Baldurs Gate 3: How to use Knock Unconscious? Baldurs Gate 3 guide, walkthrough

In BG3, you can atack enemies with moves that don't kill. In this guide we explain how to use non-lethal attacks and the Knock Unconscious action, as well as the reasons for avoiding killing other characters.

Last update: 21 September 2023

This page of our Baldur's Gate 3 guide explains how to knock enemies unconscious. You'll learn how to use the Knock Unconscious action, what are its major limitations and when to use it.

• Availability and limitations of the Knock Unconscious action
• When to knock people unconscious?

Availability and limitations of the Knock Unconscious action

1. Knocking enemies unconscious is a passive action, while the Knock Unconscious shortcut itself is on the special actions bar.
2. All party members can do it. It doesn't need to be unlocked by level up. It is also available from the very start of the game.
3. Enemies can be knocked unconscious with unarmed strikes and melee attacks. Using it means the final attack, which would normally kill the character, will knock them unconscious instead, sparing their life.
4. Some monsters are immune to unconsciousness, including all undead. These enemies must be killed off.

When to knock people unconscious?

1. You should use this action if you want to eliminate a character from combat but not kill them. Character deaths can hinder you later on, for example, by blocking access to quests or certain quest routes.
2. Unconscious characters can be easily robbed. You can empty out their entire inventory. You won't need pickpocketing or Sleight of Hand checks.
3. The action also comes in handy if one of your party members is mind controlled or otherwise compelled to attack their allies. This way you can temporarily disable them without needing to kill them.