Discover the best skills proficiency for your party that you can adapt to any situation in Baldur’s Gate 3.
In Baldur’s Gate 3, skills are passive talents which help your character perform certain tasks. They can give you additional dialogue options, improve your character’s performance in battle or help you discover hidden items and explore the world. Other skills might help you understand the history and lore of Faerun, unlock magical secrets or improve your locking-picking abilities.
Skills are generally tied to classes in Baldur’s Gate 3 and no one character can have all the most useful skills. Instead, you’ll want to spread them out across a balanced party, with each member providing the group with their benefits. Moreover, Backgrounds will give you two or more skills by default, and then different classes, subclasses, and even gear can unlock additional skills. Some classes or subclasses have more skill options than others. For example, a Thief Rogue has more choices than a Barbarian.
This guide explains and ranks the best skills proficiency every party should choose in Baldur’s Gate 3. We include helpful tips, possible gear suggestions, and other ways to get the most out of your party with the right combination of skills!
What are the Best Skills proficiency for your party in Baldur’s Gate 3
Perception, Persuasion, and Investigation are the best skills to have in all groups in Baldur’s Gate 3. Perception is the most overall useful skill in the game. As you explore you’ll find all sorts of hidden objects and chests throughout the world, which won’t appear unless you pass an automatic Perception check.
Next is Persuasion, a highly valuable skill that will give your character additional options in dialogue, helping you gain the outcomes you want to have. Finally, the third most important skill in BG3 is Investigation. Similar to Perception, successful Investigation checks will help you find hidden secrets or clues that can advance your progress.
Below are the best skills ranked:
- Perception: Find hidden chests, uncover traps and more
- Persuasion: Best non-confrontational dialogue options
- Investigation: If hidden elements don’t require a Perception check, it will trigger an Investigation check instead
- Intimidation: A more confrontational way of getting what you want through dialogue
- Insight: Helpful for discovering an NPCs true intentions during dialogue
- Arcana: Helpful for understanding magical lore and spells
- Sleight of Hand: A must-have skill for unlocking chests, disarming traps, and stealing
- Stealth: Helpful for staying hidden and gaining Advantage.
- Acrobatics: Improves dodge and helps you stay on your feet
- Athletics: Offers combat benefits for melee characters, as well as improved exploration
Related:
10 Athletics
Athletics features in Baldur’s Gate 3:
- Ability Score: Strength
- Backgrounds that grant Proficiency:
- Classes Which can choose Athletics:
- Races Which can grant Proficiency:
- None
- Uses:
- Used to Shove other creatures
- Used to resist being Shoved
In Baldur’s Gate 3 Athletics is the only Strength-based skill which helps your character to Shove and to resist being Shoved. It will be a must-have choice on any of your heavy-hitting melee party members. This would include classes such as Barbarians, Fighters, Monks and Paladins at the very least.
You melee characters are going to be in the thick of things during combat encounters. Any nearby enemy may attempt to Shove you, and you can do the same to them. Shove is a bonus action which allows the user to attempt to push an enemy away. If you are the one shoving, the success of that shove will always depend on a successful Athletics roll. If you are being shoved, then you’ll need to pass either an Athletics or Acrobatics check.
Additionally, there are often nearby ledges and voids which can pose both a threat and an opportunity. If you can successfully Shove an enemy off of a ledge then you can often take that enemy out of the fight in one shot.
Finally, the Mighty Cloth is a clothing piece option for your Barbarian which has great bonuses that will synergize well with the Athletics skill. Bull’s Strength will increase your Strength ability score by 2 points, up to a maximum of 20. This will not only make you more powerful, but will increase the likelyhood of success when you Shove an enemy. Furthermore, with the Unwavering Bull bonus you automatically can no longer be Shoved.
9 Acrobatics
Acrobatics features in Baldur’s Gate 3:
- Ability Score: Dexterity
- Backgrounds that grant Proficiency:
- Classes Which can choose Acrobatics:
- Races Which can grant Proficiency:
- None
- Uses:
- Used to resist being Shoved
In Baldur’s Gate 3 the Acrobatics skill is similar to Athletics in that it helps a character to resist being Shoved. However, it is a Dexterity based skill rather than a Strength one. This means that it will be more useful than Athletics for characters and classes who do not have Strength as their primary ability score.
When a character is Shoved, the game will always roll a skill check based on either the Athletics skill or Acrobatics skill. It will use whichever skill has a higher score. Classes such as Bard and Rogue should always have higher Dexterity scores. Consequently, this means that while they do not have the strength to be able to often shove successfully, they will have the skill to keep themselves in place when an enemy tries to push them away.
Additionally, the Swiresy Shoes are great early-game set of footwear which will grant a +1 to your Acrobatics skill. Moreover, as a side bonus the Refined Vaulting perk will also increase your jump distance. That should help with exploration or escaping pressure during combat. These shoes can be found during Act 1 of the game, where you can purchase them from Grat the Trader in the Goblin Camp.
8 Stealth
Stealth features in Baldur’s Gate 3:
- Ability Score: Dexterity
- Backgrounds that grant Proficiency:
- Classes Which can choose Stealth:
- Races Which can grant Proficiency:
- Uses:
In Baldur’s Gate 3 Stealth is a Dexterity based skill which represents you ability to hide, sneak, and attack while hidden. Hide is an action which allows the user to conceal their location. Your character’s success in hiding depends on both their Stealth and whether they are Obscured.
Moreover, Stealth can play an important role in combat. If you know a fight is approaching or can come up behind enemies without them knowing, then crouching with a high Stealth character and initiating combat while hidden will grant you Advantage. There are two forms of the Sneak Attack action available to the Rogue class which can really pack a punch. Sneak Attack: Melee and Sneak Attack: Range allow you to sneak up and stab an enemy with a melee weapon or to attack from a distance with a bow.
Ideally, you’re more likely to use the ranged sneak attack as a Rogue, which will let you maintain some distance once combat is initiated. Even in the early game it’s possible for a sneak attack to one shot some weaker enemies. This can be really helpful when you’re coming up on a group of overwhelming numbers.
7 Sleight of Hand
Sleight of Hand features in Baldur’s Gate 3:
- Ability Score: Dexterity
- Backgrounds that grant Proficiency:
- Classes Which can choose Sleight of Hand:
- Races Which can grant Proficiency:
- None
- Uses:
- Picking Locks with Thieves’ Tools
- Disarming Traps with Trap Disarm Toolkit
- Pickpocketing from NPCs
- Stealing without drawing attention
In Baldur’s Gate 3, we ranked the Sleight of Hand as number seven in our party skills proficiency guide, because it is necessary for picking locks, pockets, disarming traps, and stealing in general. Consequently, it is one skill that is hard to do without in a party. Given that this is also a Dexterity based skill it pairs nicely with Stealth and you should aim for having at least one Bard, Rogue or Ranger in your class with both.
As you explore the world of Faerun, you will come around a lot of areas lined with traps. Even in the very early parts of Act 1, you’ll find a lot of traps lying in wait. Having a character with a high level of Sleight of Hand will be a huge boon and help you avoid a lot of group HP damage.
Furthermore, Sleight of Hand isn’t just for the practical use of staying alive. You can make off with a lot of extra weapons, gear, gold and other loot by using this skill to your advantage. There are chests everywhere that will be unavailable to you without someone to lock pick them. Additionally, for those not afraid to be on the wrong side of the law, pick pocketing can be quite lucrative. You can even steal from vendors in Baldur’s Gate 3 with a combination of Sleight of Hand and Stealth.
6 Arcana
Arcana features in Baldur’s Gate 3:
- Ability Score: Intelligence
- Backgrounds that grant Proficiency:
- Classes Which can choose Arcana:
- Races Which can grant Proficiency:
- None
- Uses:
- Unlocks specific dialogue options
- Used to identify or reveal information about magical items and some supernatural creatures, especially those from other planes.
In Baldur’s Gate 3 Arcana is an Intelligence based skill which will reveal additional, sometimes vital, information concerning magical artifacts. Moreover, it can provide unique dialogue options with NPCs that will enable you to advance quests or solve puzzles.
Wizards are the only class in Baldur’s Gate 3 which have Intelligence as their primary ability score. This doesn’t mean you have to have a Wizard in your party, but there are times when their high Intelligence scores are going to make your life a lot easier when you come across Arcana checks.
The best example of the usefulness of the Arcana skill is in Act 3, when at the end of Shadowheart’s personal quest you have the opportunity to unlock a permanent bonus from the Mirror of Loss. In order to do so, you will need to pass two very high skill checks. The first is a DC25 Arcana check. This is a high bar to pass, but can be done with high Intelligence, the addition of the Lucky Feat, cast the Guidance cantrip, Enhance Ability: Fox’s Cunning, the Mage’s Friend ring and the Fey Semblance Amulet.
5 Insight
Insight features in Baldur’s Gate 3:
- Ability Score: Wisdom
- Backgrounds that grant Proficiency:
- Classes Which can choose Insight:
- All, except Warlock
- Races Which can grant Proficiency:
- None
- Uses:
- Used in dialogue
In Baldur’s Gate 3 taking the Insight skill may seem not worth it, given that it ‘only’ provides unique dialogue options. However, dialogue options can play a huge role in the story and the choices you make along the way are heavily influenced by whatever the knowledge of a situation you have. Insight dialogue options give you the chance to to read people’s intentions, discern their true motives, or sense when they are lying. If you can successfully use Insight to call NPCs out or reveal their true feelings about situation, then you’ll be better able to make a decision about how to progress forward.
One of the best gear options for boosting Insight comes late in the game during Act 3. It’s a piece of clothing, so it will be best suited for classes such as the Barbarian (which can also benefit from the Intimidation bonus), Sorcerer or Wizard. The Authority perk grants Advantage on both Intimidation and Insight checks. Advantage is a mechanic in Baldur’s Gate 3 that allows you to roll two D20 dice, and you can take the higher result.
4 Intimidation
Intimidation features in Baldur’s Gate 3:
- Ability Score: Charisma
- Backgrounds that grant Proficiency:
- Classes Which can choose Intimidation:
- Races Which can grant Proficiency:
- Uses:
- Used in dialogue
In Baldur’s Gate 3 using the Intimidation skill is an aggressive way of getting what you want from NPCs. Using this won’t necessarily win you friends or gain approval from the person you’re trying to bully. But if successful, Intimidation can and will get the job done. Sometimes, Intimidation might lock you out of further conversation or make an NPC upset with you.
In addition to the previously mentioned Cloth of Authority, the Bonespike Helmet is another great gear piece that can really boost your Intimidation skill. This and it’s bonuses are really geared towards the Barbarian class, but the +2 to Intimidation can apply to anyone. It can be purchased from the Voiceless Penitent Bareki in Baldur’s Gate City Sewers during Act 3. Moving on to the top 3 skills proficiency for your party in Baldur’s Gate 3.
3 Investigation
Investigation features in Baldur’s Gate 3:
- Ability Score: Intelligence
- Backgrounds that grant Proficiency:
- None
- Classes Which can choose Investigation:
- Races Which can grant Proficiency:
- None
- Uses:
- Used in dialogue.
Investigation is another skill which is effect dialogue options in Baldur’s Gate 3. As an Intelligence based skill it’s best suited to a Wizard or perhaps Bard. Being proficient at Investigation will come in handy through the game, particularly in Act 3. There are mysteries to solve all along the way as you adventure in Faerun and come across quests given to you by NPCs. The final Act includes some very specific murder mysteries you’ll need to solve, and being able to search for and discern clues will be vital.
Moreover, during Act 1 you can pick up a great head piece which will immediately boost a character’s Intelligence score to 17 when equipped. While this is obviously below the maximum of 20 on ability scores, the Warped Headband of Intellect is available during the early stages of Act 1. Moreover, if you don’t have a Wizard in the party, it can be a great way to boost the Intelligence of a character who has an otherwise low score.
2 Persuasion
Persuasion features in Baldur’s Gate 3:
- Ability Score: Charisma
- Backgrounds that grant Proficiency:
- Classes Which can choose Persuasion:
- Races Which can grant Proficiency:
- None
- Uses:
- Used in dialogue
- Can help determine the price of good sold to and bought from merchants.
In Baldur’s Gate 3 the Persuasion skill provides you with another way of convincing NPCs to share secrets, give you discounts, or agree with your opinions. Persuasion is usually seen at the morally better way of getting what you want in game, as it doesn’t require lying like Deception or threats like Intimidation. Using the Persuasion dialogue options will allow you to passively influence, negotiate, or convince others to adopt your point of view or take specific actions.
One of the best armor pieces for boosting you Persuasion ability comes from Orin in Act 3 when you can loot her Mutilated Carapace. The Faceless Masquerade bonus on this clothing piece will grant the wearer Advantage on all Deception and Persuasion checks.
1 Perception
Perception features in Baldur’s Gate 3:
- Ability Score: Wisdom
- Backgrounds that grant Proficiency:
- None
- Classes Which can choose Perception:
- Races Which can grant Proficiency:
- Uses:
- Used to detect hidden containers, mechanisms and traps.
- Used to spot hiding creatures.
Perception is the best and most useful skill to have in your group in Baldur’s Gate 3. In fact, it’s ideal for more than one party member to have this skill. This way, if one character doesn’t catch something with their Perception skill check then you can bring another party member over to try again. In Baldur’s Gate 3 there are a ton of secret chests, levers, buttons and more that you’ll want to find. Triggering any of these can lead to secret spaces, buried chests, start new quests, aid in quest progression and lead you to other additional discoveries.
Two gear pieces which give a good bonus to Perception checks are the Halberd of Vigilance, which you can get from a trader in Moonrise Towers in Act 2. In addition to the +1 bonus to Initiative rolls granted by the Sentinel Weapon perk, you will also get an Advantage on Perception Ability Checks.
Secondly, is the Mask of Soul Perception, which can be acquired from a chest at the Devil’s Fee in Act 3. The Soul Perception bonus will give you a +2 bonus to Attack and Initiative Rolls, as well as to Perception Checks.
Other than the Attack and Saving rolls you’ll see in combat on every turn, Perception checks are some of the most frequent ones you will encounter in the game. Without this skill, there are a hundred things you will miss seeing or experiencing, and that is why the Perception skill is the best skill for all groups in Baldur’s Gate 3.
Looking For More About Baldur’s Gate 3?
Thank you for reading Baldur’s Gate 3: Best Skills for Your Party – Proficiency 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!
