Unleash Unparalleled Power: The Ultimate Wizard Class Build for Baldur's Gate 3
Create a powerful wizard in Baldur's Gate 3's Early Access by choosing the Evocation subclass This build grants access to potent damaging spells while ensuring party members remain unharmed Optimal choices include Half-Elf or High Elf race, Evocation subclass, Sage background, and carefully selected cantrips and prepared spells
In Baldur's Gate 3, players have the option to choose from spellcasting-oriented Classes that excel in combat without relying on normal weapons. Among these Classes, the Wizard stands out as the most renowned spellcasting class in Dungeons and Dragons due to their vast spell knowledge. However, in Baldur's Gate 3, it is challenging to determine the ideal build for the Wizard, given their diverse abilities.
In the Early Access version of Baldur's Gate 3, players could only select from two subclasses (or Schools) of Wizard: Evocation and Abjuration. The Evocation subclass primarily focuses on dealing damage, making it the top choice for a powerful Wizard build. However, once the game is fully released, the number of available Schools will expand to four times its current amount, which may diminish the appeal of the Evocation subclass.
Best Wizard Build Overview
Looking for tips on building the ultimate BG3 Wizard build? Look no further! This guide is tailored specifically for the Early Access version of Baldur's Gate 3. Keep an eye out for updated tips and strategies once the full release hits on August 3, 2023.
"Evocation spells focus elemental energy into powerful attacks and enchantments. Those who specialize in this school are known as Evokers."
The Evocation Wizard excels in magical combat, thanks to the Sculpt Spells passive which ensures that their offensive spells do not harm their allies. With a vast repertoire of knowledge and the flexibility to change prepared spells outside of combat, Wizards are widely recognized as the most diverse class in Baldur's Gate 3.
While all Wizards have access to incredibly useful spells outside of combat, Evocation Wizards specifically focus on dealing significant damage quickly. Unlike Warlocks, who have easily rechargeable spell slots, Wizards face limitations in this regard. However, Evocation Wizards make the most of these limited slots and can rely on Arcane Recovery when a Long Rest is not feasible. As you progress, acquiring Evocation spells will allow you to capitalize on the subclass' passive ability, allowing melee fighters to remain in close proximity without concern for incoming Fireballs.
Evocation Wizard Character Creation
Best Wizard Race: Half-Elf or High Elf
The ideal choice for a Wizard in Baldur's Gate 3 would be either the Half-Elf or the High Elf due to their additional racial Wizard cantrip. Given that Wizards are inclined to cast spells frequently in battles, it is advantageous to possess cantrips that do not necessitate spell slots. As a result, the Wizard begins with a total of 4 cantrips – it would be wise to acquire a useful out-of-combat cantrip for this particular slot, such as Light, Mage Hand, or Dancing Lights.
The full release of Baldur's Gate 3 will now connect Ability Scores with Class instead of Race. Regardless of the Race players select for their character, they have the freedom to assign +2/+1 to two Ability Scores according to their preferences.
Best Wizard School/Subclass: Evocation
The Evocation Wizard is one of two available Wizard types in the Early Access version of Baldur's Gate 3. The subclass' Ward of the Abjuration spells only activates with Abjuration spells, which typically do not cause damage. However, Evocation Wizards have the passive ability Spell Sculpt, which allows allies to ignore damage and automatically succeed their Saving Throws. It is important to note that in the full release of the game, all schools of Wizard will likely be accessible.
Best Wizard Proficiencies and Background: Sage
: The Sage is the ideal background for Wizards because it grants Proficiency in History and Arcana, which both rely on INT. This means that Wizards don't have to allocate their Level 1 proficiencies towards these skills. From the remaining choices, it is recommended to select Insight and Investigation, as they can be valuable for both dialogue interactions and exploration.
Best Evocation Wizard Cantrips
Level 1: Fire Bolt, Ray of Frost, Acid Splash, and Light/Dancing Lights/Mage Hand
Level 4: Blade Ward
Best Evocation Wizard Prepared Spells
Level 1: Grease, Thunderwave, Mage Armor, Magic Missile
Level 2: Chromatic Orb
Level 3: Misty Step, Cloud of Daggers
Level 4: Detect Thoughts, Crown of Madness
Level 5 spells in Baldur's Gate 3 include Fireball and Hypnotic Pattern. The game is currently available in Early Access and will have a full PC release on August 3, 2023. The PlayStation 5 version will be released on September 6, 2023, and an Xbox Series X/S version is currently being developed.
