Larian Studios Forums Baldur's Gate III Baldur's Gate III - Suggestions & Feedback Hellish Rebuke is wrong

How it works in 5e;

You have 2 spell slots. You cast 0 leveled spells on your turn.
Enemy attacks you.
You use your reaction to cast Hellish Rebuke. 1 spell slot is consumed. You now have 1 spell slot.

How it works in BG3;

You have 2 spell slots. You cast 0 leveled spells on your turn.
Enemy attacks you.
You forgot to cast Hellish Rebuke on your turn. No reaction is made.
Your turn. You cast Hellish Rebuke. You now have 1 spell slot.
Enemy's turn. No one attacks you. No reaction is made.
Ally's turn. All enemies are killed. Battle ends, you're down 1 spell slot, and Hellish Rebuke is still in reaction bar. You'll get 'em next time, tiger.

If I know Hellish Rebuke, it should always be on my reaction bar, no spell slots spent. When I'm hit, Hellish Rebuke is triggered, AND THEN a spell slot is consumed.

+1

This is a systemic problem with how various abilities are implemented in BG3.
E.g., Sneak Attack: In 5e you decide to use sneak attack after you've hit. In BG3 you use the "Sneak Attack" ability and if you miss, too bad. You can't try to sneak attack again with your off-hand attack. Even though this is the main reason why rogues often dual-wield: for the higher chance of sneak attack.

If Larian is going to continue this toggle reaction system, then they should definitely change Hellish Rebuke and Smite (and Shield, if implemented) to be toggles that happen automatically when conditions (get attacked, successfully make attack) are met and only then spend the spell slot. NOT spells cast on your turn, in the hope that some enemy will attack you.

Yes, join the fight for proper reactions in Baldur's Gate 3!