In Baldur’s Gate 3 there’s a clear dividing line between the types of characters who can dish out serious physical damage. First, there are strength-based characters like Barbarians and Fighters. They smack their enemies with big sticks and pummel them into the ground. Then there’s dexterity-based characters like Rogues and Rangers who take their enemies down with carefully aimed ranged attacks.
Thanks to finesse weapons, that clear dividing line is a relic of the past. Finesse weapons let characters use either their strength or dexterity dice modifier to boost their attack and damage rolls. With a finesse scimitar in hand, even Rangers can get in some heavy melee hits.
Any dexterity-based class is going to take a liking to finesse weapons, but they’re especially important for Rogues. In order to take the Sneak Attack (Melee) action, Rogues need to be wielding a finesse weapon. Most rapiers, scimitars, shortswords, and daggers carry the finesse property. So whether you’re trying to get off some good sneak attacks or just want to take a break from sniping to hit a goblin with something heavy, you’ll have plenty of options at your disposal.
Finesse, feats, and you
Rogues will always want to have a finesse weapon equipped. Most other high dexterity classes should at least consider keeping a finesse weapon on them. In either situation, a finesse weapon can help a particular character deal extra damage, but there’s one other good reason for any character with proficiency in finesse weapons to carry one at all times.
The Defensive Duelist feat – first available at level four – offers a serious benefit to a character wielding a finesse weapon. The feat allows the character to use their reaction to boost their Armor Class by their Proficiency Bonus. That means having a finesse weapon equipped can grant +2 AC from levels 1-4, +3 AC from levels 5-8, and +4 AC from levels 9-12. That’s enough to make a character seriously difficult to hit.
