One Handed Quarterstaff BG3
The quarterstaff has long been recognized in fantasy RPGs as a classic weapon for mages, monks, and support characters. In Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3), this traditional two-handed weapon can be surprisingly versatile. One of the most intriguing gameplay choices for some builds is wielding a quarterstaff one-handed. This option opens up new strategies, especially when considering off-hand item utility or defensive configurations. Understanding how to use a one handed quarterstaff in BG3 effectively can impact both combat and roleplay performance, particularly for characters with specific feats or class synergies that benefit from this approach.
What is a Quarterstaff in BG3?
Basic Weapon Stats
In Baldur’s Gate 3, the quarterstaff is classified as a versatile melee weapon. This means it can be wielded either one-handed or two-handed, depending on the situation and the character’s loadout. When used one-handed, it deals 1d6 bludgeoning damage. If used with both hands, the damage increases to 1d8. This makes it flexible but slightly weaker in one-handed mode unless other bonuses come into play.
Weapon Type and Availability
Quarterstaves are simple weapons, meaning they can be used by nearly all classes, including Wizards, Clerics, Druids, and Monks. They are found throughout the game world, with enchanted versions offering bonuses like increased spellcasting power, elemental damage, or crowd-control effects. The choice to use it one-handed is more nuanced and tied to specific builds or utility needs.
Why Use a Quarterstaff One-Handed?
Off-Hand Utility
One of the main advantages of wielding a quarterstaff in one hand is freeing up the other hand for a shield or another magical item. This opens up hybrid playstyles where characters benefit from the balance of offense and defense. Here are some reasons players may choose the one-handed approach:
- Shield Proficiency: Some classes like Clerics or specific Warlocks can wield a shield in one hand while using a versatile weapon in the other.
- Magical Focus: Some staves double as arcane foci, allowing spellcasters to channel spells through them while maintaining the option to defend themselves.
- Roleplay Considerations: Players might prefer the aesthetic or lore-friendly look of a wizard with a staff in one hand and a spellbook or focus in the other.
Feats and Class Synergies
Classes and feats can make one-handed quarterstaff use more viable. For example, the War Caster feat benefits from having a weapon and a free hand for spellcasting. Some Monk subclasses, while not using shields, can utilize the staff one-handed to keep the other hand available for unarmed strikes or class abilities.
Classes That Benefit from One-Handed Quarterstaff Use
Cleric
Clerics proficient with shields can equip a one-handed quarterstaff in combination with a shield. This boosts their armor class (AC) while still enabling them to make melee attacks or use the quarterstaff as a spellcasting focus. It’s especially useful for frontline clerics like those of the War or Tempest domains.
Wizard
Wizards often use staves as arcane foci. When used one-handed, they can equip another magical item or utility object. While Wizards typically don’t use shields, magical items like the Mystra’s Blessing Ring or Warding Hand can synergize well with a one-handed setup.
Druid
Druids can also wield quarterstaves and may choose to go one-handed to take advantage of shields or defensive gear. Some spells in the Druid spell list complement close-combat playstyles, especially in Circle of the Moon builds where Wild Shape is combined with melee functionality.
Monk
While Monks don’t typically use shields, quarterstaffs are considered monk weapons. A Monk might attack with a one-handed quarterstaff to leave the other hand available for unarmed strikes. Since Monks rely on Dexterity and Wisdom, having a free hand allows for creative tactical combinations with items or abilities that require touch or gestures.
Enchanted Quarterstaffs Worth Using One-Handed
Staff of Arcane Blessing
This staff enhances spellcasting capabilities. Using it one-handed allows the caster to equip a shield or ring that boosts survivability, especially for squishier casters who are often targeted in combat.
Staff of Crones
With added poison damage and status effects, this staff is great for aggressive builds. When wielded one-handed by a Warlock or Hexblade, it allows for optimized offense while still benefiting from defensive tools.
Quarterstaff of Mending
This utility staff provides healing benefits. One-handed use makes it perfect for support characters who want to contribute in melee while keeping a shield ready to protect allies and themselves.
Limitations of One-Handed Quarterstaff Use
Reduced Damage Potential
One of the trade-offs is reduced base damage. The 1d6 damage of a one-handed quarterstaff is weaker than the 1d8 when wielded two-handed. For players prioritizing raw melee damage, this can be a downside unless enchantments or class features compensate for the loss.
Monk Restrictions
While Monks can wield quarterstaffs, they don’t gain much from using them one-handed unless it’s part of a multi-attack or unarmed combo. Their scaling generally benefits more from unarmed damage, so the one-handed staff is more of a niche tactic.
Requires Tactical Planning
To fully benefit from a one-handed quarterstaff setup, the player must design their build carefully. Picking appropriate feats, magic items, and spells that synergize with the loadout is key to success. Otherwise, it might feel like a suboptimal choice compared to more straightforward weapon combinations.
Best Builds for One-Handed Quarterstaff BG3 Playstyle
Shielded Spellcaster
This build focuses on survivability and spell output. A Cleric or Druid wields a quarterstaff one-handed with a shield, using the staff as a spellcasting focus and the shield for increased AC. Spells like Spiritual Weapon, Bless, or Entangle are core to this strategy.
Hexblade Warlock
A Warlock with the Pact of the Blade can choose a quarterstaff as their pact weapon. By going one-handed and equipping a defensive item, they can remain on the front lines while casting Eldritch Blast or Hex. Eldritch Invocations that increase AC or add utility make this setup more viable.
Arcane Duelist
This imaginative build uses a quarterstaff one-handed to balance combat and magic. With a focus on enchantments, illusion, or control spells, the character stays close enough to influence the battlefield without becoming too exposed. Magic items that reflect damage or grant resistance are key here.
The option to wield a one-handed quarterstaff in BG3 adds a layer of flexibility that many players overlook. While traditionally a two-handed weapon, the quarterstaff’s versatile nature allows creative builds and defensive strategies. Whether you’re a Cleric shielding up, a Warlock preparing to hex your enemies, or a Wizard focusing spells through a magical staff, the one-handed quarterstaff has a place in tactical combat and character customization. With the right planning and understanding of its limitations and strengths, this underrated choice can become a core part of your gameplay strategy in Baldur’s Gate 3.