Summary
Baldur’s Gate 3has players spoiled for choice and ensures that said choices genuinely matter. Of the many decisions players must make,the most vital is their proficiency of Skills— particular talents that determine how good one’s character is at something. Every Skill is attached to specific Abilities that determine its bonus, but choosing to be proficient in a Skill means that players are more likely to succeed on checks using it and benefit from additional opportunities regarding it. So, the Skill proficiencies players decide on make a big difference.
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Baldur’s Gate 3provides countless opportunities for players to flex their Skill proficiencies, but Charisma Skills shine the most due to the importance of dialogue in the game. Using the Skills of Deception, Intimidation, Persuasion, and Performance,players can form or further relationships, gather information, put on stunning displays, and find alternatives to combat. Knowing every Charisma Skill and its importance in the game is worthwhile for players looking to make the most of their choice in Skill proficiencies.
Entertainer
Actor, Skilled
Performance is the talent to perform in every sense of the word, lending those proficient in it to acting, playing instruments, and entertaining the masses. This Skill also benefits players bygranting them better prices when trading or bartering with merchantsand additional dialogue options where one can play up their emotions, start a scene, etc., making it versatile in what it can achieve, all with a flourish and appeal other Charisma Skills lack.
Performance is undoubtedly a flexible and fun Skill,but unless one is a Bardor otherwise proficient in instruments, it is not worthwhile. The discounted prices players receive are beneficial but nothing spectacular, and the additional dialogue options, while entertaining, are scarce compared to Deception, Intimidation, and Persuasion. Unless players want to be a performer or have a Skill to spare, they should avoid Performance.
Soldier
Skilled
Intimidation is the ability to sow threats in everyday conversation and inspire fear in others, bending them to your will through coercion. This Skill offers a heavy-handed means of wrenching information from others, demoralizing would-be attackers, and compelling others to look the other way lest they regret it. Intimidation is the go-to Skill for those looking to control others through hostility when lies fall through, diplomacy fails, or whenever fitting.
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Intimidation is a surefire way of establishing one’s power over others, and while it is undeniably effective, it can have consequences in the future. Displays or threats of violence do not foster good relations with others, and chances are players can tarnish relationships or find a vindictive enemywhere they would have found a powerful ally. Although a powerful Skill, Intimidation has the potential to sully connections, which is undesirable to most.
Charlatan, Criminal
Deception is the aptitude for hiding, bending, or miscommunicating the truth through words and actions, playing on others' trust or inability to validate one’s words. This Skill allows one to lie with a straight face, turn another’s uncertainty against them, pass as someone else, or pull off even the most obviously shady cons. Deception is a Skill that allows the freedom to work in and outside of the truth freely, making reality whatever one says it is.
Deception is flexible in that one can lie with or without appropriate information in most situations, the only difference being the effectiveness of the lie. However, the consequences can be disastrous should one be caught in a lie, which is possible even with a successful Deception check, as lies will catch up and conflict eventually, if not immediately. Deception is an outstanding Skill, but players should use it cautiously to keep others' trust.
Guild Artisan, Noble
Persuasion is the ability to convince others using diplomacy, discretion, and the emotions or reason of others, acting in a way that maintains and demands respect and civility. This Skill functions to persuade or inspire, form or further relationships, and negotiate or find commonalities with others, typically taking a neutral, rational, or emotional stance. Persuasion is a Skill that offers the most in social encounters in terms of keeping the peace.
Persuasion is a Skill, unlike Deception and Intimidation, that has no drawbacks or consequences and proves the most common dialogue option in social encounters. When players utilize this Skill, they are not depending on lies or threats, just their eloquence and ability to capture the hearts and minds of others, making it effective when dealing with friends, foes, and those in-between or undecided. Persuasion is a Skill paramount to any Charisma-based character.
Baldur’s Gate 3is available now on PC, with a PS5 release on September 6 and an Xbox launch to follow.
