Baldur's Gate 3: Ultimate Summons, Ranked

Article Key Points

Conjuration magic in Baldur's Gate 3 allows players to summon a variety of helpful creatures, such as Flesh, Shadow Lantern Wraith, and Ice Mephits.

These summons can help players in combat and exploration, granting strategic advantages through their distinctive abilities. With a wide range of options available, players can experiment and conquer their encounters using powerful and temporary summons like Flesh, narrative-driven familiars like Us, and formidable creatures such as the Guardian of Faith.

Accessed through a playable character's class, spell scrolls, or specific items, magic is a common occurrence in Baldur's Gate 3. One type of magic is conjuration, which involves summoning items or creatures into existence. These summons can be of great assistance in combat and exploration.

Since Larian fixed the issue causing NPCs to flee conversations when encountering summons, they have become a valuable asset in any encounter. It is worth experimenting with these summons as they can significantly enhance your chances of success. With a wide range of summoning options available, here are some of the top summons in the game for those who wish to have a dominating impact.

10. Flesh

Flesh Is A Powerful, Albeit Temporary, Summon In The Gauntlet Of Shar

Level: 7

Type: Construct

HP: 182

AC: 11

Size: Medium

Initiative: -1

Flesh, the summon, possesses formidable power. However, its potential is severely limited as it can only be summoned within the Gauntlet of Shar during Act Two. In Act Two, players encounter Balthazar, a necromancer seeking their assistance in the retrieval of an artifact.

9. Shadow Lantern Wraith

Players have the opportunity to convince Balthazar to offer them a bell capable of summoning his flesh golem sibling, aptly named Flesh. Regrettably, despite departing on good terms with Balthazar from the Gauntlet of Shar, it becomes evident that the presence of Flesh was merely a temporary arrangement.

Useful For Players Who Favor Dark Magic

Level: 5

Type: Undead

HP: 24

AC: 13

Size: Medium

Initiative: +3

When Gale is present in the party during the exploration of Balthazar's workshop in Moonrise Towers, players have the opportunity to witness an intriguing transformation. The wizard companion possesses the ability to convert a moon lantern into a shadow lantern, a rather nefarious process that grants the ability to summon another eerie ally.

In this particular instance, the summoned companion takes the form of a Shadow. While the Shadow possesses formidable power, it can only remain summoned if the lantern is equipped, creating occasional inconveniences during the summoning process. Nevertheless, for players who are open to dabbling in the realm of dark magic, the Shadow Wraith is a captivating entity that definitely warrants investigation.

8. Ice Mephits

Helpful Due To Their Strength In Numbers And Ice Attacks

Level: 7

Type: Elemental

HP: 21

AC: 11

Size: Small

Initiative: +1

The spell "Conjure Minor Elemental" can be cast by druids and wizards at level four. Players have the option to summon different creatures, such as an azer, two mud mephits, or two ice mephits. Among them, the ice mephits prove to be particularly advantageous in combat, making them the preferred choice.

This is due to the combination of their abundant numbers and their icy assaults, resulting in foes slipping and falling prone. Irrespective of the summon that players favor, "Conjure Minor Elemental" is an indispensable conjuration spell for one's arsenal.

7. Cambion

The Infernal Rapier Needed For The Summon Is Also Useful On Its Own

Level: 5

Type: Fiend

HP: 82

AC: 18

Size: Medium

Initiative: +4

High-level clerics can access the level six spell called "Planar Ally," which enables them to summon creatures from beyond the material plane, such as djinni and deva, both known for their immense power.

However, the fiendish cambion deserves special attention due to an exclusive item only obtainable by Wyll, the warlock companion character. If Wyll manages to successfully liberate his patron's "devil asset" from the mindflayer colony in Act Two's conclusion, he will receive the Infernal Rapier as a reward. This formidable weapon grants its wielder the ability to cast "Planar Ally: Cambion" once per long rest.

6. Us

Combines Strength With Narrative Depth

Level: 1

Type: Aberration

HP: 55

AC: 12

Size: Small

Initiative bonus: +2

Familiars serve as valuable companions in Baldur's Gate 3. The essential level one spell, "Find Familiar," is highly recommended for the added advantage of having an additional character in the initiative round. Furthermore, certain familiars possess intriguing storylines, adding narrative richness to the game.

Honorable mentions must go to the dog Scratch, the mischievous quasit named Shovel, and, of course, Boo, the miniature giant space hamster who is exclusive to Minsc, the companion. If players establish a bond with the intellect devourer named Us, they will have the ability to summon it as their familiar during the latter part of Act Two. This not only adds another familiar with a compelling storyline, but also one of tremendous strength.

5. Bear (Ursa Igens)

The Bear Is Not Only Powerful But Can Summon An Additional Bear To The Fray

Level: Variable

Type: Beast

HP: Variable

AC: Variable

Size: Large

Initiative: +0

Ranger characters have the opportunity to enhance their animal summoning abilities with a distinctive feature called an animal companion. This companion can be summoned in various forms, allowing the ranger to have a stronger connection with their chosen animal. Notably, the companion grows in power alongside the ranger, reinforcing their bond. Among the available options, the bear stands out as one of the most formidable choices, possessing the ability to summon an additional bear for added support. Although rangers are encouraged to explore and diversify their choice of companions, the bear form often becomes a favored and reliable option due to its exceptional strength and versatility.

4. Dryad

Does A High Amount Of Damage And Can Add Others Summons To The Battle

Level: 6

Type: Fey

HP: 22

AC: 13

Size: Medium

Initiative: +2

The spell "Conjure Woodland Being," at level four, grants the druidic caster the ability to summon a dryad. This summon is notably formidable for a spell of its level! Despite the delicate sound of her attacks, the dryad inflicts considerable damage, especially when coupled with the bonus action of "Strengthened Shillelagh."

3. Fire Myrmidon

doesn't just rely on her formidable spells such as "Spike Growth" and "Entangle" or her capacity to introduce a wood woad into the fight, but also possesses an array of potent passive abilities that make her a summon not to be taken lightly!

Attacks Can Chip Away At Enemy Health Bars

Level: 11

Type: Elemental

HP: 123

AC: 18

Initiative: +8

In addition to serving as a possible transformation for certain druids, these elementals can be summoned through a more advanced version of the sixth-level "Conjure Elemental" spell. This spell is a significant upgrade from the "Conjure Minor Elemental" spell, granting the summoner greater power. Players have the option to select their elemental from the four elements of air, water, earth, and fire, akin to The Last Airbender style.

Each myrmidon type has its usefulness, but players often find themselves consistently gravitating towards the fire myrmidons. Similar to their counterparts, they possess the ability to teleport as a bonus action every turn. However, in addition to that, they possess the unique skill to hasten themselves and unleash devastating attacks that steadily deplete an opponent's health. It is also important to note that employing the same spell at the fifth level can summon slightly less potent elemental beings.

2. Guardian Of Faith

Can Inflict Massive Damage In A Short Amount Of Time

Level: 7

Type: Construct

HP: 60

AC: 20

Size: Medium

Initiative: +0

Powerful creatures known as guardians of faith can be summoned by clerics using a fourth-level spell of the same name. These guardians serve to protect the designated area and will attack any intruders or those who attempt to harm within that area. Despite their strength and resilience, they suffer significant damage with each attack they make.

Although their lifespan is often short-lived, guardians of faith inflict substantial damage and swiftly eliminate enemies while they fulfill their guardianship. In a clever strategy, they prove to be a formidable force when combined with a "Globe of Invulnerability."

1. Danse Macabre Ghouls

Their Numbers And Ability To Paralyze Make Them Formidable

Level: 3

Type: Undead

HP: 22

AC: 12

Size: Medium

Initiative: +2

The spell "Danse Macabre" is a unique necromancy spell at the fifth level. It becomes accessible once the "Unlock the Ancient Tome" quest is successfully completed, granting the knowledge of the secrets of the Necromancy of Thay. In the past, this spell was considered overwhelmingly powerful as it had the ability to summon six ghouls with significantly higher health. Furthermore, the player had full control over each summoned ghoul.

Now, in Baldur's Gate 3, the "Danse Macabre" ability now summons four AI-controlled ghouls that are less beefy. However, even with this necessary nerf, the ghouls remain incredibly strong due to their sheer numbers and their capability to paralyze their targets.

Released August 3, 2023Developer(s) Larian StudiosGenre(s) RPGPlatform(s) PC, Stadia, macOS, PS5

Editor's P/S

As an avid fan of Baldur's Gate 3, I am thrilled to see the introduction of powerful summons that can aid players in battle and exploration. The Flesh summon, with its impressive strength, stands out as a formidable ally, capable of turning the tide of battle in the player's favor. However, its limited availability in Act Two restricts its potential, leaving me wanting more opportunities to unleash its might.

On the other hand, the Shadow Lantern Wraith, obtained through Gale's unique ability, offers a intriguing and versatile summoning option. Its shadowy form and potent abilities make it a valuable asset, albeit with the inconvenience of requiring the equipped lantern. The strategic use of the Shadow Lantern Wraith adds depth to the gameplay and encourages creative problem-solving.