InBaldur’s Gate 3(BG3), players can choose from a wide range of weapons depending on their character’s class, build, and combat strategy. Among these, the quarterstaff stands out as a versatile and often misunderstood weapon. Commonly associated with spellcasters or monks, the quarterstaff may appear simple, but it has a unique place in the game’s mechanics. Understanding what stat the quarterstaff uses in BG3 is essential to maximizing its effectiveness in combat and ensuring your character is making the most of this seemingly basic weapon.
Overview of the Quarterstaff in BG3
The quarterstaff is a two-handed melee weapon available early in the game. It’s typically found as common loot, bought from vendors, or discovered as part of magical item drops. Though modest in appearance, the quarterstaff can serve as a powerful focus for spellcasters or a reliable martial weapon for melee-focused characters depending on how it’s used.
Like many weapons in Baldur’s Gate 3, the quarterstaff’s efficiency is not solely based on its base damage, but also on which ability score governs its attack and damage rolls. The quarterstaff is a versatile weapon in this sense, adapting its performance depending on the user’s build and the way the weapon is equipped.
Primary Stat Used by Quarterstaffs
The stat that a quarterstaff uses in BG3 depends on how it is wielded and by whom. The game follows Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (5e) rules as a foundation, and this influences how stats apply to weapon attacks. For quarterstaffs, the two main stats that can be used are:
- Strength
- Dexterity(in limited cases with the right feats or magical items)
- Wisdom or Intelligence(for specific classes using the quarterstaff as a spellcasting focus)
Strength for Martial Attacks
By default, the quarterstaff is a simple melee weapon that uses Strength for both attack and damage rolls. This means that if your character uses the quarterstaff to physically strike an enemy, the damage and hit chance will be modified by your Strength modifier. Characters like Fighters, Clerics, or Paladins who have higher Strength scores can benefit from wielding a quarterstaff in combat when used in this way.
Versatile Property and Two-Handed Use
The quarterstaff has the ‘versatile’ property, which means it can be wielded either one-handed or two-handed. If wielded with two hands, it deals 1d8 bludgeoning damage instead of the usual 1d6. However, this does not affect which stat is used Strength is still the default unless another condition changes it.
Quarterstaffs as Spellcasting Foci
For many casters, especially Druids, Clerics, and Wizards, quarterstaffs are more than just physical weapons. They can act as arcane or divine foci, allowing the caster to use the staff as a medium to channel spells. In this context, the staff’s physical damage is secondary to its ability to assist spellcasting.
Relevant Stats for Spellcasters
- Wizards– Use Intelligence as their spellcasting ability. When using a quarterstaff as a focus, it doesn’t affect physical attacks but empowers their spells.
- Druids– Use Wisdom. Many druids wield quarterstaffs both for flavor and function, especially those who shift between casting and melee forms.
- Clerics– Also use Wisdom. Clerics may wield quarterstaffs while wearing armor and wielding shields, though this depends on subclass and equipment choices.
It’s important to note that while the quarterstaff can be used to cast spells through a focus, the actual stat for spell attacks and spell save DC remains tied to the character’s spellcasting ability not the quarterstaff itself. This distinction helps prevent confusion between spellcasting mechanics and melee combat mechanics.
Can Dexterity Be Used with Quarterstaffs?
Normally, quarterstaffs do not benefit from Dexterity modifiers because they are not finesse weapons. However, in very specific builds or with the right magical enchantments or feats, this can change. For instance, if your character acquires theShillelaghspell often available to Druids the mechanics of the quarterstaff change significantly.
Using Shillelagh with Quarterstaff
Shillelagh is a cantrip that allows the caster to use theirWisdommodifier instead of Strength for both attack and damage rolls with a quarterstaff or club. Additionally, the weapon’s damage die becomes 1d8. This transforms the quarterstaff into a powerful weapon for Wisdom-based characters like Druids.
Once Shillelagh is active, the stat dependency of the quarterstaff shifts from Strength to Wisdom, making it extremely effective for spellcasting characters who want to contribute in melee combat without investing in Strength.
Quarterstaffs and Feats
Certain feats can also influence how effective a quarterstaff is and what stats are relevant:
- Polearm Master– Makes quarterstaffs more deadly by adding a bonus attack as a bonus action when using them two-handed.
- War Caster– Enhances a spellcaster’s ability to use a quarterstaff as a focus and maintain concentration.
- Magic Initiate (Druid)– Grants access to Shillelagh for non-Druid characters, making Wisdom usable with quarterstaffs.
With the right combination of feats and spells, even characters outside of the traditional melee roles can make a quarterstaff a viable weapon option.
Magic Quarterstaffs in BG3
Throughout the game, players can find or earn magical quarterstaffs that offer enhanced bonuses. These may include increased spell save DC, elemental damage, or even stat bonuses. Some rare staves may allow the wielder to use different ability scores for attacks or provide passive buffs when equipped.
Examples of Magic Quarterstaff Effects
- +1 or +2 to spell attack rolls and save DCs
- Extra cold, fire, or radiant damage on hit
- Passive bonuses to Wisdom or Intelligence
- Improved spell slot regeneration or additional cantrips
These enchanted quarterstaffs are particularly valuable for spellcasters who rely on their staff not for physical combat, but for magical enhancements and focus use.
In Baldur’s Gate 3, the stat a quarterstaff uses depends heavily on how you choose to build your character. By default, it uses Strength for melee attacks. However, with the application of specific spells like Shillelagh, or by using it as a spellcasting focus, the quarterstaff becomes a flexible tool for Wisdom or Intelligence-based characters. Understanding how the weapon interacts with different stats and class abilities allows players to optimize their character’s effectiveness, whether they are battling in melee or casting spells from the backline.
Whether you’re building a battle-hardened Druid, a war-ready Cleric, or a Wizard who doesn’t mind getting a little closer to the fray, the quarterstaff is a surprisingly capable weapon that can adapt to your needs. Learning how its stats work in BG3 gives you the edge to wield it properly and effectively.