There are six different Random Encounter areas where the party will be ambushed by enemies during travel in Baldur’s Gate. They are all relatively small in size which limits the space available in which to run and regroup. Random encounters do not always trigger, but when they do it is on journey’s that are usually greater than 16 hours in length.
The specific area “type” encountered appears to be determined based both on your current location and your destination location. Extremely long distance travel may result in the party being ambushed in more than one type of random encounter area. The Plains, Grassland, and Road areas are encountered more often than the other three.
As is normal with random encounters - the party is not allowed to sleep or save in these areas and once the map is exited the journey can continue in any direction you choose, which can possibly lead to another random encounter before you reach your final destination.
Random Encounter Area Types[]
Plains (AR5600, AR5601)[]
The Plains is normally encountered when traveling to or from those areas east of the main road between The Friendly Arm Inn and Spider Wood to the north and Nashkel and the Valley of the Tombs to the south.
Random enemies potentially encountered:
Canyon (AR5700, AR5701)[]
The Canyon is normally encountered when traveling to or from those areas south Nashkel between the Gnoll Stronghold and Bear River to the west and the Gibberling Mountains the Valley of the Tombs to the east.
Random enemies potentially encountered:
- Cave Bear
- Ghast
- Ghoul
- Gibberling
- Gnoll
- Half Ogre
- Ogre
- Ogre Berserker
- Ogre Mage
- Ogrillon
- Polar Bear
- Skeleton
- Winter Wolf
- Worg
- Xvart
Cliff (AR5800, AR5801)[]
The Cliff is only encountered when traveling to or from those areas along the Sea of Swords coast between Candlekeep and the Archaeological Site.
Random enemies potentially encountered:
- Carrion Crawler
- Ghast
- Ghoul
- Gnoll
- Gray Ooze
- Hobgoblin
- Kobold
- Mustard Jelly
- Ochre Jelly
- Ogre
- Ogre Berserker
- Skeleton
- Wild Dog
- Wolf
- Dread Wolf
- Worg
Grassland (AR5900, AR5901)[]
The Grassland is normally encountered when traveling to or from those areas extending from Wyrm's Crossing to the Lion's Way then south to Fisherman's Lake, east to the Lonely Peaks, and then back north to the Bandit Camp.
Random enemies potentially encountered:
- Lesser Basilisk
- Ghast
- Ghoul
- Gibberling
- Half Ogre
- Hobgoblin
- Kobold
- Ogre
- Ogre Berserker
- Ogre Mage
- Ogrillon
- Skeleton
- Wild Dog
- Wolf
- Dread Wolf
- Vampiric Wolf
- Worg
Forest (AR6000, AR6001)[]
The Forest is only encountered when traveling to or from those areas of the Cloakwood Forest, which is not accessible until you've reached Chapter Four. This is the only random encounter area to contain a trap within its boundary.
Random enemies potentially encountered:
- Ettercap
- Giant Spider
- Baby Wyvern
- Wyvern
- Greater Wyvern
Road (AR6100)[]
The Road is only encountered when traveling to or from those areas along the main road between Wyrm's Crossing and Nashkel.
Random enemies potentially encountered:
- Bandit
- Gibberling
- Half Ogre
- Hobgoblin
- Kobold
- Wild Dog
- Wolf
- Worg