BG3 Best Weapons to Dual Wield for Maximum Damage

In Baldur's Gate 3 (BG3), optimizing your character's weapon choices is crucial for maximizing damage output. Dual-wielding, which allows a character to attack with two weapons, is particularly effective when paired with the right builds and weapon choices. Whether you’re playing a sneaky rogue, an agile ranger, or a dexterous fighter, dual-wielding can offer unmatched versatility and power. The game offers a wide range of weapons, but certain pairs stand out for their synergy, damage potential, and added effects. Here's a breakdown of the best weapons to dual wield in BG3 and why these combinations work so well.

1. Dual Hand Crossbows: Unleashing a Storm of Bolts

While melee weapons are often the go-to for dual-wielding, hand crossbows offer an interesting and highly effective alternative. Two hand crossbows, one in each hand, can turn your character into a mobile turret, rapidly firing bolts at enemies from a distance.

Key Advantages:

• Bonus Attack: With the right feats, characters can gain bonus attacks with their off-hand crossbow, maximizing action economy.
• Distance and Safety: You can stay out of melee range while still dealing substantial damage.
• Versatility: Combined with abilities like Sharpshooter or Hunter’s Mark, the damage potential increases significantly.

This combination is especially deadly for classes like Rangers and Rogues who rely on Dexterity and ranged combat, keeping them agile and out of the fray while still dealing immense damage.

2. Scimitar and Shortsword: Speed and Precision

For melee-focused characters, the Scimitar and Shortsword is an excellent combination for those who prioritize speed and precision over brute strength. Both weapons are light, meaning they are ideal for dual-wielding without any penalties, and they take advantage of Dexterity for attack and damage rolls.

Key Advantages:

• Fast Strikes: The lightweight nature of these weapons allows for swift, multiple attacks in quick succession, perfect for Rogues and Fighters.
• Critical Hit Synergy: With their finesse properties, these weapons shine when combined with abilities that allow you to capitalize on critical hits.
• Sneak Attack Compatibility: Rogues can benefit from sneak attack damage, making every attack count even more.

This combo is particularly effective for stealth-based characters who want to strike fast and hard before slipping back into the shadows.

3. Rapier and Shortsword: Balancing Power and Speed

Another combination that works exceptionally well for Dexterity-based characters is the Rapier and Shortsword. While the Rapier is not a light weapon, its high base damage makes it a top-tier choice for main-hand attacks, especially when paired with a Shortsword in the off-hand.

Key Advantages:

• High Base Damage: The Rapier’s 1d8 damage dice means you’re hitting harder with every main-hand attack.
• Finesse Weapons: Both the Rapier and the Shortsword rely on Dexterity, making them ideal for classes like Rogues and Fighters.
• Off-Hand Versatility: The Shortsword provides a reliable off-hand attack without any penalties.

This setup strikes a balance between raw power and agility, making it perfect for a duelist who wants to combine finesse with high-damage output.

4. Dagger and Dagger: Stealth and Poison Mastery

Dual-wielding daggers may not sound as glamorous as wielding larger weapons, but it can be an incredibly effective tactic when used correctly. Especially for classes like the Rogue, who rely on sneak attacks and subtlety, daggers allow you to dart in and out of combat quickly while taking advantage of status effects like poison.

Key Advantages:

• Fast and Stealthy: Daggers allow for rapid strikes and are easily concealable for stealth missions.
• Poison Application: Daggers are perfect for applying poisons to increase damage or add debilitating effects.
• Sneak Attack Synergy: With Rogue abilities, you can take advantage of bonus damage from sneak attacks.

This setup works particularly well when you’re focused on stealth-based gameplay, giving you the tools to remain undetected while still dealing deadly damage.

5. Shortsword and Handaxe: Versatility in Combat

The Shortsword and Handaxe combination provides an interesting mix of melee and ranged versatility. The Shortsword offers quick melee strikes, while the Handaxe can be thrown when needed, providing flexibility in combat.

Key Advantages:

• Ranged Option: Handaxes can be thrown, giving you a ranged attack option without needing to switch weapons.
• Dexterity and Strength Synergy: While the Shortsword benefits from Dexterity, the Handaxe’s strength-based throw allows for a versatile playstyle.
• Close Combat and Distance: This setup allows you to engage in both close-range melee and medium-range throwing attacks.

This combo is particularly effective for characters who want the flexibility to handle both melee and ranged situations without sacrificing too much in either area.

6. Dual Longswords: Strength and Brute Force

For characters who focus on Strength rather than Dexterity, dual-wielding Longswords can be a devastating choice. While this setup requires more investment in feats like Dual Wielder (since Longswords aren’t light weapons), the payoff in raw damage output is well worth it.

Key Advantages:

• High Damage Output: Longswords deal 1d8 damage, making them a strong choice for both main and off-hand attacks.
• Strength Focus: Ideal for characters with high Strength, such as Fighters and Paladins.
• Durability: Longswords are robust and versatile weapons, capable of dealing with a variety of foes.

This setup is best for characters who want to focus on sheer power and durability, hacking through enemies with brute force.

7. Sickle and Shortsword: Bleed and Slash

A unique combination for players who enjoy playing with status effects is the Sickle and Shortsword setup. The Sickle’s unique properties allow for bleed damage, which stacks well with the Shortsword’s quick strikes.

Key Advantages:

• Bleed Damage: The Sickle causes bleeding, adding damage over time to your attacks.
• Speed: The Shortsword allows for fast follow-up attacks, capitalizing on the bleed status.
• Versatility: This combo allows you to deal both immediate and overtime damage, creating a highly effective damage-over-time (DoT) strategy.

This combo is best suited for characters who want to whittle down their enemies with DoT effects, ensuring that every attack leaves a lasting impact.

8. Flame Tongue and Ice Dagger: Elemental Synergy

For those who want to add a bit of elemental flair to their dual-wielding, the Flame Tongue and Ice Dagger combination is an excellent choice. Each weapon brings its own elemental effect, allowing you to deal both fire and cold damage.

Key Advantages:

• Elemental Damage: The Flame Tongue deals fire damage, while the Ice Dagger inflicts cold damage, creating a devastating combination against most enemies.
• Status Effects: Both weapons have the potential to cause additional effects like burning or freezing, making them more versatile in combat.
• Magic Synergy: These weapons work well for characters with magical abilities or those who want to incorporate spellcasting into their melee combat.

This setup is perfect for players who enjoy mixing magic with melee combat, creating a dynamic and visually stunning way to deal damage.

Conclusion

In BG3, the best weapons for dual-wielding depend heavily on your playstyle, class, and desired build. Whether you’re focusing on ranged combat with dual hand crossbows, delivering rapid melee strikes with finesse weapons, or applying bleed effects with a sickle, there’s a dual-wielding setup for every type of player. Experimentation is key—try out different combinations to find what feels right for your character. Maximizing damage and flexibility is the ultimate goal, and with these weapons in hand, you’ll be well on your way to mastering dual-wielding in Baldur's Gate 3.