Bg3 Polearm Master

Caroline Mae

2 min read

·

06-01-2025

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Baldur's Gate 3 offers a wealth of character customization options, and choosing the right subclass can significantly impact your gameplay experience. For players drawn to the power and reach of polearms, the Polearm Master feat presents a compelling choice. This guide will delve into the specifics of the Polearm Master feat in BG3, examining its strengths, weaknesses, and optimal application.

Understanding the Polearm Master Feat

The Polearm Master feat grants two significant advantages:

• Bonus Action Attack: You can make a bonus action attack with a polearm after you successfully hit with a polearm attack on your turn. This attack uses your Strength or Dexterity modifier (depending on your weapon). This allows for increased damage output and opportunity attacks.

• Opportunity Attack with a Polearm: When a creature enters your reach, you can make an opportunity attack with your polearm, using the reach of the weapon to your advantage. This adds to your defensive capabilities and can disrupt enemy movement.

Strengths of the Polearm Master Feat

The Polearm Master feat shines in several key areas:

• Increased Damage Output: The bonus action attack significantly increases your overall DPS (Damage Per Second), making you a formidable damage dealer, particularly against weaker enemies.

• Control and Disruption: The opportunity attack capability disrupts enemy movement and can create crucial tactical openings for your team.

• Versatile Combat Style: The feat can be used effectively with several different polearms within BG3, providing flexibility in build creation.

Weaknesses of the Polearm Master Feat

Despite its advantages, the Polearm Master feat does have some drawbacks:

• Resource Management: The bonus action attack consumes your bonus action, which could otherwise be used for other abilities or spells. Careful planning is essential.

• Action Economy: While increasing overall damage, it doesn't inherently increase your survivability or defensive capabilities. It's crucial to consider other defensive options for your character.

• Weapon Dependence: The feat's effectiveness is tightly coupled with using polearms. Switching weapons will negate the benefits.

Optimal Character Builds for Polearm Master

The Polearm Master feat synergizes particularly well with builds that focus on high Strength or Dexterity, depending on your chosen weapon. Consider these character classes and subclasses:

• Fighter: The Fighter class provides a strong base for weapon proficiency and combat capabilities. Subclasses like Battle Master and Champion greatly benefit from the increased damage output of Polearm Master.

• Paladin: Combining Polearm Master with Divine Smite for extra damage can create a devastating offensive build.

• Barbarian: Rage combined with the increased attack frequency makes a formidable offensive powerhouse.

Conclusion

The Polearm Master feat in Baldur's Gate 3 offers a powerful tool for players who favor polearms. Its effectiveness depends on careful planning, strategic resource management, and selecting a character class and build that synergizes with its capabilities. By understanding its strengths and weaknesses, you can maximize its impact in your Baldur's Gate 3 adventures.