Is Great Weapon Master Good in BG3?
Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3) is the latest installment in the Baldur’s Gate series, a beloved RPG franchise. With the game’s recent release, players are eager to know whether the Great Weapon Master (GWM) feat is worth investing in. In this article, we’ll dive into the details of the GWM feat, its mechanics, and whether it’s good in BG3.
What is Great Weapon Master?
The Great Weapon Master feat is a martial archetype in 5th edition Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) that focuses on melee combat, particularly with heavy weapons like greatswords, greataxes, and warhammers. The feat grants proficiency with such weapons and provides bonus abilities to increase damage output and accuracy.
Benefits of Great Weapon Master in BG3
So, is the Great Weapon Master feat good in BG3? Let’s explore the benefits:
- Increased damage output: With the GWM feat, your characters will deal more damage with their heavy weapons. This is especially significant for barbarians, paladins, and fighters who rely on melee combat.
- Improved accuracy: The feat grants Advantage on Strength (Threat) checks, which increases the likelihood of landing critical hits. This advantage can be especially useful when fighting enemies with high Armor Class (AC).
- Enhanced critical hits: When you hit with a critical hit, the GWM feat allows you to add your proficiency bonus to the damage roll, making it even more deadly.
- Flexibility: The feat doesn’t lock you into a specific playstyle. You can still use other abilities, spells, and features in combat, making it a versatile addition to your character build.
Drawbacks of Great Weapon Master in BG3
While the GWM feat has its benefits, it’s not without its drawbacks:
- Limited range: Great Weapon Master is designed for close-range combat, which can be limiting in a game where enemies often attack from a distance.
- Dependence on Strength: The feat’s benefits rely heavily on Strength, which may not be ideal for characters with lower Strength scores.
- Vulnerability to crowd control: Enemies can still use crowd control abilities to prevent you from attacking or move you away from your target, limiting the effectiveness of the GWM feat.
How to Play Great Weapon Master in BG3
To get the most out of the Great Weapon Master feat in BG3, follow these tips:
- Choose the right weapon: Focus on heavy weapons like greatswords, greataxes, and warhammers to maximize damage output and critical hit potential.
- Invest in Strength: Increase your Strength score through level-ups, equipment, or abilities to take full advantage of the GWM feat’s benefits.
- Use critical hit-boosting abilities: Invest in abilities that increase critical hit chance or critical hit damage, such as the barbarian’s Rage ability.
- Combine with other feats: Consider combining the GWM feat with other feats like Deflect Missiles or Shield Master to enhance your defensive capabilities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Great Weapon Master feat is a powerful addition to any melee-focused character in BG3. While it has its limitations, the benefits it provides can significantly increase damage output and accuracy. To get the most out of the feat, focus on Strength, choose the right weapon, and combine it with other abilities and feats. Whether you’re a barbarian, paladin, or fighter, the Great Weapon Master feat is definitely worth considering in BG3.
Comparison Table: Great Weapon Master vs. Other Feats
| Feat | Damage Output | Accuracy | Critical Hits | Range | Dependence on Strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Great Weapon Master | High | High | High | Limited | High |
| Deflect Missiles | Medium | Low | Medium | Long | Low |
| Shield Master | Medium | High | Medium | Medium | Low |
Other Feats to Consider
If you’re interested in alternative feats for your melee-focused character, consider the following:
- Deflect Missiles: This feat allows you to deflect projectiles, making it useful for characters who face ranged attacks.
- Shield Master: This feat provides bonus defensive capabilities, including increased armor class and the ability to use your shield as an improvised weapon.
- Dual Wielder: This feat allows you to wield two weapons at once, providing increased versatility and damage output.
Conclusion
The Great Weapon Master feat is a powerful addition to any melee-focused character in BG3. With its benefits in damage output, accuracy, and critical hits, it’s a great choice for barbarians, paladins, and fighters. While it has its limitations, the feat is definitely worth considering for players who enjoy close-range combat.
