Exploring dark areas inBaldur’s Gate 3can be both thrilling and dangerous, especially when visibility is low and hidden traps or enemies might be lurking just beyond the shadows. One of the simplest yet most essential tools in your inventory is the humble torch. While it may seem like a basic item, knowing how to equip a torch properly can greatly enhance your exploration, especially in dungeons, crypts, or other poorly lit locations. Understanding how to equip a torch in BG3 is a small detail that can make a big difference in your gameplay experience.
Why Equipping a Torch Matters
Darkness inBG3isn’t just a visual element it plays a significant role in gameplay mechanics. Characters without darkvision or a source of light may suffer penalties to perception, miss important loot, or fail to detect traps. Furthermore, fighting in the dark can put you at a disadvantage, especially when facing creatures that rely on stealth or have superior darkvision abilities.
Torches provide a practical solution by lighting up your immediate surroundings. While they don’t offer combat benefits like enchanted weapons, they can be crucial for surviving night encounters and navigating complex underground zones.
Finding and Identifying a Torch
Torches are relatively easy to acquire inBaldur’s Gate 3. You’ll often find them:
- In barrels, crates, or on walls in dungeons
- Inside camps, ruins, or NPC settlements
- As starting items in some character inventories
Torches are listed in your inventory as a common item. They do not weigh much, and having a few of them on hand is always a good idea. Though they have no monetary value or enchantments, their utility is unmatched when exploring unlit terrain.
How to Equip a Torch in BG3
Equipping a torch is a straightforward process once you understand the inventory system. However, some players may overlook the process due to the game’s many interface options.
Steps to Equip a Torch
- Open your character’s inventory by pressing the default keyI.
- Find the torch item in your inventory it will usually be under the ‘Common Items’ or ‘Miscellaneous’ section.
- Drag the torch to your character’s off-hand slot (usually located below the weapon slot).
- Once equipped, the torch will automatically light up and provide illumination in a radius around your character.
Alternatively, if your character is dual-wielding, you may need to unequip a second weapon or shield to make space for the torch in your off-hand. Torches cannot be used while using two-handed weapons or when both hands are already occupied.
Using the Torch
Once the torch is equipped, it provides continuous light without needing to activate anything. However, some actions may cause your character to put away the torch temporarily, such as:
- Entering turn-based combat (torch remains visible but may not always be active)
- Switching to another weapon set
- Performing actions that require both hands
If this happens, simply re-equip the torch as described above or use the hotbar to quickly switch gear configurations.
Alternate Light Sources in BG3
While torches are useful, they are not the only way to light up your environment. Depending on your class, race, or magical items, you may have access to other forms of illumination:
Cantrips and Spells
- Light Cantrip Available to some spellcasting classes like Clerics and Wizards, this cantrip can be cast on objects or weapons to emit bright light.
- Dancing Lights A utility spell that creates floating orbs of light, useful for lighting larger areas.
Racial Abilities
- Darkvision Races like Drow, Half-Orcs, and Tieflings can see in the dark naturally, reducing the need for a torch in many situations.
Magical Gear
- Certain weapons and accessories emit light passively. For example, enchanted swords may glow, providing an alternative to torches.
Despite these alternatives, a torch remains a universally accessible solution, especially in the early game or for characters without magical utility.
Tips for Torch Use During Exploration
Maximizing the benefits of a torch involves strategic planning and good party management. Here are several tips for using torches effectively:
- Designate one party memberto be the torchbearer, especially if that character isn’t the main damage-dealer and doesn’t rely on shields or dual weapons.
- Switch to torch during explorationand then return to weapons during combat. You can use the hotbar to save time switching.
- Use torches to trigger traps or burn flammable objectsin the environment, such as oil barrels or webs. They can function as basic fire tools.
- Drop torcheson the ground to create temporary light in a fixed location, useful when preparing for ambushes or examining suspicious areas.
Common Torch-Related Issues and Fixes
Players sometimes encounter minor issues when trying to use torches in BG3. Here are a few common concerns and their solutions:
- Torch won’t equip Ensure your off-hand is free. Remove a second weapon or shield first.
- Torch isn’t lighting up Try unequipping and re-equipping the torch. Occasionally, visual bugs may prevent the lighting effect from appearing.
- Can’t find torch in inventory Sort inventory by item type or weight to make it easier to locate. You can also use the search bar.
Most of these issues are interface-related and can be resolved by managing your character’s gear layout or reloading a recent save.
When Not to Use a Torch
While torches are extremely helpful, there are scenarios where using them is not recommended:
- Stealth missions A lit torch will make your character easily detectable by enemies. Extinguish it or use Darkvision instead.
- Combat-heavy encounters You may want your character to wield a full weapon loadout rather than a torch for maximum effectiveness.
- Traps near explosive elements A lit torch near flammable gas or explosive barrels can trigger hazards unintentionally.
In such cases, rely on alternative light sources or choose characters with natural vision advantages.
Equipping and using a torch inBaldur’s Gate 3might seem like a simple mechanic, but it plays an important role in successful exploration. Whether you’re crawling through a shadowy ruin, evading deadly traps, or just trying to locate a hidden switch in a forgotten temple, the light from a torch can be your best ally. By understanding how and when to equip a torch, you ensure that your journey through the Forgotten Realms is both safer and more immersive.
Always keep a few torches in your pack, and don’t underestimate their importance. In a world filled with monsters and mystery, sometimes the smallest flame can reveal the biggest secrets.