D&D 5e rule changes: Difference between revisions

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This page and [[#Other Changes|related pages]] summarize rule changes from the implementation of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Editions_of_Dungeons_%26_Dragons#Dungeons_&_Dragons_5th_edition Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition] (D&D 5e) rules to [[Baldur's Gate 3]] (BG3).

The rule changes described on this page and [[#Other Changes|related pages]] are written with the assumption the reader understands the relevant D&D 5e rule. These pages will not explain what the D&D 5e rule is, only what the changed or altered BG3 rule is. These pages also include many BG3 features and abilities that are unchanged from D&D 5e to help a D&D 5e player quickly see which options have changed and which have not, and make decisions without having to do additional research. If the BG3 rule aligns with a OneD&D rule or other playtest material from D&D 5e, that is considered a rule change from D&D 5e.

== Fundamental Changes ==

* The level cap is 12.

* Characters must use 27 point buy. There is no rolling for [[Ability Scores|ability scores]].

* Multiclassing ignores [[Ability Scores|ability score]] requirements.

* Hit points gained on level are fixed values, not a roll of the hit die.

* The party is limited to two [[Resting#Short_Rest|short rests]] per [[Resting#Long_Rest|long rest]]. Short rests restore each ally's hit points by an amount equal to half their maximum HP (rounded down). There is no hit die rolling.

* Combat areas tend to have a large amount of verticality, but are rather small in horizontal size. This has led to the following mechanical changes:

** The ranges of [[Spells|spells]] are reduced as described on the [[Spells|spells]] page, often to 60 ft.

** [[Darkvision (Passive Feature)|Darkvision]] is reduced to 40 ft, and [[Superior Darkvision]] to 80 ft.

* When a creature is at least 10 ft above their target and makes a ranged attack, they receive a +2 bonus to the attack roll due to [[High Ground Rules|high ground]]. When a creature is at least 10 ft below their target and makes a ranged attack, they receive a -2 penalty to the attack roll due to low ground.

* If two player controlled characters are next to each other in the [[Initiative|initiative]] order then their initiative is shared. Both characters can act at the same time.

* There is an [[Inspiration|inspiration]] system. As a party you can have up to 4 inspiration dice which can be applied to a failed skill check. The way you gain dice is based on the [[Backgrounds|background]] of you and your companions. If for example you or one of your companions have the Charlatan background, they may gain an inspiration die for your party if they deceive their way into a fortified enemy position.

=== Spellcasting ===

* Verbal, Somatic, and Material components are ignored. Being [[Silenced (Condition)|silenced]] prevents all spellcasting regardless of what the components would be in D&D 5e.

* The game does not stop a character from casting a leveled spell with both an action and a bonus action.

* Anyone can cast any Spell [[Scrolls|scroll]] from any class list (even if it is not their own or they do not have the spellcasting feature), and there is no [[Arcana]] check for casting higher level spells than a character has spells known.

* Spell [[Scrolls|scrolls]] do not have a fixed DC or attack roll bonus. They use the caster's relevant casting modifier (verification required at launch when multiclassing implemented).

* Using the [[Help|help]] action on a [[Downed (Condition)|downed]] ally brings them back to 1 hit point and leaves them [[Prone (Condition)|prone]].

* [[Jump (Bonus Action)|Jumping]] is a bonus action which consumes 10 ft of movement speed. With a Strength score of 10 or below, a creature can jump 15 ft, and this increases by 5 ft for every two points in strength above 10. At 20 Str a creature may spend 10 ft of movement speed and a bonus action to jump, and can travel 35 ft effectively increasing the creature's movement speed by up to 25 feet.

* Readying an action is not implemented.

* Grappling is not implemented.

* If a creature [[Throw|throws]] a healing potion as an action, it will break and heal all targets in a small radius. This applies to many - but not all - types of [[Potions]].

* There are options to [[Throw|throw]] creatures which are at least one size smaller than you (not always accurately implemented). There is a minimum [[Strength]] required, based on the target's weight, and you need to win a contested check using your [[Athletics]].

* Bonus action attack options such as offhand weapon attacks do not require a character to first take the attack action.

* Donning and doffing armour does not take time, and can be done as an action even in combat.

* [[Weapons]] are given unique [[Weapon Actions|weapon action]] attacks depending on the weapon type. These can be used once per [[Resting|short rest]] only if the wielder is proficient with the weapon.

* There is no magic item attunement system.

* Some [[Equipment|equipment]] like gloves, boots, or helms may require armour proficiency to wear effectively. They don't grant a bonus to armour class (unless they have a magical effect that specifically says so), but may have magical effects and the character will only be able to don them effectively with the correct proficiency.

* [[Armour#Heavy_Armour|Heavy armour]] does not have a Strength requirement, and therefore no movement speed penalty.

* Crossbows currently have the [[Loading|loading]] property, but it does not restrict the usage of crossbows in any way. It is possible that they will continue to ignore [[Loading|loading]] at release (needs confirmation).

** This allows a character to dual wield hand crossbows. It does not allow a character to wield a hand crossbow with a shield because the crossbow goes in the ranged set while the shield goes in the melee set. But as discussed above, the character gains the AC bonus of a shield equipped on your melee set even while the ranged set is actively drawn.

* Slings, darts, and whips are not in the game.

* The weights of various pieces of [[Equipment|equipment]] have changed. For example, chain mail weighs 36lbs instead of 55lbs.

* [[Frightened (Condition)|Frightened]]: Creatures which are frightened are unable to move at all (rather than being unable to move toward the source of their fear), unless the effect instead makes them "[[Fear|fearful]]" which gives them the frightened effect as well as making them flee.

* [[Prone (Condition)|Prone]]: Being prone gives disadvantage on [[Strength]] and [[Dexterity]] [[Saving Throw|saving throws]], attacks against a prone creature have [[Advantage|advantage]] out to a range of 10 ft rather than 5 ft, and ranged attacks against a prone creature do not have disadvantage. Your character cannot do anything while prone. Starting the turn while prone will cause you to automatically use half your movement to stand up. Becoming prone during your turn automatically ends your turn.

* [[Wet (Condition)|Wet]]: This is a new condition that prevents the character from [[Burning (Condition)|burning]] (e.g. from [[Searing Smite]]) and grants [[Damage_Types#Resistance|resistance]] to fire damage, but also makes the creature [[Damage_Types#Vulnerability|vulnerable]] to lightning and cold damage.