Baldur's Gate I and II Frequently Asked Questions
This final FAQ for Baldur’s Gate I & II is a work in progress. Much of the content was taken from solutions posted on our Baldurs Gate & TotSC Technical Support forums and the Baldur's Gate II: SoA and ToB Technical Support forums.
Support questions relating to Baldur's Gate I & II that are not answered by the FAQ can be submitted via the BioWare Support & Contact page. In addition if you see an error in the FAQ, or if we have missed anything, please let us know.
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[BG/BGII] - Game Mechanics in the Baldurs Gate Series
Frequently asked questions on game mechanics in the Baldur's Gate Series.
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1.01: [BG/BGII] - What does THACO mean and what does it do? (Back to Top)
In the second edition rule set for AD&D the lower your Armor Class is the better. THAC0, is an acronym that stands for: "To-Hit-Armor-Class-0". You must 'roll' your THACO or higher, on a twenty-sided die, in order to get a hit on an enemy with an AC 0. If your enemy's AC is higher than 0, the difference is added to your roll, if it's lower than 0, the difference is subtracted from your roll.
For instance, say your THACO is 10 and your are battling an enemy with an AC 5. You must roll a 10, or higher, to hit AC 0, but since his AC is 5, you can roll a 5 and still get a hit. The difference of 5 would be added to your roll of 5, thus reaching your THACO of 10. So, in short, the lower your THACO, the better for you.
As your character progresses in levels their THACO will decrease thus increasing their chances of hitting a lower (better) armor class. In game terms this is basically your character getting better at fighting.
An example:
Lothar "the generic fighter" has an AC of -2.
and Hzzuk "the evil troll" has a THACO of 12, and a +2 to hit from his strength.
This would calculate out as follows:
For Dave the Troll to hit Jay he would have to roll a 12 or better. (THACO of 12 to hit AC0, Jay has an AC-2. Normally, Dave would need a THACO of 14 to hit AC-2 but he has a strength bonus that grants him a +2 bonus to hit so the roll required is reduced by 2 down to 12. Simple right?
1.02: [BG/BGII] - 2nd Edition D&D HP Progression explained or “Why am I only getting one hit point when I pass a level?” (Back to Top)
After 9th level the Hit Point progression changes for all classes. There is more detailed information regarding this on the “Class Experience Chart” found on Page 227 of the BGII: SoA manual.
At 9th level and greater a character no longer gets their CON bonus added to hit points gained.
Warriors/Bard/Ranger 9HD + 3HP/Level
Wizard/Sorcerer 9HD + 1HP/Lvl
Rogue/Priest/Monk 9HD + 2HP/LVL
