All weapon types in Baldur’s Gate 3, explained | Simple, Martial, Versatile, One-Handed, and Two-Handed

The variety of weapons in Baldur’s Gate 3 is quite expansive. Depending on your class, you’ll be Proficient with only certain types of weapons. Any Dungeons & Dragons fan will know what they mean, but what if you’re new to D&D and this latest Larian Studios title? Let me explain all the weapon types you can find in Baldur’s Gate 3.

Differences between weapon types in Baldur’s Gate 3

Every weapon in this game has a Proficiency type, either Simple or Martial. Then, each one has a few different types under those umbrellas. Although this may sound quite confusing, let’s explain all the weapon types in Baldur’s Gate 3.

Simple vs Martial weapons in Baldur’s Gate 3

While practically anyone can use Simple weapons without specialized combat training, Martial weapons are the opposite. If your character is Proficient with Martial weapons, this means they can use weapons that require special training.

• Simple weapons: Daggers, Maces, Quarterstaffs, Staffs, Torches, Handaxes, Greatclubs, Shortbows, Light Crossbows, Hammers, Sickles, Spears
• Martial weapons: Battleaxes, Greataxes, Morningstars, Longswords, Shortswords, Greatswords, Glaives, Pikes, Tridents, Hand Crossbows, Warhammers, War Picks, Rapiers, Scimtars, Halberds, Heavy Crossbows, Longbows

While there are quite a few Simple weapons, there are a lot of variations in Martial weapons as well. Some classes specifically say that they give Proficiency in certain weapons like Longswords, Shortswords, and the like. Other times, classes will give you Proficiency in all Simple or Martial weapons, and maybe even both.

Screenshot via Larian Studios

Melee weapons in Baldur’s Gate 3

Like any video game with this type of weapon, a Melee weapon in Baldur’s Gate 3 is for close-ranged combat only. You have to be standing 1.5 meters from the enemy to hit them with a Melee weapons. They vary from both Simple and Martial weapons. If it’s not a type of bow, it’s a Melee weapon.

Versatile weapons in Baldur’s Gate 3

This is an interesting weapon type. While some weapons must be Two-Handed, and others only One-Handed, Versatile weapons can do both. Basically, with these types of weapons, you can opt for wielding it by itself, or with a shield as well.

• Versatile weapons: Longswords, Spears, Battleaxes, Warhammers, Quarterstaffs, Staffs, Tridents

Screenshot by PC Invasion

Ranged weapons in Baldur’s Gate 3

Opposite of Melee weapons, you can attack enemies with Ranged weapons from farther away. Any bow or crossbow you find is Ranged. If you try to use a Ranged weapon with someone in Melee range, your attack will hit with Disadvantage (roll twice and take the lowest dice roll). Every character should have a Ranged weapon, even if they’re a spellcaster.

Two-Handed and One-Handed weapons in Baldur’s Gate 3

Certain weapons in this game must require either both hands, or only one hand. If you have a Two-Handed weapon, both hands are occupied, meaning you cannot hold a shield or dual-wield it. If you have a One-Handed weapon, you can also sport a shield or dual-wield. All Ranged weapons are Two-Handed weapons, except for Hand Crossbows.

There’s one thing to note about dual-wielding two One-Handed weapons. To dual-wield, you’ll need the Dual Wielder Feat. Once a character reaches level four, they have the chance to choose this Feat. Otherwise, you can use a One-Handed weapons alongside a shield.

• Two-Handed weapons: Ranged weapons, Spears, Greatclubs, Greatswords, Halberds, Pikes, Greataxes, Glaives
• One-Handed weapons: Daggers, Maces, Torches, Handaxes, Hammers, Sickles, Morningstars, Shortswords, War Picks, Rapiers, Scimtars, Halbers

Baldur’s Gate 3 is available on Steam.