When it comes to a tactical RPG like Baldur’s Gate 3, spellcaster players anticipate powerful spells that can swiftly end combat encounters. However, the vulnerability of mages and the ambiguous descriptions of certain spells make their utilization particularly challenging for newcomers to this Dungeons & Dragons adaptation. Nevertheless, this intentional vagueness encourages players to explore the potentials of their spells.
In Baldur’s Gate 3, spells can serve offensive, defensive, and even innovative purposes depending on the situation. For instance, a teleportation spell can be used outside of combat to swiftly transport characters to safety at the first indication of danger. Additionally, transforming into a puff of gas proves handy for navigating cramped spaces and bypassing enemy guards. Here are some of the game's most valuable utility spells that players should consider utilizing.
10 Dimension Door (4th-Level Conjuration)
During intense emergencies, players engaged in combat in Baldur's Gate 3 might find themselves in urgent need of escaping the encounter. Typically, this requires multiple turns and the Disengage Action, often resulting in enemies pursuing the players and nullifying any distance covered. However, with the usage of Dimension Door, escape becomes assured.
Despite its high Spell Slot cost, Dimension Door enables a Warlock and a medium or smaller ally to instantaneously teleport to a visible location. In theory, this can transport the Warlock and their companion far enough away from the battle that they are just moments away from complete disengagement. As turn-based combat temporarily pauses time for characters awaiting their turns, the retreat of the Warlock and their companion allows them ample time to recuperate before surprising the enemies once again.
9 Produce Flame (Conjuration Cantrip)
When players delve into dungeons in their gameplay of Baldur's Gate 3, it is essential for them to bring a light source. The lack of illumination not only obscures their surroundings but also hides potential points of interest. If a player's character lacks Darkvision, they may find it necessary to cast various spells that provide illumination. Among these spells, Produce Flame (a Conjuration Cantrip) proves to be the most advantageous.
By casting Produce Flame, players can summon a flickering flame on their hand that can remain there for as long as needed. This flame provides illumination within a radius of nine meters, which is a reasonably good distance for a light source. Additionally, this spell is unique as it can also be thrown, inflicting 1d8 Fire Damage.
8 Wind Walk (6th-Level Transmutation)
The Druid in Baldur's Gate 3 is known for their strong connection with nature, which sets them apart as one of the most visually distinctive Classes. Their choice of spells and unique aesthetic make them stand out. As they progress in levels, Druids gain access to Wind Walk, a spell that showcases their mastery over the elements and their ability to share this power with their allies.
When Wind Walk is cast, the Druid and nearby allies transform into tiny clouds of mist. This transformation lasts until they take a long rest, during which time they are unable to communicate, attack, or cast spells. Aside from providing a useful means of escape from enemies, Wind Walk allows groups of players to pass through narrow spaces and traverse enemy-filled areas without harm.
7 Gaseous Form (3rd-Level Transmutation)
Size is an important factor in Baldur's Gate 3, not just for adult content. The game, which follows D&D rules, allows players to choose from races like Dwarves, Halflings, and Gnomes. These races aren't just smaller for visual purposes, as there are specific areas in the game that only they can access.
Exploring these areas can be challenging for players who have chosen other races, unless they have a Familiar that can fit into small spaces. Gaseous Form is a helpful tool in these situations, as it allows the target to transform into a gas cloud. While in this form, they can't talk, attack, or cast spells until the caster loses concentration. In addition to being an exploration tool, Gaseous Form can also be used to escape difficult situations.
6 Fly (3rd-Level Transmutation)
Players attempting to win encounters in Baldur's Gate 3 often find themselves in a disadvantageous position due to being outnumbered and lacking mobility to move characters away from opponents. When enemies are within close proximity, attempting to move away can result in being vulnerable to Opportunity Attacks. This leaves characters in melee combat trapped in precarious situations. However, the Fly spell solves this problem by allowing spellcasters or their allies to reposition themselves over a significant distance.
Although the cost of using Fly is substantial, it offers the benefit of covering large distances both horizontally and vertically. This enables spellcasters or their chosen allies to reach more advantageous positions for casting spells and launching attacks. Additionally, the 10-turn duration of Fly surpasses the effectiveness of multiple casts of the less expensive Misty Step.
5 Guidance (Divination Cantrip)
The Bard is a highly sought-after class in the game Dungeons & Dragons, thanks to its Bardic Inspiration ability. This bonus grants players an additional dice to roll for specific rolls, greatly enhancing their chances of success. However, if a player doesn't have a Bard in their party while playing Baldur's Gate 3, they may struggle with winning checks. Thankfully, the presence of a Cleric in the party can make things much easier with the use of Guidance.
Guidance provides the target with a +1d4 bonus to their Ability Checks. Initially, this may not seem like much, but its versatility in affecting a wide range of rolls makes it comparable to the slightly weaker version of Bardic Inspiration. When combined with other bonuses, Guidance can transform a character into a force to be reckoned with, even in skills they are not proficient in or when engaging in close combat with Versatile Weapons.
4 Charm Person (1st-Level Enchantment)
In an RPG such as Baldur's Gate 3, where choosing the wrong dialogue can lead to conflict, the Charm Person spell serves as a valuable tool for facilitating friendly conversations. Essentially, this spell grants the caster an Advantage on Charisma Checks, while hostile enemies have an Advantage on Saves to resist its effects.
Charm Person is particularly useful during dialogues when players seek a significant advantage, particularly when attempting to persuade others against certain actions. Despite being a 1st-Level Spell, its ability to potentially prevent disastrous encounters makes it an indispensable spell to obtain.
3 Mage Hand (Conjuration Cantrip)
The Mage Hand (Conjuration Cantrip) in the gameplay of Baldur's Gate 3 serves as a reliable companion for spellcasters. It acts as a convenient alternative to the Telekinesis skill in Divinity: Original Sin 2, allowing players to interact with objects from a distance. This unique ability is particularly useful for scouting areas, interacting with unfamiliar objects, and avoiding traps.
As a Familiar, the Mage Hand can be enhanced with buffs like Invisibility, enabling it to approach objects stealthily. Moreover, players can employ more intricate tactics by utilizing the Mage Hand to throw items such as bottles of oil or damaging gas at enemies, thereby circumventing direct aggression.
2 Haste (3rd-Level Transmutation)
Except for the Fighter's Action Surge, no other D&D Classes can gain an additional Action during their turn. With the Haste spell, spellcasters can sacrifice a powerful 3rd-Level Spell Slot to grant themselves or a fellow ally another Action for 10 turns. However, they will experience Lethargy afterwards. Despite the drawbacks of Lethagy, having 10 turns of double Actions can give the team's heavy-hitters enough time to swiftly defeat enemies.
Sorcerers who can use Metamagic: Twinned Spell are the most proficient users of Haste, as they can make a targeting spell affect two users. In Patch 9, Haste now doubles the Cantrips cast or doubles the Extra Attacks that a character under the Haste spell can execute per turn.
1 Telekinesis (5th-Level Transmutation)
Telekinesis in Divinity: Original Sin 2 stands out due to its ability to not only move and throw objects, but also transport creatures to different locations. In the gameplay of Baldur’s Gate 3, Telekinesis serves a similar purpose but with a more aggressive approach compared to Mage Hand.
Unlike Mage Hand, Telekinesis has the capacity to throw both objects and creatures up to a distance of 18 meters. Although it requires a 5th Level Spell Slot, Telekinesis can be used once per turn without using up any additional resources. When used strategically alongside a raised surface, Telekinesis can cause chaos among enemy ranks.
Baldur’s Gate 3 is available now on PC and is expected to release on September 6th for PlayStation 5.