In Baldur’s Gate 3, many players experiment with unconventional builds and weapon combinations to explore new combat strategies. One such curiosity is whether or not you can dual wield quarterstaves, a weapon traditionally seen as two-handed and not typically associated with dual wielding. Understanding how to dual wield quarterstaff in BG3 involves working around certain game mechanics, using specific feats, and choosing the right equipment. This guide will explain what’s possible, what’s not, and how to achieve the closest result if you’re set on making a dual quarterstaff build work.
Understanding Quarterstaff Mechanics in BG3
Quarterstaffs in Baldur’s Gate 3 are versatile melee weapons classified as simple and can be wielded with one or two hands. When held in two hands, they deal 1d8 bludgeoning damage instead of 1d6. This versatility makes them a decent choice for many classes early in the game, especially those that benefit from using both hands, such as clerics or monks. However, they are not considered light weapons, which plays an important role in dual wielding rules.
Why Light Weapons Matter
In BG3, the default rule for dual wielding requires both weapons to be light. Light weapons include things like shortswords, daggers, scimitars, and handaxes. Quarterstaffs are not light, so they cannot be dual wielded under normal conditions without special help. This presents the first barrier to wielding two quarterstaffs at once.
Is It Possible to Dual Wield Quarterstaffs?
Under normal gameplay rules and the current version of Baldur’s Gate 3, dual wielding quarterstaffs is not officially supported. The game restricts dual wielding to weapons that are marked as light, unless you take specific feats that allow exceptions. Even then, quarterstaffs fall into an awkward category they are versatile but not dual-wield-friendly.
Workarounds and Creative Alternatives
Although you can’t technically dual wield two quarterstaffs using default mechanics, there are a few ways to simulate or come close to the effect:
- Use the Dual Wielder Feat: This feat allows you to dual wield non-light weapons, which opens up possibilities like longswords or battleaxes. However, quarterstaffs are not coded as dual-wieldable even with this feat, so it doesn’t directly solve the problem.
- Equip a Quarterstaff and Use Polearm Master: Though not true dual wielding, Polearm Master lets you make bonus attacks with a quarterstaff as if it were a second weapon, mimicking dual wield behavior.
- Modding the Game: For PC players, using mods is the only real way to dual wield quarterstaffs. Modding tools can change the weapon properties, making them count as light or dual-wieldable.
If you are playing without mods, the most practical path is to use Polearm Master with a quarterstaff to simulate the extra attacks of a dual wield build.
Classes That Benefit from Quarterstaffs
While dual wielding quarterstaffs may not be standard, certain classes benefit greatly from using a quarterstaff in combat. These classes include:
- Monk: Monks can use quarterstaffs as monk weapons, benefiting from Dexterity scaling and martial arts bonuses.
- Druid: Druids can use quarterstaffs and sometimes enchant them with spells like Shillelagh, making them scale with Wisdom instead of Strength.
- Fighter (Eldritch Knight): A fighter with versatile weapon use can incorporate quarterstaffs while benefiting from spellcasting and battlefield control.
These classes can all take advantage of quarterstaffs in a one-handed or two-handed capacity, though not as dual wielders unless using mods or creative interpretations.
Polearm Master: The Best Alternative
If your goal is to get extra attacks while using a quarterstaff, thePolearm Masterfeat is your best friend. This feat allows you to make an additional attack with the opposite end of a polearm weapon, including quarterstaffs. This bonus attack mimics the feel of using two weapons, even if it’s technically just one.
How It Works
With Polearm Master:
- You gain an additional bonus action attack using the back end of your quarterstaff.
- This attack deals 1d4 damage and uses the same modifier as the main attack.
- You can also make opportunity attacks when enemies enter your reach, giving you more battlefield control.
This effectively gives you a dual wield feel with only one weapon, which fits perfectly for roleplaying a staff master or martial arts-style warrior.
Using Mods to Dual Wield Quarterstaffs
For players on PC who are determined to dual wield two quarterstaffs in BG3, mods are the only full solution. By modifying the weapon properties to classify quarterstaffs as light or dual-wieldable, you can bypass the game’s restrictions. Several modding platforms support this kind of customization.
Considerations When Using Mods
- Always back up your save files before installing mods.
- Some mods may break after game updates, requiring fixes or removal.
- Dual wielding quarterstaffs through mods may create visual clipping or animation bugs.
Modding should be used with care, but it opens up creative possibilities that go beyond the base game’s limitations. If your goal is to dual wield quarterstaffs for aesthetic, thematic, or challenge reasons, this is the most reliable way to do it.
Visual and Roleplay Appeal
Some players are drawn to the idea of dual wielding quarterstaffs purely for visual flair or roleplaying reasons. While it may not be mechanically optimal, it can enhance the experience if you’re playing a monk-like warrior, a magical battlemage, or a character with a unique backstory. Roleplay builds in BG3 are highly flexible, and you don’t always need to stick to the meta to have fun.
Summary of Options
Here’s a quick breakdown of your options when aiming to dual wield quarterstaffs in Baldur’s Gate 3:
- Default Game Mechanics: Dual wielding quarterstaffs is not allowed.
- Polearm Master Feat: Best in-game alternative, provides extra attacks using a single quarterstaff.
- Modding: Required to fully dual wield quarterstaffs; modify weapon properties to allow dual wielding.
- Roleplay and Visuals: Even without full mechanics, you can still theme your character around using two staves for storytelling purposes.
While Baldur’s Gate 3 doesn’t officially support dual wielding quarterstaffs, there are still ways to explore this idea through creative builds and modifications. Using feats like Polearm Master provides a close approximation of dual staff combat, while modding opens the door to making it a reality. Whether you’re chasing power or crafting a unique character concept, understanding how to dual wield quarterstaff in BG3 gives you the tools to shape your own combat experience. Choose the method that fits your goals, and make your staff-wielding warrior a force to remember.