In Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3), the Bard class stands out as one of the most versatile and charismatic options for players who enjoy supporting their party while still contributing in combat. A key feature of the Bard is Bardic Inspiration, which allows a Bard to grant bonus dice to themselves or their allies to improve skill checks, attack rolls, or saving throws. Many players often overlook the potential of using Bardic Inspiration on themselves, but understanding how it works, when to apply it, and which subclasses enhance self-inspiration can dramatically improve gameplay and survivability in BG3.
Understanding Bardic Inspiration
Bardic Inspiration is a class feature available to all Bards from level 1. Typically, Bards can use a bonus action to grant an ally a Bardic Inspiration die, which can be added to ability checks, attack rolls, or saving throws. The size of the die starts as a d6 and increases as the Bard levels up, potentially reaching a d12 at higher levels. While the feature is often used to support allies, the rules in BG3 allow players to target themselves with Bardic Inspiration, opening up strategic options for solo play or critical moments in combat.
How Bardic Inspiration Works on Self
When a Bard uses Bardic Inspiration on themselves, they gain a bonus die that can be applied to their own rolls, just as they would for an ally. This means that the Bard can boost their own attack rolls, saving throws, or ability checks when the situation demands. Timing is crucial; using Bardic Inspiration at the start of a critical turn can make the difference between landing a decisive blow, avoiding damage, or succeeding on a high-stakes skill check. BG3’s turn-based combat system encourages careful planning, and self-inspiration is a tool that enhances the Bard’s adaptability.
Benefits of Using Bardic Inspiration on Yourself
Applying Bardic Inspiration to yourself can provide multiple advantages depending on your current role in the party, your subclass, and your immediate needs in battle or exploration.
Improved Attack Rolls and Damage Potential
One of the primary benefits of self-inspiration is improving your own attack rolls. For a Bard using weapons or spells that require attack rolls, adding a Bardic Inspiration die can significantly increase the chance to hit a target, especially against high AC enemies. This is particularly useful for melee Bards or those utilizing spell attacks with higher stakes. The bonus can also increase overall damage indirectly, as a successful hit deals its full potential damage.
Enhanced Saving Throws
Saving throws are essential in BG3, where spells and environmental hazards can cause significant harm. Using Bardic Inspiration on yourself can help avoid debilitating conditions like paralysis, fear, or massive damage from spells like Fireball. Timing the use of Bardic Inspiration before a saving throw can be critical during difficult encounters, making the Bard more resilient and less reliant on healing from other party members.
Success in Skill Checks
Bards frequently engage in skill checks during exploration, dialogue, or interaction with objects. Self-inspiration can boost these checks when performing critical tasks, such as picking locks, persuading NPCs, or searching for hidden items. In narrative-driven moments, a well-timed self-Bardic Inspiration can unlock alternate paths, reveal hidden rewards, or prevent combat altogether.
Subclasses That Enhance Self-Bardic Inspiration
Certain Bard subclasses in BG3 can enhance the effectiveness of Bardic Inspiration on oneself. These subclass features provide additional mechanics or abilities that synergize with self-inspiration, making it a strategic tool for both offense and defense.
College of Lore
The College of Lore Bard emphasizes versatility and skill mastery. With features that enhance ability checks and additional proficiencies, using Bardic Inspiration on yourself can ensure success in critical skill-based situations. Lore Bards benefit from cutting words, which can also reduce enemy rolls, allowing you to simultaneously bolster yourself while hindering opponents.
College of Valor
Valor Bards excel in combat and can use Bardic Inspiration to boost attack rolls or damage for themselves and allies. Self-inspiration for a Valor Bard enhances weapon attacks and can complement features like Extra Attack, ensuring maximum damage output during crucial turns. In situations where the Bard must step into the frontlines, self-inspiration becomes an invaluable tool.
College of Swords
Swords Bards combine mobility and melee combat prowess. Using Bardic Inspiration on themselves enhances attack rolls and allows for higher burst damage in melee engagements. The subclass’s ability to add Flourish damage synergizes well with self-inspiration, as both features can increase the overall offensive potential in a single turn.
Strategic Tips for Self-Bardic Inspiration
Knowing when and how to use Bardic Inspiration on yourself can greatly impact the outcome of challenging encounters. Here are practical tips for maximizing its benefits
Plan Ahead for Critical Turns
Always consider potential moments when a critical attack, saving throw, or skill check might determine the success or failure of a turn. Applying Bardic Inspiration to yourself before these moments can tip the scales in your favor. For example, using self-inspiration right before a high-damage spell or a stealth check ensures better odds of success.
Combine with Spells and Abilities
Synergize Bardic Inspiration with other spells that require rolls. For example, combining a self-inspiration with spells like Vicious Mockery, Dissonant Whispers, or weapon attacks increases the likelihood of both hitting and applying effects successfully. Additionally, consider multiclass options that enhance your roll potential, creating further synergy.
Monitor Resource Management
Bardic Inspiration uses a limited number of dice per long rest, so be mindful of conserving your resources. Using it too early on minor rolls might leave you without support during critical moments. Prioritize high-stakes situations and consider your party composition when deciding to use self-inspiration versus aiding an ally.
Bardic Inspiration is a defining feature of the Bard class in BG3, and using it on oneself is an often underutilized strategy that can significantly improve combat performance, survivability, and skill success. Whether enhancing attack rolls, saving throws, or critical skill checks, self-inspiration adds flexibility and power to a Bard’s toolkit. Subclasses like College of Lore, Valor, and Swords provide additional synergy, allowing Bards to tailor self-inspiration to fit both their preferred playstyle and the challenges they face. By strategically applying Bardic Inspiration on yourself, players can fully unlock the Bard’s potential, mastering both support and personal effectiveness in Baldur’s Gate 3.