Intelligence Stat Guide
Info on the Intelligence stat in Baldurs Gate 3, what it does, what it affects.
If you're here, you're curious about what exactly Intelligence does in BG3. Intelligence is one of the Primary Stats - formally called "Abilities" in BG3. Commonly Intelligence is abbreviated as INT. Like all stats, they have various effects to your character in and out of combat.
Intelligence Effects in BG3
Intelligence Modifier: Like all other stats, Intelligence has a modifier based on how much INT you have. Having 8 INT means you have a -1 Modifier (penalty). 10 is neutral, meaning you get a +0 INT modifier. Then for every 2 you have after 10 gives you another +1 to your Intelligence modifier.
Wizard Spellcasting Ability
The only primary class which benefits from INT is Wizard, in any capacity really. Intelligence boosts Wizards spellcasting ability, which affect many aspects of casting spells (damage, "hit chance", to put it simply).
Some subclasses also use Intelligence for their Spellcasting Ability... Eldritch Knight and Arcane Trickster come into mind.
Skills that rely on Intelligence
Most skill checks are affected by a specific modifier. In the case of Intelligence Modifiers:
- Arcana
- History
- Investigation
- Nature
- Religion
When performing these skills checks, your INT Modifier is added to your roll.
All of the Itelligence Skills are pretty much non-combat oriented. They are VERY commonly used for dialogue and exploration, though - so very useful in their own right.
Intelligence Saving Throws
Every stat has a saving throw. The myriad actions and effects in BG3 which require you to "save" to either blunt or cancel out the effect are typically based on stats. Intelligence is no different.
Notably, INT is one of the least used in terms of Saving Throws.
Summary and Closing
Intelligence isn't a very commonly used stat. If you're not a Wizard, then it's very likely you don't want it. It's a little sad because the skills related to INT are good! Given this info, having specifically a Wizard in your party is a good way to improve on these INT based rolls.
You'll commonly see INT as a -8 in my recommended "starting stats" since aside from skills, or if you're a Wizard, it's almost useless.
Hopefully you learned all you needed to know about Intelligence in Baldurs Gate 3. This should cover most of what INT affects! If you're unsure about something, read the tooltips guys!