The Ultimate Guide to Baldur's Gate 3: Unleash the Most Powerful Level 1 Spells For Every Class!

Baldur's Gate 3 has brought the popular Dungeons & Dragons Fifth Edition system to life as a vast CRPG. Staying true to the original tabletop game, Baldur's Gate 3 enables players to create a diverse array of characters, including human barbarians wielding greataxes, gnomish fencing masters, and cunning elven warlocks.

More than half of the classes in Baldur's Gate 3 possess some form of spellcasting ability, with the Bard, Cleric, Druid, Sorcerer, Warlock, and Wizard particularly focused on harnessing magical powers. However, even the most formidable archmage must start from level 1 and make careful choices regarding the spells they wish to master as they embark on their journey within the enchanting world of Faerun.

Best Level 1 Spells for Bards and Clerics

Bard

Baldur's Gate 3 features a diverse range of spells for Bards, encompassing healing, buffs, debuffs, and utility. While the spell list lacks impactful damaging options, there are three level 1 spells that stand out as particularly valuable for most Bard builds.

Faerie Fire - Gaining Advantage in Baldur's Gate 3 is highly beneficial, and the extensive area of effect provided by Faerie Fire can guarantee that the player's party gains Advantage against numerous foes.

Tasha's Hideous Laughter - As a level 1 spell, Tasha's Hideous Laughter possesses significant potential as a debuff that targets a single enemy, effectively incapacitating them for a maximum of 10 turns.

Thunderwave - Larian Studios is a big fan of cliffs, pits, and endless drops, meaning that spells that can push enemies around like Thunderwave are particularly useful.

Cleric

Clerics in Baldur's Gate 3 possess a spell list that encompasses buffs, healing, and damage. Unlike other classes, Clerics have the advantage of always having access to their complete spell list. Additionally, they can modify their prepared spells outside of combat. This flexibility allows Clerics to switch to utility spells as needed. For combat encounters, it is recommended to have the following three level 1 spells prepared:

Bless - This spell bestows a significant boost at level 1 by adding +1d4 to every attack roll and saving throw made by any ally for the next ten rounds. It has the potential to greatly tilt the odds in the party's favor.

Healing Word excels in its ability to save downed allies from a distance on the battlefield, although Cure Wounds typically restores a greater amount of HP overall.

Guiding Bolt, a level 1 spell, not only deals substantial damage, but also grants Advantage to the next attack made against its target, setting them up to receive even more damage.

Best Level 1 Spells for Druids and Sorcerers

Druid

The spell list of the Druid in Baldur's Gate 3 encompasses a blend of spells that offer control, buffs, healing, and utility. Comparable to the Cleric, the Druid possesses the ability to alter their prepared spells from their extensive repertoire whenever they are not engaged in combat. With that in mind, presented below are three of the most advantageous Druid spells to have ready for confrontations:

Entangle is the ultimate Druid spell for crowd control, capable of immobilizing an entire group of adversaries. It not only provides Advantage against them, but also hampers their attack rolls and Dexterity saving throws through the imposition of Disadvantage.

While Ice Knife may be considered a somewhat lackluster damage spell in Dungeons & Dragons Fifth Edition, its potential in Baldur's Gate 3 receives a significant boost due to its added ability to generate an icy surface. This enhancement significantly enhances its overall efficacy.

Sorcerer

Fog Cloud - Despite its expansive area of effect, some players may hesitate to use Fog Cloud, concerned that it may impede their own party just as much as it does the enemy. Nonetheless, Fog Cloud proves to be a formidable spell in numerous scenarios, allowing for strategic repositioning and healing, stealthily bypassing vigilant guards, or compelling adversary archers to relinquish advantageous positions.

The Sorcerer spell list offers a blend of damaging, utility, and crowd-control spells. Despite having a wide range of spells, Sorcerers in Baldur's Gate 3 learn fewer spells overall compared to other spellcasters. Therefore, it is crucial for Sorcerers to choose versatile spells wisely. Here are three of the top choices:

Chromatic Orb - In Baldur's Gate 3, the inclusion of surfaces enhances the effectiveness of Chromatic Orb. This spell, which already deals substantial damage, now allows players to create surfaces of any element, giving it an additional advantage.

Magic Missile is a renowned spell in Dungeons & Dragons known for its exceptional reliability, versatility, and continued effectiveness at advanced levels.

Shield is a spell that proves particularly valuable to Sorcerers, who often possess low HP and AC, making them susceptible to physical assaults. Thankfully, this spell can be cast as a Reaction, instantly increasing the Sorcerer's AC by 5 for a round, effectively warding off numerous enemy attacks.

Best Level 1 Spells for Warlocks and Wizards

Warlock

The Warlock spell list offers a diverse array of options, encompassing debuffing, damage, and control spells. Unlike other spellcasters, Warlocks in Baldur's Gate 3 possess a limited number of spell slots, which they can replenish through a Short Rest, leading to a distinctive approach in spell selection. Presented below are three exceptional spells that no Warlock should overlook:

Armor of Agathys is a spell that may not initially appear impressive, but its effectiveness lies in its long duration and ability to be up-cast. Since Armor of Agathys remains in effect until the next Long Rest and does not require concentration, it is a valuable spell for Warlocks to cast early in the day or to utilize a leftover spell slot before a Short Rest.

Considering the Warlock's powerful Cantrip, Eldritch Blast, they rarely find themselves lacking in effective actions during their turn. This enhances the significance of damage dealt on an enemy's turn, such as the fire damage inflicted by Hellish Rebuke. This allows the Warlock to accomplish more in each round of combat.

Hex - The quintessential Warlock spell, Hex is powerful, easy to cast, and only gets better as the Warlock acquires more uses of Eldritch Blast.

Wizard

The Wizard spell list in Baldur's Gate 3 is incredibly diverse, encompassing a wide range of spells. What makes it even more impressive is that Wizards have the ability to learn numerous spells and can switch between them at will when not in combat. Taking this versatility into account, here are three excellent choices that every Wizard should consider at level 1:

Grease - This spell, originally from the Fifth Edition, has been improved in Baldur's Gate 3 by incorporating the game's surface mechanics. The oily slick created by Grease can now be set ablaze, causing it to turn into a powerful inferno.

Mage Armor - Wizards, who lack any proficiency in armor, depend on spells like Mage Armor to provide them with even a somewhat acceptable armor class. Mage Armor remains in effect until the next long rest and does not require concentration, making it a wise choice to keep active once 1st level spell slots become less precious.

Magic Missile - Similar to its significance for Sorcerers, Magic Missile continues to be the essential damage spell for Wizards at the 1st level of magic. With impeccable accuracy and the capability to direct each projectile at a separate target, Magic Missile is ever-present for a Wizard whenever it is needed.

Baldur’s Gate 3 is available now for PC and is scheduled to release on September 6, 2023, for PS5.