How important is getting to 20 in your main stat?

[Lampros]

I don't think I can get there in Honour mode due to 1) no save scum during the Mirror of Loss rolls and 2) the need to take Alert.

[アンジェル]

Originally posted by Lampros:

How important is getting to 20 in your main stat?
I don't think I can get there in Honour mode due to 1) no save scum during the Mirror of Loss rolls and 2) the need to take Alert.

Depends on your build and what multiplier you aim for.

E.g. Tavern Brawler use a double on the strength modifier. So every 2 points there is worth 10% instead of 5% (pure).

Other than that 5% per 2 ability scores (pure) can be neglected and most players invest in such because the other Feats do not seem that attractive to them.

Honour Mode changes that a tad making certain Feats more useful than they are in normal game. Like the mentioned Alert.

Do not think too much about is my advice. How important is it to you to get 5%/10% more on your rolls but eventually lose out on Alert? You probably already making the right choice for you.

[Recjawjind]

How to not fail the mirror of loss check, basically ever
Get a hireling, bard, any subclass
Learn enhance ability
Have someone else with guidance (silver necklace)
Put on warped headband of intellect and the +1 arcana +1 religion ring
Have 4 inspiration in case things go wrong
Use bardic inspiration and enhance ability on the person interacting with the mirror

[Riitoken]

Define "important." It depends on what you want to achieve. I'm pretty sure any class can complete this game having less than 20.

[kbiz]

On my last playthrough Gale had an 18 INT because I wanted Alert and Spell Sniper. I don't think it's a big deal with mages since there are plenty of ways to raise your DC and Spell Attack late-game.

[kbiz]

Originally posted by Recjawjind:

How to not fail the mirror of loss check, basically ever
Get a hireling, bard, any subclass
Learn enhance ability
Have someone else with guidance (silver necklace)
Put on warped headband of intellect and the +1 arcana +1 religion ring
Have 4 inspiration in case things go wrong
Use bardic inspiration and enhance ability on the person interacting with the mirror

Don't forget the Shapeshifters Boon Ring. That's another +1d4.

[Baldurs_Gate_2]

Äh, you just need ethel's hair and let astarion drink the drows blood in moonrise towers to get it to 20.

[RamboRusina]

DPS wants 20 at least for reliable hit chance. If your gameplay revolves around support, utility and debuffs it's significantly less important.

[Jondar Korric]

generally unless you're going for a Tavern Brawler Thrower Build or want to wring out every last possible bit for Spell Save DC, an 18 is generally sufficient enough, though Strength, Dexterity, and Charisma in particular have items that'll boost it to or above 20.

[Heu, Iterum Id Feci]

This is a question that's been discussed for ages even outside of BG3 in the wider d&d community.
Yet after years of discussion, there still is no consensus in sight.
Having your main stat on 20 certainly is nice and all, however, basically everything 16+ is "fine".
In my eyes for example both warcaster/resilient (the later if you aren't already proficient in con saves) and alert are both options that are worth way more then an additional +1 in any mod. I don't even have to think about it.
Other people might see it differently, and feel very strong about having to have a 20 in their main stat.
In the end (as is often the case in d&d) it comes down to a matter of taste.