After 70 hours in Baldur’s Gate 3, one player finally finds an option that makes life way easier, and they’re definitely not alone

Sometimes we get so caught up in a game that we only discover something useful at the very end. And Baldur’s Gate 3 is a perfect example of that. The sheer scale of the game, along with the incredible attention to detail from the devs at Larian Studios, makes it simple to overlook things. While some of us are chasing a powerful weapon that’s easy to miss, others are focused on unlocking secret companion dialogues or the rarest trophies. And when it comes to potions, let’s be honest, most of us just hoard them, thinking we’ll use them “eventually.” But one player recently discovered, after 70 hours of gameplay, how to craft potions, and it changed everything.

The alchemy trick BG3 players keep missing

PM_ME_UR_RECIPEZ shared on Reddit that they managed to finally learn how to mix potions and elixirs after discovering the “extract” button in BG3 (via GamePro). Without using it, all the ingredients were just sitting there not ready for crafting. And judging by the comments, they weren’t the only one who had no idea this option even existed. You could always extract ingredients one by one, but this single button makes the whole process much more efficient.

Source: Baldur's Gate 3; Developer: Larian Studios

In their defense, it’s the kind of thing that’s easy to go unnoticed, and since most important potions can be looted from enemies or bought in shops, there isn’t a huge need to craft them yourself. Plus, there are plenty of spells that can do the same job, so it’s not exactly a big oversight.

That said, once you get to know the powerful potions better, alchemy quickly becomes your favorite tool. Especially since some poisons and coatings are only available through it, like Serpent Fang Toxin, or Oil of Bane.

I started using alchemy in Act 2, when the really tough fights began. So if you're not sure when to start using potions, here are a few tips:

1. Buff up before battle – Use potions that boost your party's stats right before a fight, like the Elixir of Hill Giant Strength. Just remember: only one potion per character at a time. Drinking a second one can cancel out the first.
2. Coat your weapons – Apply oil or poison to your weapons for extra damage. It might not seem like much at first, but over longer fights, that extra damage really adds up.
3. Protect yourself – It’s always a good idea to have an Elixir of Resistance on hand to guard against whatever effects your enemies are throwing at you.
4. Adapt to the environment – Potions like the Elixir of Darkvision are very helpful in obscure areas. Not everyone sees in the dark like Astarion.

Source: Baldur's Gate 3; Developer: Larian Studios

And here are a few of my favorite go-to potions:

1. Elixir of Viciousness – Lowers the number needed to land a critical hit by 1.
2. Elixir of Heroism – Grants bonus hit points and boosts attack rolls and saving throws until your next long rest.
3. Elixir of Bloodlust – Gives you 5 temporary hit points and an extra action.
4. Potion of Speed – Gives you extra turns.

Baldur's Gate 3

August 3, 2023

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