The Dueling fighting style in Baldur's Gate 3 can be a bit confusing, especially when it comes to versatile weapons.
In Baldur's Gate 3, the Dueling fighting style has the text "When you are wielding a melee weapon that is not Two-Handed or Versatile in one hand". This is different than 5e, where it's described as "When you are wielding a melee weapon in one hand and no other weapons".
To understand how Dueling works, let's break down the key aspects:
Understanding the Mechanics
For duel to work you need to use a single, one-handed melee weapon.
Four things are off the table: ranged weapons, two-handed weapons, dual wielding weapons, versatile weapons with an empty off-hand.
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The wording is confusing but the concept is simple enough. Versatile weapons default to two-handed if no shield is equipped so you cannot duel with them.
And for the record using a versatile weapon with a shield does not reduce its damage - it does its default damage, e.g. a longsword does 1d8 one-handed and 1d10 two-handed. So its damage is increased if you use it two-handed.
In a nutshell: if the weapon does not have the label 'versatile' and if the off-hand is empty then you can use duel.
Versatile means a weapon that can be used alongside with a shield (one hand, one shield), but without a shield will be used as 2H weapon. Rapier will be used with one hand regardless if you use shield or not.
So Longsword is on the same "class" as Trident, Spear etc.
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Also Versatile weapon damage are reduced when you use shield.
Versatile Weapons and Dueling
It is very poorly worded, but it's trying to get across the idea that you can't use a versatile weapon without a shield because, otherwise, it defaults to a two handed condition.
There were folks who had trouble understanding that in early access. They were trying to use a versatile weapon in one hand without a shield, and the game was registering the weapon as being used in two hands, negating the dueling bonus.
Dueling vs. Defense Fighting Styles
Now, however, I realize you can have a shield *and* have it work with dueling. This means I can still get a bonus +2 AC from the shield while also doing extra damage with a one handed weapon.
So that begs the question, do I go for the extra damage (especially with a strength multiplier of plus 3 or plus 4) OR do I double down on defense to tank hits for my teammates?
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It depends a little on your role in the party. If you’re the only one up in melee, defense can be better for the added survivability. Every hit you don’t take means fewer spell slots the cleric needs to down to pick you up.
And if there’s other high-damage characters, your extra 2 per hit won’t be quite as important. But if there’s a lot of support types, you might need the extra damage.
Dueling style gives +2 damage to those one hand/one weapon fighting attacks, and scales with your number of attacks.
Defense fighting style can feel boring, but it can be wildly effective and also doesn’t impose the weird feeling of restrictive weapon uses.
There are quite a few subclasses available that can help power up the sword and board style if that’s your focus.
Baldur's Gate 3 Fighter Guide - All Subclasses (Battle Master, Champion, Eldritch Knight)
Weapon Choices
I’m thinking of grabbing a war hammer for the crusher feat, but maybe I’ll try a long sword and slasher.
Late-Game Options
If you pick Dueling as fighting style for your fighting man, don't worry, in Act 3 there is an amazing Duellist Rapier that you can get.
Hopefully, this guide clarifies how the Dueling fighting style works in Baldur's Gate 3, enabling you to make informed decisions for your character builds.