How Does The High Ground Bonus Work In Baldur’s Gate 3

The High Ground bonus in Baldur's Gate 3 can turn certain encounters in trivial affairs. It grants you an advantage on your attack rolls ensuring that your hits land more often.

Being on a higher ground than your enemy gives you an advantage in battle, whether in real life or in Baldur’s Gate 3. This is an important combat tip for BG3, where you get a High Ground Bonus when attacking an enemy at range from a raised position. Attacking an enemy from a high ground not only gives you an advantage, but it also puts the enemies at a disadvantage on the receiving end. 

When performing a high-ground attack in Baldur’s Gate 3, you gain an attack roll bonus that gives you a better chance of hitting your enemy. The targeted enemy on the lower ground has disadvantages like missed shots, out-of-range, and inability to perform sneak or melee attacks. Looking at the benefits, you do not want to miss out on gaining higher ground during combat.

What is the High Ground Bonus in BG3?

Being on the High Ground during combat in Baldur’s Gate 3 means you will receive an advantage to your attack rolls. This advantage means the game will roll two attack rolls for you and use the one with a higher value. This also gives you a higher chance to get a critical hit on enemies. 

If you attack from above, you will gain a +2 bonus to all your attack rolls. It means you have a higher chance of hitting your target. When you are above the enemy, you are also out of reach from all close-range and melee attacks. This includes sneak attacks as high ground takes away the ability of your enemies to get closer to you. 

Similarly, if your opponent is at a higher level and you are attacking from below, you will gain a -2 penalty to your attack rolls. It means you will most likely miss your attacks and suffer from all the disadvantages the lower ground offers. 

As an indication that you are on high ground, you must be at least 2.5 meters above your opponent. This 2.5-meter mark is a baseline for a bonus or penalty to be applicable.

How to effectively utilize High Ground during combat in Bg3

High ground is a very effective mechanic in Baldur’s Gate 3 if used strategically. When you enter a battlefield, look for high-ground areas and position your characters before your enemies do. Because it gives a significant advantage to whoever is on higher ground.  

Look for high ground and use jump action if the terrain is difficult. If you spot a flat surface on top of the ledge, you can click on it, and the character will climb up. If you cannot use any of these methods, you can stack up some wooden boxes and climb up to gain a high-ground bonus. You can also use the Misty Step spell to reach the Higher Ground.  

Ensure the height difference between you and your enemy is at least 2.5 meters, or you do not get any bonus advantage. Whenever you are at the high ground, look around so that you do not get flanked or trapped by an enemy. 

Both spellcasters and weapons users can use High ground. Use ranged weapons like bows, crossbows, and ranged spells to target your enemy easily. Make sure the target is within the range of your incantations, throws, and arrows.

Make use of high ground by alerting your party members to the position of all enemies hiding behind rocks or trees. Lastly, you can use consumable items to make use of high ground. Items like Alchemist’s Fire, Smoke powder Bombs, and other throwable weapons in BG3 are perfect for use from High Ground. Since your characters will be away from the area of detonation, you can lob them at the enemy freely.

Advantages of using High Ground in Baldur’s Gate 3

High Ground provides you with several bonuses in Baldur’s Gate 3. The foremost advantage is that you have a better line of sight, which means you can easily spot enemy locations and hiding spots. You also get a chance to flank the unsuspected enemies from behind using the high ground. 

The combat bonus is the most important when using high ground in Baldur’s Gate 3. This means you can easily take down several enemies within range using ranged weapons like bows, crossbows, or ranged spells. Even tougher enemies will pose not much of a challenge when engaged from the high ground. 

Since now you have a higher chance of attacking your enemy, you can effectively use ranged attacks. Use archers by posting them on the higher ground to take down enemies easily. The Rogue class’ Assassin Build is devastating when paired with High ground Bonus in Baldur’s Gate 3. They get an advantage when they attack an enemy who hasn’t had their turn yet. If the terrain is difficult, you can use higher ground, attack enemies, or spot traps.   

The last and most important bonus of using a high ground in Baldur’s Gate 3 is the defense. High Ground saves you from incoming attacks. You will be much safer there since you are on high ground, and many attacks, including a lot of magic, cannot reach you.

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Ali is a passionate RPG gamer. He believes that western RPGs still have a lot to learn from JRPGs. He is editor-in-chief at SegmentNext.com but that doesn't stop him from writing about his favorite video ...