Have you ever been in a situation where you cast a spell in *Baldur’s Gate 3*, only to watch your enemies become completely stuck, helpless, and unable to move? That’s exactly what “Hold Monster” does in the game, and while it sounds like a spell that would save the day, sometimes it feels like it causes more chaos than it’s worth! Let’s break down why “Hold Monster” is both a blessing and a curse in this epic RPG.

What Is Hold Monster in BG3?
For those who haven’t yet dived deep into *Baldur’s Gate 3*, “Hold Monster” is a spell that can paralyze a target creature, rendering it immobile and unable to act. Sounds powerful, right? The spell works similarly to other “Hold” spells, but with the added benefit of working on more dangerous creatures like dragons or powerful demons. However, as with most things in life, there’s always a catch.
The Problem: The Hold Monster Curse
While *Hold Monster* can be a game-changer, players have reported some… unexpected issues. For instance, there are moments when the spell simply doesn’t seem to work as expected. Some players have encountered bugs where the creature doesn’t stay paralyzed for long, or in rare cases, the spell does nothing at all. You might think you’ve got a huge advantage on your hands, but suddenly, the enemy’s moving around again like nothing happened.
Additionally, in some environments, “Hold Monster” can have a strange effect on the pacing of the game. Battles can turn into a weird waiting game where you just keep the enemy frozen and can’t interact with them in a meaningful way. It’s a bit like holding a remote to pause the action in your favorite show, but you never get to see the next episode!
Why Does This Happen?
There are a few theories floating around about why this issue exists. Some players believe it’s linked to specific creatures or certain game settings. For example, certain powerful bosses or creatures might have mechanics that allow them to resist the “Hold” effect. Another theory is that the spell might be working just fine, but the game’s AI struggles with situations where a creature is frozen mid-combat, leading to unexpected behavior.
It’s also worth mentioning that the game’s vast open-world design and complex systems might sometimes cause bugs or glitches, and the way *Baldur’s Gate 3* handles these things can sometimes lead to a hiccup in the experience.
How to Fix It: Solutions and Workarounds

If you find yourself in a situation where “Hold Monster” isn’t working as expected, don’t worry! There are a few things you can try.
1. **Check the Target’s Resistances**: Some enemies might be naturally resistant to hold or paralysis effects. Before casting, check their stats or look up whether they can resist your spell.
2. **Game Updates and Patches**: *Baldur’s Gate 3* is frequently updated. If you haven’t already, make sure your game is up to date. Patch updates often address bugs and improve the functionality of spells.
3. **Try Using Other Spells**: Sometimes, *Hold Monster* isn’t the best solution. If it’s not working, consider using other crowd control spells like *Entangle* or *Tasha’s Hideous Laughter* to temporarily disable enemies.
4. **Seek Community Advice**: The *BG3* community is full of players sharing tips and tricks. Visit forums or Reddit to see if others have encountered similar issues and found solutions.
What Are Other Players Saying?
A quick glance through the community forums reveals a variety of opinions on *Hold Monster*. Some players love how powerful it can be against large, intimidating foes, while others find it frustrating when it doesn’t deliver as expected. One player wrote, “I thought I had this giant dragon cornered, but it just shrugged off the paralysis. What gives?” Another posted, “I used it on a bunch of goblins, and they were frozen in place for so long, it felt like I was playing a slow-motion fight scene!”
Let’s Hear From You: What’s Your Experience?
Have you ever cast *Hold Monster* and had it go totally wrong? Maybe you’ve had the opposite experience and found it to be incredibly useful. How do you feel about this spell’s role in *Baldur’s Gate 3*? Was it a game-saver or just another spell that missed the mark? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below—we’d love to hear your experiences!

Conclusion: Should You Use Hold Monster?
So, should you bother with *Hold Monster* in *BG3*? The answer really depends on the situation. It’s a useful spell in many instances, especially for dealing with powerful enemies, but it’s also prone to a few frustrating bugs and quirks. While it might not always work as expected, when it does, it’s definitely one of the most satisfying ways to disable your enemies. Keep an eye out for updates and stay connected with the community for any tips on improving your experience!
In the end, *Hold Monster* is a powerful tool—but like any great power, it requires careful handling. Will you become a master of the spell or get caught in its frozen web of disappointment? Only time (and a few battles) will tell!