Why the hell is this game's mechanics so confusing?

[Amplifier]

I really want to get into this game, but reading the guides online is giving me a damn headache. So much so I just keep putting off from playing/

It doesn't help that the game flat-out has an almost non-existent tutorial apart from just a few popup messages at the beginining intro stage.
It's like Larian just assumes everyone playing this game is already a former D&D expert or something.

Reading the wiki is even more confusing, esp when it comes to dice rolls, modifiers and whatnot. Do I need a university degree in D&D to play this game or something? How do you people that dont play D&D familiarize with the game?

[zero]

i think there is some expectation that you know some basic D&D, much like all the D&D rpgs do.

that said: its not really complicated, 90% of your rolls are gonna be a 1d20(20 sided dice) plus proficency (on character sheet) plus w/e other number applies.

a lvl 1 with 17 str swinging a sword is 1d20+2+3, or 1d20+5, if that number ties or is higher then the enemies armor, you hit.

same applies to all attacks, just the numbers come from different locations, and get higher as you level.

[Aerohank]

It is confusing for sure. The combat log helps so you can actually see where the modifiers are coming from.

Luckely, the game generously provides an easy to interpret percentage for every action if you become overwhelmed by the mechanics.

[AngryBeard]

In an interview with Sven, he said he was surprised at the success of BG3 as It was designed to be a niche title directed at a specific audience.

So is BG3 meant for people already familiar with DnD? Yeah, kinda.

[Amplifier]

Originally posted by zero:

i think there is some expectation that you know some basic D&D, much like all the D&D rpgs do.

that said: its not really complicated, 90% of your rolls are gonna be a 1d20(20 sided dice) plus proficency (on character sheet) plus w/e other number applies.

a lvl 1 with 17 str swinging a sword is 1d20+2+3, or 1d20+5, if that number ties or is higher then the enemies armor, you hit.

same applies to all attacks, just the numbers come from different locations, and get higher as you level.

I understand that but then comes all the modifiers and stuff. Like I was watching some tutorial, and the dude didnt even bother explaining how modifiers work. Like how the hell am I supposed to know I have a base of 10 ability or whatever? How the hell is this not told anywhere at all in the game? wtf

[zero]

Originally posted by Warfighter:

Originally posted by zero:

i think there is some expectation that you know some basic D&D, much like all the D&D rpgs do.

that said: its not really complicated, 90% of your rolls are gonna be a 1d20(20 sided dice) plus proficency (on character sheet) plus w/e other number applies.

a lvl 1 with 17 str swinging a sword is 1d20+2+3, or 1d20+5, if that number ties or is higher then the enemies armor, you hit.

same applies to all attacks, just the numbers come from different locations, and get higher as you level.

I understand that but then comes all the modifiers and stuff. Like I was watching some tutorial, and the dude didnt even bother explaining how modifiers work. Like how the hell am I supposed to know I have a base of 10 ability or whatever? How the hell is this not told anywhere at all in the game? wtf

when you made your character you determine your abilities, 10 is considered "average", for mechanics: a 10 in any stat is a +0, you dont need to consider it.

it is told int he game on your character sheet, if you mouse over any stat if gives you details, same with skills.

[Cartesian Duelist]

The 5th edition of D&D has existed since 2014 and the rules can be found online for free. This isn't some groundbreaking new thing that Larian just created.

[Hobocop]

The game tells you what your modifiers are, and there's a mouseover tooltip for your attack bonus and all of your other modifiers that shows where everything is coming from.

[Amplifier]

Originally posted by Cartesian Duelist:

The 5th edition of D&D has existed since 2014 and the rules can be found online for free. This isn't some groundbreaking new thing that Larian just created.

Not everyone plays D&D mate. Normally if playing a game, I dont expect to have to spend hours first reading a textbook of encyclopedia like I'm about to take the college entrance exam or something

[zero]

Originally posted by Warfighter:

Originally posted by Cartesian Duelist:

The 5th edition of D&D has existed since 2014 and the rules can be found online for free. This isn't some groundbreaking new thing that Larian just created.

Not everyone plays D&D mate. Normally if playing a game, I dont expect to have to spend hours first reading a textbook of encyclopedia like I'm about to take the college entrance exam or something

you dont have to, the game does provide you with all the information in game to figure out a roll.

but it is a name drop game, it doesn't exactly feel the need to reinvent the wheel either.

[Northofmost]

If you never have delved into D&D and feel a need to understand all the game mechanics, then it is a tough road.

But you do not have to. BG3 was my partners first ever computer game (at 50+) and she has never played D&D either. She had a blast, and pulled three all-nighters during her first play through.

[Amplifier]

Originally posted by Northofmost:

If you never have delved into D&D and feel a need to understand all the game mechanics, then it is a tough road.

But you do not have to. BG3 was my partners first ever computer game (at 50+) and she has never played D&D either. She had a blast, and pulled three all-nighters during her first play through.

prob cos you were there to guide her

[FunkyMonkey]

Originally posted by Warfighter:

I really want to get into this game, but reading the guides online is giving me a damn headache. So much so I just keep putting off from playing/

It doesn't help that the game flat-out has an almost non-existent tutorial apart from just a few popup messages at the beginining intro stage.
It's like Larian just assumes everyone playing this game is already a former D&D expert or something.

Reading the wiki is even more confusing, esp when it comes to dice rolls, modifiers and whatnot. Do I need a university degree in D&D to play this game or something? How do you people that dont play D&D familiarize with the game?

Wiki might not be the best place to learn HOW to play, honestly. There are some good Youtube videos for beginners in the game, I would recommend those. DnD can be confusing at first, but RPGs in general have deep rulesets. Half the fun, for me at least, is the learning and getting more understanding of the system I'm playing.

While this probably doesn't help in your case, this system in the game is one of the more simpler to learn when it comes to popular RPGs. This to say, if you want to learn the game, you absolutely will, it can take some time, just be patient.

[Piderman]

Originally posted by Warfighter:

prob cos you were there to guide her

Dude, modifiers and stuff can be ignored while playing the game, everything happens automatically in the backround so you dont have to deal with it.
Understanding the basics is all you need. Like how and when dice are rolled, what dice are used, such things.

[Val]

You dont need to study a game beforehand. Its really not that hard. if you ever played a rpg before...theres everything you need to know about. Higher stats= better rolls etc. Read tooltipps of skills you want to use..not everything does damage,etc.

[Eden]

It's really not complicated.