Damage Resistance Baldur's Gate 2

Damage Resistance BG2

In Baldur's Gate 1 and Baldur's Gate 2, Damage Resistance (DR) is a reduction in physical damage incurred from melee and ranged attacks; that is, slashing, crushing, piercing and missile damage. Damage Resistance functions exactly as per Magic Damage Resistance BG2.

Example of Damage Resistance

Barbarian BG2 can reach 20% innate DR at 19th level. Defender of Easthaven adds another 20% for 40 total (but not to missile damage). Hardiness BG2 -- which erroneously stacks with itself -- adds another 40% DR for a total of 80% DR vs. slashing, crushing and piercing damage.

In Ascension BG2, Barbarians can legally attain 45% innate DR through Ascension Bhaalspawn Abilities.

Extreme Example of Damage Resistance

It is possible to gain bludgeoning resistance vs. Adamantite Golem BG2 fists by means of (erroneously stackable) Hardiness BG2 HLA or Armor of Faith divine spell. In addition, Defender of Easthaven [WAFLAIL] and Roronach's Horn [COMPON05] bestow bludgeoning resistance. And since it is possible to gain not only immunity but greater than 100% resistance to bludgeoning damage through these sources, the golem's fists will actually heal us.

Aerie, Anomen and Viconia -- indeed any Cleric BG2 and most Paladin BG2 -- can attain 127% damage resistance by virtue of Armor of Faith erroneously stacking with itself. Exploit fixed by BG2 Fixpack.

Belt of Inertial Barrier BG2 grants DR 50% vs. missiles.

Armor Class versus Damage Resistance

Assuming we can reduce our armor class BG2 to AC Lord levels, armor class is superior to damage resistance. However, versus THAC0 Lords such as Abazigal BG2, or in SCS BG2, damage resistance can notably increase staying power and survivability.

One (potential) problem with damage resistance is that, because we still get technically hit regardless of DR score, the on-hit sprite animation movement delay is not nullified; that is, there is a notable "hit recovery" or "interrupt" animation that triggers when we get hit -- even by projectiles (cf. Ranged Combat BG1). AC and true weapon immunity don't have this problem.

Spells that make damage resistance redundant: Stoneskin, Mirror Image and PfMW. That is, Fighter Mage BG2 doesn't need DR due to being effectively immune to weapons once buffed and warded.

Baldur's Gate Enemies with Notable Damage Resistance

• Mordenkainen's Sword BG2 (DR 100% vs. all forms of physical damage)
• Adamantite Golem BG2 (DR 90% vs. all forms)
• Shandalar BG1 (DR 80% vs. all forms)
• The Ravager BG2 (DR 75% vs. all forms)
• Tactics TorGal, Tactics Spirit Troll, Tactics Spectral Troll (DR 66% vs. all forms)
• Fallen Solar BG2 (DR 50% vs. all forms)
• Skeleton Warrior BG1 (Slashing DR 40%, Piercing DR 50%, Missile DR 60%)
• SCS TorGal (DR 30% vs. all forms)
• Ascension Balthazar (DR 10% vs. all forms)

cf. Magic Damage Resistance BG2 -- Magic Resistance BG2 -- Dwarven Defender NWN Damage Reduction.

Baldur's Gate 2 Walkthrough Guide

Baldur's Gate 1	Baldur's Gate Races	Baldur's Gate Spellcasting
Best Classes Baldur's Gate 2	Baldur's Gate Items	Baldur's Gate Dual-classing
Best Spells Baldur's Gate 2	Baldur's Gate THAC0	Baldur's Gate Specialist Mages
Best Weapons Baldur's Gate 2	Baldur's Gate Armor Class	Baldur's Gate Proficiency
Best Companions Baldur's Gate 2	Baldur's Gate ApR	Baldur's Gate Thieving