If you are playing Baldur’s Gate 3, you might have encountered a problem with the Unarmored Defense feature of the Barbarian and Monk class. The feature gives you a bonus to your Armour Class (AC) based on your Dexterity and Constitution modifiers, as long as you are not wearing any armour.
However, some players have reported that this feature is not working properly, and their AC is lower than expected. In this article, we will explain what causes this issue, how to fix it, and how to avoid it in the future.
What causes the Unarmored Defense issue?
Here are some possible reasons for the issue:
Other items count as armour
The primary source of the Unarmored Defense problem in Baldur’s Gate 3 stems from certain items that, despite appearing to be clothing or accessories, are classified as armour within the game. For instance, helmets, gloves, boots, or belts that necessitate proficiency in armour will nullify your Unarmored Defense bonus, even when they don’t directly enhance your Armor Class (AC). This occurs because they alter the AC calculation method, and only one formula can be applied at a time.
Different spell combinations
Another potential factor contributing to this problem is that certain features or spells that impact your Armor Class (AC) do not synergise with Unarmored Defense. For instance, if you choose to multiclass as a Monk or Barbarian, you’ll acquire an alternative version of Unarmored Defense that incorporates distinct modifiers.
These effects cannot be combined, necessitating a selection of the most advantageous one for a given situation. Similarly, should you cast Mage Armor on yourself or receive it from another caster, your Unarmored Defense bonus will be negated, as Mage Armor also alters the formula for calculating your AC.
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How to fix the Unarmored Defense issue?
Now that we have understood the possible causes behind the issue let us head to the fixes:
Tweak your inventory
The most straightforward solution for addressing the Unarmored Defense problem is to inspect your inventory meticulously, ensuring that you are not equipped with any items classified as armour. To do this, hover your cursor over the item and review its description.
If you find ‘Requires: Light Armor Proficiency’ or ‘Requires: Medium Armor Proficiency’ in the item’s details, it designates the item as armour, and you should take it off. Additionally, you can examine your character sheet to verify whether your AC calculation indicates ‘Unarmored Defense’ or any alternative method.
Avoid using conflicting spells
An alternative approach to resolve the problem is to steer clear of utilising features or spells that clash with Unarmored Defense. When switching to the Monk or Barbarian classes, it’s advisable to assess their Unarmored Defense bonuses alongside your own and select the most advantageous option for each specific scenario.
In the case of casting Mage Armour either on yourself or having it cast by another individual, consider dispelling the effect or allowing it to naturally expire before invoking Unarmored Defense.
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How to avoid this situation in the future?
By now you must be familiarised with the underlying causes of the Unarmored Defense not working issue.
Here’s how to avoid this in the future:
Avoid using conflicting spells
So, to avoid this situation in the future, be careful about the times that you purchase and equip. You should also ensure that you have not used conflicting spells.
Always check the item descriptions along with your character sheet before acquiring new equipment or using new abilities. Also, make a note of the effects these new improvements will have on your character.
Use mods
Another way to avoid this issue is to use mods or patches. Some community-made mods change the way armour works in Baldur’s Gate 3.
Using mods, however, can sometimes affect the gaming experience. So, you should either apply the best mods or avoid it altogether.
In conclusion, Baldur’s Gate 3 Unarmored Defense does not work issue occurs due to in-game factors such as incompatible spells or items. To fix this issue, follow the steps outlined above.
