Summary

InBaldur’s Gate 3, theInitiative statdetermines who gets the first turn in combat, making it one of themost important statsfor players looking to seize control of the battlefield. A party with higher initiative can focus on important enemies and eliminate them from combat, making the encounter much more manageable.

While initiative is primarily determined by a character’sDexterity modifier, the stat can be further increased by investing in the Alert feat or equipping initiative-boosting gear.Baldur’s Gate 3features several initiative-boosting items found across all three acts of the game, allowing for an earlier turn in combat. The following list highlights the best initiative improving items, each capable of improving turn order and shaping the flow of a fight.

Bow of Awareness stats in Baldur’s Gate 3

8Bow Of Awareness

Provides +1 Bonus To Initiative

It’s often stated that the first four levels inBaldur’s Gate 3are the most challenging, since party members start out with very low HP, and an unlucky critical hit could one-shot them. This is why initiative is crucial, allowing players to isolate and take out dangerous enemies before they can take a turn of their own.

The Bow of Awareness is anearly-game shortbow that grants a +1 bonus to initiative, making it best suited for high-Dexterity characters like archers and rogues.

Soulbreaker Greatsword stats in Baldur’s Gate 3

7Soulbreaker Greatsword

Provides +2 Bonus To Initiative

Obtainable towards the end of Act 1 in the Githyanki Creche, theSoulbreaker Greatswordis one of the best items forGithyanki,Fighters, andPaladins. In addition to the +2 initiative bonus to anyone who wields it,a Githyanki using this sword deals an additional 1d4 Psychic damage per hit.

A Fighter or Paladin with high Dexterity can benefit the most from this weapon, ensuring they go first in the turn order and take out the most dangerous enemy in combat. And, of course, a Githyanki character gets even more out of it.

Sentinel Shield stats in Baldur’s Gate 3

6Sentinel Shield

Provides +3 Bonus To Initiative

TheSentinel Shieldis one of the best shields in the game, granting a +3 bonus to initiative and +2 to armor class. Additionally, this shield can be acquired relatively early in Act 2 and remains useful even in Act 3.

The shield is best equipped bySorcerersorWizards, who benefit from the bonus to armor class as well as a nice boost to their initiative. It’s worth noting that knocking out or killing Lann Tarv will still allow the player to loot the shield from his corpse.

Elven Chain armor stats in Baldur’s Gate 3

5Elven Chain

TheElven Chainis an excellent initiative-boosting piece of gear. It’s best suited for classes that don’t have diverse armor proficiency, as the wearer of this armor is automatically considered proficient when wearing it. The Elven Chain’s armor proficiency makes it a solid choice forWarlocksandMonkswho wish to retain their armor class while enjoying a decent +2 boost to their initiative.

Given that the armor can be purchased early in Act 3, it’s worth getting as soon as possible to benefit from it throughout the act. It’s also important to note that knocking out the merchant causes the armor to disappear from their inventory, so purchasing it is the only way to go.

Hellrider Longbow stats in Baldur’s Gate 3

4Hellrider Longbow

TheHellrider Longbowis also one of the best initiative-boosting items, second only to the Sentinel Shield. This bowoffers a +3 bonus to initiative rollsand can be acquired early in Act 3. However, if parties bringShadowheartalong when meeting the Sharran scout, he will lock the party out of trading if she has forsaken Shar.

In addition to offering a bonus on initiative rolls, the Hellrider Longbowalso grants advantage on Perception checks, ensuring that parties aren’t caught off guard by enemy ambushes.

Mask of Soul Perception stats in Baldur’s Gate 3

3Mask Of Soul Perception

Players can acquire the Mask of Soul Perception helmet once they reach the Lower City. It is locked inside a gilded chest thatrequires succeeding on a DC 20 Sleight of Hand check. Besides granting a boost to initiative rolls, the Mask of Soul Perception also provides a+2 bonus to attack rolls and Perception checks.

The wearer of this helmet can also castDetect Thoughts, which can be particularly useful if the character using it is the party’s face.

Flame Enamelled Armour stats in Baldur’s Gate 3

2Flame Enamelled Armour

The Flame Enamelled Armour is a very rare medium armor that offers16 AC, resistance to fire damage, and a +2 bonus to initiative and saving throws.The armor can be stolen from a chest in the Wyrm’s Rock armory. Since this area is heavily guarded, players may need to rely onGreater Invisibilityto sneak past the Flaming Fists and Steel Watch guards.

In addition to granting excellent bonuses, the Flame Enamelled Armour also allows the wearer to cast the level 4Fire Shieldspell once per long rest.

Elixir of Vigilance description in Baldur’s Gate 3

1Elixir of Vigilance

Provides +5 Bonus To Initiative & Immunity Against Surprise

TheElixir of Vigilanceis the best initiative-boosting item inBaldur’s Gate 3, offering a +5 bonus to initiative rolls and immunity to theSurprisedcondition. The Elixir of Vigilance effectively replicates theAlertfeat, and it’s especially useful for Clerics, who typically don’t rely on consumables but benefit more from ability score improvements to their Wisdom stat.

Players with 18 Dexterity already gain a +4 bonus to their initiative rolls, andthe Elixir of Vigilance raises their initiative to +9, essentially allowing them to go first in almost every combat encounter. As with other Elixirs, the effect lasts until the next long rest, or until the character drinks another Elixir.

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