BG3 Ability Scores Explained: Complete Beginner's Guide to Stats & Checks
Complete BG3 ability scores guide. What each stat does, recommended minimums for every class, ability checks vs saving throws, and how to allocate stats as a beginner.
The Six Abilities
| Ability | Affects | Dump Stat? |
|---|---|---|
| Strength (STR) | Melee damage, carrying capacity, shoving, jump distance, Athletics | Dump to 8 if you’re not melee |
| Dexterity (DEX) | Ranged/finesse damage, AC (light/medium armor), initiative, Stealth, Sleight of Hand | Never dump below 10. 14 ideal for most characters. |
| Constitution (CON) | HP per level, concentration saves | NEVER dump below 12. 14-16 ideal. |
| Intelligence (INT) | Wizards only. Arcana, History, Investigation, Religion. | Dump to 8 for everyone except Wizards |
| Wisdom (WIS) | Perception, Insight. WIS saves (most common save vs mind control). | Keep at 10 minimum. Clerics/Druids/Monks need 16+. |
| Charisma (CHA) | Dialogue prices, Persuasion, Deception, Intimidation. | Paladins/Bards/Warlocks/Sorcerers need 16+. Others dump to 8-10. |
Recommended Minimum Stats by Class
| Class | STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fighter/Paladin/Barbarian | 17 | 10-14 | 14-16 | 8 | 10 | 8-16* |
| Rogue/Ranger/Monk | 8 | 17 | 14 | 8-10 | 10-16 | 8-10 |
| Wizard | 8 | 14-16 | 14-16 | 17 | 10 | 8 |
| Cleric/Druid | 8-15 | 10-14 | 14-16 | 8 | 17 | 8-10 |
| Bard/Sorcerer/Warlock | 8 | 14-16 | 14-16 | 8 | 10 | 17 |
*Paladins need 16 CHA for Aura of Protection at level 6.
Ability Checks vs Saving Throws
- Ability Check: You’re trying to DO something (persuade, lockpick, perceive). Add proficiency if you’re proficient in that skill.
- Saving Throw: You’re trying to AVOID something (mind control, poison, falling). Proficiency comes from your class (level 1 gives 2 save proficiencies).
Frequently Asked Questions
What stats should I prioritize as a beginner?
Your class's primary stat (STR for Fighter/Barbarian, DEX for Rogue/Ranger, INT for Wizard, WIS for Cleric/Druid, CHA for Paladin/Bard/Warlock/Sorcerer) should start at 17. Constitution should never be below 12 on any character.
Was this guide helpful?
Your feedback helps us improve our guides.
Thanks for your feedback!
We've spent 5,000+ hours playing Baldur's Gate 3 across multiple playthroughs. Every guide is updated weekly to reflect the latest patches and community discoveries. Got a correction or suggestion? Let us know.
Continue Reading
Baldur's Gate 3 Beginner Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Playing
The ultimate BG3 beginner guide covering everything new players need — best class, character creation, combat basics, early game tips, and frequently asked questions.
Read guide → beginnerBG3 Combat UI Explained: Complete Beginner's Guide to the Battle Interface (with Diagrams)
Complete visual guide to the BG3 combat UI. Every icon, bar, and button explained with diagrams. Action economy, hotbar, portraits, and combat log — master the interface.
Read guide → classBest Class for BG3 Beginners: Complete Tier List & Ranking
Discover the best BG3 class for beginners. ranked tier list comparing every class for new players — Fighter, Paladin, Barbarian, and more. Pick the right class for your first playthrough.
Read guide → buildBest BG3 Beginner Builds: 5 Simple & Powerful Character Builds for New Players
5 best BG3 beginner builds that are simple to play yet powerful. Fighter, Paladin, Barbarian, Cleric, and Ranger builds with full level-by-level progression for new players.
Read guide →