Larian Studios Forums Baldur's Gate III Baldur's Gate III - Build Discussion Counterspell at lower level spell slot?

Counterspell says "need to use same level spell slot, or else pass a check."
What check is that supposed to be? Every single time I tried to use a lower-level slot, it just flat out failed. Is there a mechanic that's not triggering, or have I just had some epic bad luck?

It is *supposed* to be an ability check using your spellcasting ability modifier against DC 10 + spell level. Thus, it should roughly be a 50% chance, given that you'll have a modifier of +4 or +5 and be using it against a 4th, 5th, or 6th level spell. https://roll20.net/compendium/dnd5e/Counterspell#content

Idk how (if) it's implemented in BG3. Is there anything in the combat log when you do this?

That's how it's supposed to work in 5E PnP. Here it just says Tav used Failed Counterspell, and mousing over any part of that gives no dice roll information popup, and it always just fails. Have tried a dozen times so far.

My Gale mostly uses lv3 counterspell unless I'm seeing a really deadly spell cast, and for the most part it often succeeds. You're probably having bad luck. Granted, most of my usage has been in Act 3 and by then your characters are decked out in a bunch of +1/2 DC enhancement gear plus rocking 20-22 of their main stat.

DC enhancement gear should be irrelevant in that calculation; it is a raw stat check. My sorceror's charisma is 22. Anything not exactly the same level or above always fails, 14 times now. Given how no roll is ever shown, and the name of the spell changes into Failed Counterspell in the log, I can only assume the functionality is outright not in the game.

If you want, check the level of spells you are counterspelling, and with what.

It's been mostly Fireballs and Blight/Slow casts. Fireball I guess makes sense as the enemy is probably casting it at lv3. I always prioritize counterspells with a lv3 spell slot and build my way up the less spell slots I have remaining.

You're misunderstanding the text, which is understandable.

You cannot cast Counterspell using a 1st or 2nd level spell slot, because it's a 3rd level spell. What it's talking about is the spell you are *countering.* In other words, if a hostile creature is casting a spell that is first, second, or third level - Counterspell will work.

BUT, if an enemy casts a 4th level spell, you'll have to pass a skill check after casting Counterspell - UNLESS you cast it using a 4th level slot or higher. Basically you need to meet or beat the spell slot level used by the enemy, otherwise it's a skill check to see if it works.

You entirely and completely failed to understand the problem.
It's not about 1st or 2nd level spell slots. You can't even cast Counterspell at those levels. That's not a "fail", there is no button to do that. Because it is a 3rd level spell. How would you even assume that this is what I was talking about?
But if you use a 3rd level vs a 4th level spell, it will fail. No check is rolled, it is just "Tav casts Failed Counterspell." 20+ times now.

Okay… is it possible the enemy caster is casting Counterspell against your Counterspell?

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No.