What is Armor Class
In Baldur's Gate 3, the higher your Armor Class is, the more difficult you are to hit. Read on to learn more about Armor Class, Armor Proficiency, and how Dexterity affects the total amount of Armor Class.
List of Contents
What is Armor Class
Ability to Block or Dodge Attacks
Armor Class (AC) represents a character's ability to block or dodge incoming melee, ranged, and spell attacks.
| Armor Class Formula |
|---|
| 10 + Dexterity Modifier |
How to Hit or Get Hit
In order for you to hit an enemy with an attack, or an enemy to hit you, the attack roll must meet or exceed the target's AC. Only afterwards will the target take damage.
Equipping Armor
Equipping armor changes a character's base AC value. The type of armor equipped will determine the new base value and if the Dexterity modifier is applied.
| Armor Type | Armor Class Formula |
|---|---|
| Light Armor | Armor's AC + Dexterity Modifier |
| Medium Armor | Armor's AC + Dexterity Modifier (Caps at +2) |
| Heavy Armor | Armor's AC (no bonus from DEX) |
| Shields | +2 to AC |
The heavier the armor, the harder it is for a character to to move, which is why the dexterity modifier bonus decreases for medium and heavy armor.
Light Armor
Characters with high Dexterity will benefit a lot from wearing Light Armor as they gain the full bonus from their Dexterity Modifier.
Medium Armor
Medium armor provides more protection than light armor and allows for some mobility. Medium armor is a great middle of the road choice for characters that want to remain agile but have a bit more defense.
Heavy Armor
Heavy Armor provides the most protection. Characters with low Dexterity can benefit from equipping Heavy Armor since the Dexterity Modifier is not added to the AC of Heavy Armor.
Shields
Shields are unique in that they will always provide a +2 to Armor Class no matter what kind of shield is equipped.
Disadvantage on Stealth Rolls
Some Armor subtypes such as padded light armor and ring mail will impose a disadvantage on stealth checks due to how much noise a character makes when moving when wearing such armor.
Rogues and other stealthy classes should take care to avoid equipping such armors types.
Armor Proficiency
Armor and Shield proficiencies are both determined by a character's class, and wearing the appropriate armor for a certain class provides a bonus to Ability Checks, Saving Throws, and Attack Rolls.
Characters equipped with armor that they are not proficient in will have disadvantage on the associated rolls.
What is Advantage and Disadvantage
Baldur's Gate 3 Related Guides
Baldur's Gate 3 Beginner's Guide
