The first act of Baldur’s Gate 3 offers players a wide variety of weapons and gear to collect, with quarterstaffs being among the most useful for spellcasters, monks, and support-focused characters. Whether you’re playing as a wizard, druid, or simply prefer versatile melee options, understanding the strengths and availability of quarterstaffs in Act 1 can significantly improve your gameplay experience. These weapons often come with magical enhancements and stat bonuses that add strategic depth during early encounters and exploration.
Understanding Quarterstaffs in Baldur’s Gate 3
What Makes a Quarterstaff Unique?
Quarterstaffs in BG3 are two-handed weapons that can be used both as melee tools and arcane foci. This dual purpose is what makes them particularly appealing to spellcasters like wizards, druids, and sorcerers. They typically deal bludgeoning damage and scale with Strength or Dexterity for melee attacks. However, their true power often comes from magical variants that grant additional effects such as bonuses to spellcasting, saving throws, or utility enhancements.
Classes That Benefit Most from Quarterstaffs
- Wizards: Quarterstaffs serve as a spellcasting focus and weapon, especially when wielding magically enchanted versions.
- Druids: Useful for shapeshifters when reverting to humanoid form or for nature-themed spellcasters seeking lore-friendly weapons.
- Clerics (certain domains): Can benefit from quarterstaffs for thematic and functional purposes, especially if their domain grants proficiency.
- Monks: Monks proficient with quarterstaffs can utilize them for martial arts combos, provided the weapon remains simple and meets their build requirements.
Best Quarterstaffs Available in Act 1
1. Staff of Crones
One of the standout quarterstaffs in Act 1 is the Staff of Crones. It is a unique magic weapon that grants poison-based abilities, including the ‘Ray of Sickness’ spell. This makes it a strong option for characters that deal in status effects or poison damage. You can obtain this staff by defeating Auntie Ethel in the Sunlit Wetlands, a tricky but rewarding encounter.
2. Staff of Arcane Blessing
Located in the Underdark, the Staff of Arcane Blessing is a potent weapon for spellcasters looking to buff their allies. It enhances the effects of Bless, granting additional bonuses to Attack Rolls and Saving Throws beyond the normal spell effect. This item can be found by defeating Filro the Forgotten and looting his remains. This makes it a powerful staff for support-oriented builds early in the game.
3. Staff of the Forest
A druid’s dream weapon, the Staff of the Forest is thematically aligned and functionally efficient for spellcasters who prefer nature-based magic. It enhances your spellcasting by providing bonuses to spell saves or nature-related spells. It may be found in hidden or vendor locations, depending on the choices you make throughout Act 1, often requiring persuasion, stealth, or combat to obtain.
Where to Find Quarterstaffs in Act 1
Vendors and Traders
Several merchants and traders in Act 1 carry quarterstaffs, both mundane and magical. Be sure to visit the following locations:
- Arron in the Druid Grove: Offers magical weapons, including quarterstaffs, depending on your progress and reputation within the Grove.
- Roah Moonglow: Located in the Goblin Camp, this trader sometimes has magical weapons that rotate through inventory.
- Under the Mountain Pass or Underdark merchants: Hidden vendors provide advanced gear, often at a higher price or challenge level.
Enemy Drops and Exploration
Many quarterstaffs are found as loot drops or in hidden chests. Exploring the following regions may yield valuable finds:
- Blighted Village: Some enemies and locked containers hold rare gear including staffs.
- Owlbear Cave: While not directly linked to quarterstaffs, the rewards from exploring these tough encounters can fund valuable purchases later.
- Underdark: Several side quests and mini-bosses in the Underdark yield powerful staffs as rewards or loot.
How to Choose the Right Quarterstaff
Consider Your Build and Playstyle
Not all quarterstaffs serve the same purpose. A monk will benefit from a simple, lightweight staff that works with Martial Arts. A wizard or sorcerer, on the other hand, benefits from staffs with spell-enhancing properties. Consider the following factors:
- Spellcasting focus compatibility
- Bonuses to spell save DC or attack rolls
- Unique enchantments or passive abilities
- Weapon weight and usability in dual-wield or two-handed builds
Stat Requirements and Scaling
Some quarterstaffs might require higher Strength to be wielded effectively in melee. However, spellcasters often do not invest heavily in Strength, making it essential to prioritize magic-based staffs that focus on spellcasting rather than physical damage output. Quarterstaffs that enhance Wisdom-based abilities are also perfect for druids and clerics.
Combining Quarterstaffs with Feats and Spells
Pairing your quarterstaff with the right feat can enhance its utility. For instance, theWar Casterfeat allows you to cast spells as opportunity attacks, increasing your effectiveness in melee range.Magic InitiateorElemental Adeptcan further tailor your build to match the staff’s elemental properties.
Spells likeShillelagh(for druids) turn the quarterstaff into a high-damage weapon using Wisdom instead of Strength, making it extremely useful when combined with class features like Wild Shape or nature spells. Spells likeMage ArmorandShieldcan complement staff wielders who venture into the front lines.
Quarterstaffs in Party Composition
If you’re managing a party in BG3, it’s important to distribute gear strategically. If your wizard has a Staff of Arcane Blessing, your cleric or druid might benefit more from a Staff of the Forest. Quarterstaffs offer valuable passive effects, so assign them to characters who maximize their benefits.
For instance, Gale, as a wizard companion, makes excellent use of any spellcasting-enhancing quarterstaff. Shadowheart, being a cleric, can also wield quarterstaffs effectively if her domain grants proficiency, especially if the staff grants healing or buffing bonuses.
In Baldur’s Gate 3 Act 1, quarterstaffs provide more than just a melee option they offer powerful spellcasting enhancements, class synergies, and unique effects that can dramatically shift the tide of battle. From the poisonous Staff of Crones to the support-focused Staff of Arcane Blessing, there’s a quarterstaff for every kind of spellcaster and strategy. Knowing where to find them and how to equip them effectively will ensure your characters thrive in the early hours of your adventure. Keep your eyes open during exploration, defeat key enemies, and always check vendor inventories to maximize your party’s potential with these valuable weapons.