How Does Turn Undead Work in Baldur’s Gate 3? Explained

Every Class in Baldur’s Gate 3 has some abilities that help them out when adventuring and fighting monsters. Today we are going to explain how does Turn Undead work in Baldur’s Gate 3.

BG3 offers a plethora of Actions, which are used in exploration and combat. You use them to move across the battlefield, perform attacks, cast spells, use items, etc. The actions you are able to perform are based on your Class and equipment. Some of them are quite straightforward, and some require more explanation, like Cleric’s Turn Undead. Clerics have always been an answer to the undead problem in every Baldur’s Gate so far, so let’s see how their classic anti-undead ability works in Baldur’s Gate 3.

How Does Turn Unded Work in Baldur’s Gate 3?

Turn Undead is an Action provided by the Cleric Class at Level 2. Its description says “Pray to Turn all undead that can see you.” Turned creatures flee away from the Cleric that used this ability. To use Turn Undead, select a Cleric in your Party, and make sure you still have some Channel Divinity charges left, as each use of Turn Undead uses up a Channel Divinity charge. If not, Channel Divinity charges are replenished after a Short or a Long Rest. Once you use Turn Undead with the selected Cleric, all Undead that can see him and are within 9m/30ft must roll a Wisdom Saving Throw. If passed, nothing happens. If they fail, they suffer the Turned status effect for 3 turns.

What Does Turned Status Effect Mean?

Turned Status effect in BG3 gives the following effect to the creature who has it: ”A turned creature must spend its turns moving as far away as possible from the Cleric who turned it.” Also, the Turned Undead can’t willingly move to a space within 9m/30ft of the Cleric. It also can’t take Reactions and the only Action it can take is to Dash. The important part here is that the Turned condition ends upon taking damage. It means any Undead you manage to hit while Turned stops being Turned and will attack you once again.

When is Best to Use Turn Undead?

Turn Undead is best to use when you are surrounded by Undead type of enemies, with low Wisdom Save, like Zombies and Skeletons. More powerful Undead are likely to pass that Save so better save your Channel Divinity charges. Be sure to prevent your Party members from attacking Turned enemies, as it will cancel the effect. Bear in mind that Turning Undead in the open battlefield may lead to some complications, as you may chase the ones that are fleeing and then find yourself out of position and surrounded.

Does Turn Undead Improve at Higher Levels?

Yes, at Level 5, Clerirics gain the Destroy Undead feature. That means that every Turned creature suffers 4d6 Radiant damage, before fleeing. Great for clearing waves of low-level Undead.

While short-resting for those Channel Divinity charges, take a look at Non-Lethal Damage in Baldur’s Gate 3, How Many Acts Are There, and How To Remove Teahouse Quest Marker.