Medium Armor in Baldur's Gate 3

Medium armor in Baldur's Gate 3 (BG3) offers a balance between protection and mobility, making it a versatile choice for various character builds. By providing a substantial increase in Armor Class (AC) without significantly hindering movement speed, medium armor allows characters to engage in combat effectively while maintaining agility.

Benefits of Medium Armor

• Increased AC: Medium armor grants a higher AC compared to light armor, providing greater protection against incoming attacks. This can significantly reduce the likelihood of being hit and taking damage.
• Moderate mobility: Unlike heavy armor, medium armor does not impose a significant penalty to movement speed. This allows characters to move around the battlefield swiftly, enabling them to position themselves strategically or pursue fleeing enemies.
• Versatility: Medium armor suits both melee and ranged characters. It provides a solid level of protection without sacrificing mobility, making it suitable for a wide range of playstyles and character builds.

Types of Medium Armor

BG3 offers a variety of medium armor options, each with distinct characteristics and appearances:

Choosing Medium Armor

The choice of medium armor depends on the character's specific needs and playstyle. For example:

• Melee characters: Plate Mail offers the highest AC bonus, providing maximum protection in close-quarters combat.
• Ranged characters: Chain Shirt is a good choice for ranged attackers, as it provides a balance between AC and Stealth.
• Hybrid characters: Splint Mail or Studded Leather provide a versatile option for characters that engage in both melee and ranged combat.

Tips and Tricks

• Upgrade your armor: As your character levels up, invest in higher-quality medium armor to enhance your protection.
• Combine AC bonuses: Stack AC bonuses from armor, shields, and spells to maximize your character's defenses.
• Consider enchantments: Look for armor with enchantments that provide additional benefits, such as resistance to certain damage types or bonuses to skills.
• Monitor your movement speed: Keep an eye on your movement speed when equipping medium armor. Avoid wearing heavy armor that may hinder your character's mobility.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overlooking medium armor: Don't underestimate the value of medium armor. It provides a substantial AC bonus without sacrificing much mobility, making it a good choice for most character builds.
• Neglecting Stealth: Chain Shirt offers a bonus to Stealth, but other types of medium armor do not. Keep this in mind when choosing armor for characters that rely on stealthy tactics.
• Wearing heavy armor: While heavy armor offers the highest AC, it comes at a significant cost to movement speed. Avoid wearing heavy armor unless absolutely necessary.

Why Medium Armor Matters

Medium armor plays a crucial role in character survivability in BG3. By increasing AC, it reduces the chance of being hit and taking damage. This can significantly extend a character's lifespan in combat, allowing them to deal more damage and contribute to the party's success.

Benefits of Medium Armor

• Reduced chance of being hit, resulting in less damage taken
• Increased survivability, allowing characters to stay in combat longer
• Enhanced AC, improving a character's overall defenses

How Medium Armor Benefits Various Character Builds

Depending on the character build, different types of medium armor provide specific advantages:

• Melee fighters: Medium armor provides a balance between protection and mobility, allowing melee fighters to engage in close combat while maintaining agility.
• Ranged attackers: Medium armor offers a moderate level of protection for ranged attackers, enabling them to stay safe while dealing damage from afar.
• Hybrid characters: Medium armor suits characters that combine melee and ranged combat, providing versatility in different combat situations.

Conclusion

Medium armor in BG3 is a versatile and effective option for various character builds. By offering a substantial increase in AC while maintaining mobility, medium armor enables characters to survive longer in combat and contribute more effectively to the party's success. By understanding the different types of medium armor and their benefits, players can make informed decisions and optimize their characters for the challenges ahead.