The Ultimate Guide to Mastering Transmutation Spells in Baldur's Gate 3

Baldur's Gate 3 has received praise from RPG fans worldwide since its release on PC via Steam. With an upcoming release on PlayStation 5, the game offers a complete package, featuring hundreds of gameplay hours, finely-crafted character creation, and a wide selection of versatile classes. Drawing inspiration from Dungeons and Dragons, Baldur's Gate 3 takes players on an immersive fantasy adventure.

One standout aspect of the game is its exceptional magic system, which fans of the Divinity franchise will truly appreciate. Spellcaster classes play a significant role in the world of D&D, and it's refreshing to see them treated with such care. With a selection of over two hundred spells, the game categorizes them into five schools, with Transmutation being particularly versatile. Here, we present the top Transmutation spells in Baldur's Gate 3.

8 Barkskin

Barkskin, a highly beneficial spell, provides valuable early-level defense for mages to protect themselves or grant an ally on the front line an extra layer of armor class protection.

Belonging to the Transmutation class and being a Level 2 spell, Barkskin can be cast on anyone within touch range. It requires one action to be cast. The spell enhances the armor class of the targeted individual up to a maximum of sixteen. It is worth mentioning that only Druids and Rangers have access to this spell.

7 Heat Metal

Hindering enemies on the battlefield is a crucial advantage, and spellcasters have numerous methods to accomplish this. When direct attacks on a target are not feasible, targeting the tools that enemies use to harm allies and protect themselves becomes the next best option.

Heat Metal is a spell that often goes unnoticed, but it possesses great potential. Classified as a Level 2 Transmutation spell, Heat Metal can shift the balance in favor of the caster by heating a metal object that the target wears or holds, compelling them to release or discard it. Those who maintain contact with the object suffer a disadvantage on checks and attacks involving the object. Furthermore, the caster inflicts 2d8 fire damage on any creature touching the affected object for a duration of up to ten rounds.

6 Enlarge - Reduce

Enlarge and Reduce are commonly used spells by mage players in Dungeons and Dragons. These spells have the ability to transform allies into formidable giants and enemies into negligible entities.

Enlarge - Reduce is a Level 2 Transmutation spell that covers a distance of nine meters. It empowers the caster to modify the size category of a single target, either enlarging or reducing it. This alteration can have both positive and negative impacts on the target's strength checks, saving throws, and attack damage.

5 Grant Flight

Enhanced mobility on the battlefield can significantly impact the outcome of a fight, particularly when faced with the challenge of countering the enemy's strategic moves. Although ground movement can offer advantages against opponents, taking to the air proves even more advantageous.

The spell known as Grant Flight is classified as a Level 3 Transmutation spell. Its purpose is to confer the power of flight upon either the caster or a designated target. This spell remains effective for a duration of ten turns and demands a concentration check for successful execution.

4 Telekinesis

Telekinesis, a potent spell, possesses the ability to swiftly terminate a battle. Mages can exert influence over objects and adversaries through the sheer power of their minds, providing a means to impact combat from a safe distance.

Ranked as a Level 5 Transmutation spell, Telekinesis acquires a distance range of a maximum of eighteen meters. The caster focuses on a specific individual, and if their strength check proves unsuccessful, they will be forcibly relocated in accordance with the caster's intentions.

3 Slow

The Slow spell is highly effective when confronting a powerful enemy or dealing with their special abilities. This Level 3 Transmutation spell can be cast with a single action and has a range of up to eighteen meters. It enables the caster to target up to six enemies, and if they fail to resist its effects with a Wisdom save, their movements, actions, and attacks become greatly impeded.

2 Haste

Haste is a highly valuable spell in Baldur's Gate 3 due to its versatility and numerous applications in both combat and non-combat scenarios. As a Level 3 Transmutation spell, it has the ability to bring about various advantageous effects for the caster or their ally.

By using a single action, the caster can choose to target themselves or a companion. This spell will bestow additional actions, enhance their attack capabilities and movement speed, as well as increase their evasion. Haste is a concealed treasure that players will undoubtedly aspire to acquire during their gameplay.

1 Polymorph

Polymorph, a renowned spell in Dungeons and Dragons, holds immense power and should always be kept at the ready. It is wiser to possess this spell even if not immediately necessary, rather than facing a situation without it.

Described as a Level 4 Transmutation spell, Polymorph possesses a range of eighteen meters and its effects endure for a maximum of five rounds. When casting this spell, the user has the ability to transform a chosen target into a harmless sheep, but the target's failure to pass a Dexterity save is required. Employing this spell can drastically ease a challenging boss fight, enabling the party to swiftly continue their adventure.

Baldur's Gate 3 is available on PC via Steam.