deception : Deception is used when attempting to deceive or trick others.
; Intimidation : Intimidation is used when attempting to frighten or coerce others.
; Performance : Proficiency in Performance allows characters to play [[instruments|instruments]], and the skill is used when attempting to entertain others.
; Persuasion : Persuasion is used when attempting to negotiate with or convince others.


==== Charisma saves ====
Dexterity is a common ability used for saves against spells, often halving the damage rolls of those spells.
Charisma saves are rare, generally found only on effects which inflict the [[Banished_(Condition)|banished]] condition, or given as class-based alternatives to Sorcerers, Warlocks, or Bards on Wisdom or Intelligence saves found in dialogs, such as reading the [[Necromancy of Thay]].


== Improving or reducing ability scores ==
==== Constitution ====
There are multiple ways of improving or reducing ability scores, either permanently or temporarily.
: Associated skills: None.
A creature's Constitution modifier is added to the amount of [[Hit points|hit points]] it gains on level up. This increase is  applied retroactively.


=== Permanently ===
Constitution is commonly used for saves against [[Poisons|poisons]], and is a common ability used in saves against spells. It is also what is used to maintain [[Concentration]] on a long-duration spell and needing to roll saves against concentration being broken.
Ability scores can be permanently improved through the [[Ability Improvement]] feat, though this cannot raise any score above 20.


There are also several ways of [[permanent bonuses|permanently improving]] ability scores through [[quests]] and interactions, which can raise ability scores over 20.{{note|The [[Mirror of Loss]] can both permanently improve and temporarily reduce ability scores.|name=mirror}}
==== Intelligence ====
: Associated skills: [[Arcana]], [[History]], [[Investigation]], [[Nature]] and [[Religion]].
Intelligence is the spellcasting ability of wizards, fighters and rogues.


=== Temporarily ===
==== Wisdom ====
Ability scores may be temporarily increased above 20 through various enhancements, such as magical [[spells]], [[elixirs]], or special equipment.{{note|name=mirror}}
: Associated skills: [[Animal Handling]], [[Insight]], [[Medicine]], [[Perception]], and [[Survival]].
Wisdom is the spellcasting ability for clerics, druids and rangers, and is an important ability score for monks, as several of their class features depend on it.


==== Ability score reduction ====
Wisdom is also a commonly used ability for saves against spells.
Some supernatural or magical effects (like [[Devour Intellect]]) can temporarily drain abilities, reducing one or more of the target's ability scores, potentially to zero. If any score is reduced to zero, the target dies instantly.


== Footnotes ==
==== Charisma ====
{{notelist}}
: Associated skills: [[Deception]], [[Intimidation]], [[Performance]], and [[Persuasion]].
Charisma is the spellcasting ability for bards, sorcerers, warlocks and paladins


== References ==
== Notes ==
{{reflist}}
* While ability scores cannot normally be increased over 20, certain [[Permanent bonuses|permanent bonuses]] can permanently increase ability scores over 20.
* Ability scores may be temporarily increased above 20 through various enhancements, such as magical [[spells]], [[elixirs]], or special equipment.
* Some supernatural or magical effects (like [[Devour Intellect]]) can drain abilities, reducing one or more of the target's ability scores, potentially to zero. If any score is reduced to zero, the target dies instantly.


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{{NavGameplay}}


[[Category:Statistics]]
[[Category:Character Creation]]
[[Category:Gameplay mechanics]]
[[Category:Gameplay mechanics]]
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