Baldur's Gate THAC0, armor class and saving throws explained
Read the descending combat numbers, resist spells and use pause to protect low-level characters.
Pictures for this guide
Edition covered
The 1998 Sword Coast campaign and its AD&D second-edition fundamentals. Pictures show Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition, whose extra companions, kits, interface and optional campaigns differ from the original release. Tales of the Sword Coast is identified separately; Siege of Dragonspear is outside this guide.
Lower is better for THAC0 and AC
THAC0 is the roll needed to hit armor class zero before situational adjustments. Lower THAC0 helps the attacker; lower armor class helps the defender. A +1 weapon can therefore improve the displayed attack number by lowering it.
| Statistic | Better direction | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| THAC0 | Lower | Easier weapon hits against a given AC |
| Armor class | Lower | Harder for enemies to hit with weapons |
| Hit points | Higher | More damage can be survived |
| Saving-throw target | Lower | Easier successful saving throws |
Separate attack rolls from saving throws
An armor upgrade will not solve every dangerous spell. Saving throws, resistances and immunities govern other threats. Read the combat log to identify what is actually killing a character.
| Threat | Relevant defense | First response |
|---|---|---|
| Arrows | Armor class and cover by distance | Close or disable the archer |
| Poison | Antidote or appropriate spell | Treat it before repeated damage adds up |
| Enemy mage | Interrupting attacks and saves | Focus attacks while a spell is casting |
| Trap | Thief detection and removal | Stop movement and send the thief forward |
Concentrate attacks
Pause and direct several party members at one enemy to remove its attacks from the fight. Ranged weapons give low-level companions a useful contribution without placing everyone in melee.
Scout without splitting the party too far
Use a thief's detection ability when exploring suspicious passages. Stop the group before approaching a detected trap; a formation order can send companions through different routes.
Use a thief's detection ability when exploring suspicious passages. Stop the group before approaching a detected trap; a formation order can send companions through different routes.
References
| Reference | Website |
|---|---|
| Baldur's Gate publisher listing | store.steampowered.com |
| Beamdog game manuals | files.beamdog.com |
| Publisher Adventurer guide | store.steampowered.com |