Facebook
Reddit
Email
Discover all the Handaxes that you acquire in Baldur’s Gate 3 and find out which ones are the best for your playthrough.
Handaxes in Baldur’s Gate 3 are one-handed melee weapons that rely on Strength or Dexterity for attack rolls and damage. Handaxes are simple weapons and can be used by a wider range of classes. Selecting the best Handaxe is crucial because your gameplay mostly depends on it if you’re a close-range player. Handaxes may not deal as much damage as some other weapons but the availability of unique variants makes them a viable choice. In this guide, we will discuss all Handaxes in Baldur’s Gate 3, their properties, and the unique bonuses they provide to players in combat.
Handaxes Overview in BG3
Handaxes in Baldur’s Gate are one-handed melee simple weapons known for their quick strikes in combat. They have a damage roll of 1d6 for one-handed attacks and it is best to use them in off-hand. The range of these weapons is 1.5m and can wielded by a class that has proficiency in Simple Weapons. This weapon type only has one default weapon action, Lacerate. Using this action allows you to slash at the enemy’s vital points to make it Bleed. However, the higher rarity Handaxes come with additional passives, granting unique benefits.
Each type of weapon in BG3 has different ranges, damages, and other features like Finesse, Versatile, and Dippable. Handaxes are dippable and this bonus action allows you to dip the weapon into the ground for additional damage. For Handaxes proficiency, you can use different classes like Barbarian, Fighter, Ranger, Paladin, and Warlock which all have weapon proficiencies in Simple Weapons. Moreover, the best race for using Handaxes is Dwarf. You can also use Handaxes as a throwing weapon like other close-combat melee weapons.
What is the purpose of the Handaxe in BG3?
Handaxes are Slashing weapons fighters, clerics, paladins, and other melee combatants typically use. Due to its versatility, you can strategize with this weapon type and apply Disadvantages to enemies to achieve victories easily in combat. Moreover, you can equip a shield with a handaxe which gives you a bit more AC.
They serve specific purposes and are used based on the situation and the player wielding it. You can use them for close-quarters battles, granting a perfect balance between damage output and reliability. Basic Handaxes deal 1d6 slashing damage and high-level Handaxes are found in treasure hoards or given as rewards for quests. It provides utility in combat, particularly for players focused on divine or supportive roles.
List of All Handaxes in BG3
Here are all the Handaxes in Baldur’s Gate 3, including their damage, damage type, and special.
| Weapon | Rarity | Damage | Damage Type | Special |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Handaxe | Common | 1d6 | Slashing | – |
| Rusty Handaxe | Common | 1d6 | Slashing | – |
| Dad’s Axe | Common | 1d6 | Slashing | – |
| Cleaver | Common | 1d6 | Slashing | – |
| Handaxe +1 | Uncommon | 1d6 +1 | Slashing | – |
| Comeback Handaxe | Uncommon | 1d6 +1 | Slashing | – |
| Dragon’s Grasp | Uncommon | 1d6 | Slashing | Burned Alive (Passive): Deals an additional 1d4 weapon damage to Burning targets. |
| Ritual Axe | Uncommon | 1d6 | Slashing | The Scourge Mistress’ Bane (Passive): Chance to inflict upon the target a 1d4 penalty to Attack rolls and Saving throws. If the attacker still has 25% or more hit points, they take 1d6 Piercing themselves. |
Tips and Tricks for Using Handaxes in BG3
Here are the tips and tricks for using Handaxes in Baldur’s Gate 3 to dominate enemies and bosses in combat.
- Keep Handaxes in the inventory to switch depending on the situation if you find multiple Handaxes with unique properties.
- Wield it in the Main Hand or Off-Hand if the Handaxe offers a bonus in the corresponding hand.
- Use the Handaxe to stay true to the archetype of your character, especially for roleplaying.
- Invest in Strength to increase the chances of hitting the target while throwing Handaxes from a distance.
- If you’re a tank or frontline character like clerics and paladins, then it is your go-to weapon.
- Equip enchanted Handaxes or those with unique properties like Dragon’s Grasp, Ritual Axe, etc.
- Use Handaxes with spells like Spirit Guardians for excellent crowd control.
- You can also combine Handaxes with Smite abilities for devastating bursts of damage in combat.
- Cast Guiding Bolt or Faerie Fire before using Handaxe in battle to make it easier to hit enemies with high AC.
Best Handaxes in Baldur’s Gate 3
Here are the best Handaxes to use in Baldur’s Gate 3.
- Ritual Axe: An Uncommon variant of a Handaxe allowing you to deal 1d6 damage as a default. Moreover, it comes with a unique passive that inflicts the Bane condition on a target.
- Dragon’s Grasp: An Uncommon variant of a Handaxe that deals the same damage as the base variant. However, it comes with a unique passive that deals an additional 1d4 damage to Burning targets.
- Comeback Handaxe: An Uncommon variant of a Handaxe weapon with +1 Enchantment allowing you to deal more damage than base variants.
Ritual Axe
| Damage | Enchantment | Weapon Skills | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1d6 | None | The Scourge Mistress’ Bane (Passive) | You can loot it from the table in the Shattered Sanctum at X: 338 Y: -26, Act 1. |
The Ritual Axe is a Handaxe weapon in Baldur’s Gate 3 that you can acquire early in your adventure. It comes with a unique passive that has a chance of inflicting a target with the Bane condition. As you attack with this weapon and apply Bane condition, the target will have a 1d4 penalty to Attack Rolls and Saving Throws. Moreover, if the target’s health is above 25%, they will take an additional 1d6 piercing damage.
Dragon’s Grasp
| Damage | Enchantment | Weapon Skills | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1d6 | None | Burned Alive (Passive) | You can purchase it from Arron in the Emerald Grove, Act 1. |
The Dragon’s Grasp handaxe can be acquired very early on in the game, and the main perk grants you a chance to deal extra damage. The main bonus is called Burned Alive, and it allows you to deal an additional 1-4 points of extra Slashing damage to Burning targets.
The Burning condition also isn’t difficult to cause in the early game of Baldur’s Gate 3. Many classes will have access to the very basic cantrip called Fire Bolt right away. Therefore, all you need is to look for oil on the floor, or barrels of alcohol, or create your own trap by throwing a bottle of grease/oil. Cast a Fire Bolt at any of these features and you’ll set the area and any enemies within on fire.
Comeback Handaxe
| Damage | Enchantment | Weapon Skills | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1d6 +1 | +1 | – | You can win it as a consolation prize for failing to win the jackpot at Circus of the Last Days, Act 3. |
The Comeback Handaxe is an Uncommon Handaxe weapon with slight Enchantment. With the Enchantment, it allows you to deal more damage which is effective. The best way to use this weapon is to dual-wield it as it is lightweight. Dual-wielding the Comeback Handaxe will let you deal more damage and you can throw them often. However, make sure to pick the handaxes back after throwing them.
FAQs about All Handaxes in BG3
Are there Handaxes in Baldur’s Gate 3?
Yes, Handaxes are available as a weapon type in Baldur’s Gate 3. These are one-handed simple melee weapons that most of the classes can use.
How many Handaxes are there in bg3?
There are 8 Handaxes in Baldur’s Gate 3 ranging from the nonmagical type to special/magical type variants.
Looking For More About Baldur’s Gate 3?
Thank you for reading All Handaxes in Baldur’s Gate 3 Guide. We provide the latest news and create guides for Baldur’s Gate 3. Also, watch me play games on Twitch or visit my YouTube channel!
