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Dueling is a really cool Class Passive in Baldur’s Gate 3, but does dueling work with Shield-based playstyles? This is a question that many new players, or those going for another playthrough, are wondering. Fortunately, this isn’t a complicated matter and you can make use of this passive even if you like having a shield. Dueling can be used if you’re holding a melee weapon that isn’t Two-Handed. It works fine, as long as you’re not holding a weapon in your other hand.
Dueling Does Work With a Shield in BG3
Dueling is a Class Passive that is available for many players, regardless of their personal play style. This means that yes, you can use the Dueling feature with a Shield and also stack some extra AC with your damage bonus in BG3.
Using this passive gives a +2 in Melee Attack Damage, as long as you’re using a one-handed weapon. With that said, it’s probably better for players who prefer melee attacks.
The Fighter, Ranger, Paladin, and Bard can all make use of this neat passive. For the Bard, just be sure to choose the College of Swords Subclass. And you can use a Shield while you do so!
Notes on Dueling in Baldur’s Gate 3
Dueling is great when you’re holding a One-Hand Staff and other Melee items, but you can also use this passive with weapons that are thrown. So even if you use a handaxe at your enemy, you’ll still get that bonus on your attack.
Keep in mind that Dueling does not work with Improvised Weapons. Also, you can still get that delicious +2 on your attack even if you’re using a Versatile Weapon like the Githyanki Longsword.
Many players have confused dueling with dual wielding, and they’re not the same thing. Dueling is a passive that gives you a bonus to your attack as long as the conditions are met.
Dual wielding means your character is holding two weapons, one in each hand. Having a weapon in your second hand will negate Dueling, making it useless for your character.
Make sure you know the difference between the two so you don’t end up disappointed with your in-game results!
And that is all you need to know about if Dueling works with a Shield in Baldur’s Gate 3. Check out other interesting BG3 guides and articles:
