Facebook
Reddit
Email
Learn about how Song of Defence works for the Bladesinger Wizard subclass in Baldur’s Gate 3 and when to use it.
Larian Studios has announced that Patch 8 for Baldur’s Gate 3 will introduce the highly anticipated Bladesinger Wizard, along with 11 other new subclasses. Bladesingers hone their skills in magecraft, swordsmanship, and Bladesong.
In Baldur’s Gate 3, Bladesong is a class action that protects the Bladesinger with increased AC and serves as a prerequisite for several unique abilities such as Bladesong Climax and Song of Defence. While Bladesong Climax can heal and deal Force damage, Song of Defence can reduce incoming damage by burning a spell slot.
What Is Song of Defence in Baldur’s Gate 3?
Song of Defence is a Bladesinger subclass feature that can be used as a Reaction while Bladesong is active. It expends a spell slot to decrease the incoming damage by 5 per spell slot level used. For example, if the Bladesinger is hit for 20 damage (any type), they can use Song of Defence as a reaction and expend a level 4 spell slot to reduce the damage taken to 0. Song of Defence is unlocked when a Bladesinger reaches level 10.
Since Song of Defence is a reaction, it can only be used once per turn. The damage negated by Song of Defence will increase linearly with the level of spell slot used:
| Song of Defence | Damage Reduced |
|---|---|
| Reaction + Level 1 Spell Slot | 5 |
| Reaction + Level 2 Spell Slot | 10 |
| Reaction + Level 3 Spell Slot | 15 |
| Reaction + Level 4 Spell Slot | 20 |
| Reaction + Level 5 Spell Slot | 25 |
| Reaction + Level 6 Spell Slot | 30 |
Bladesingers will usually gear themselves to avoid being hit by sporting a high AC. Therefore, Song of Defence is a stopgap for when they do take significant damage.
When To Use Song of Defence in Baldur’s Gate 3
Since Song of Defence consumes spell slots, it is not a Reaction a wizard will want to use regularly. When possible, use Shield as a Reaction to increase your AC by 5 if it will cause attacks to miss. Not only can Shield potentially negate all the damage of an attack by causing it to miss, but it will also protect against any other attacks against the wizard until the start of their turn.
Spell slots are precious resources that are regularly replenished with Long Rest and Arcane Recovery. However, Song of Defence is unlocked at level 10. This means that a Bladesinger will have plenty of level 1 and level 2 spell slots to spare during battles. Periodically using low-level spell slots to reduce incoming damage can increase survivability.
The two main reasons to use Song of Defence are to avoid being downed and to help maintain Concentration. When the Bladesinger is about to take critical damage, Song of Defence can keep them on their feet by reducing incoming damage and potentially turning the tide of battle.
To Maintain Concentration
Since Bladesingers favor fighting closer to the front, they are likely to be hit. Upon taking damage, they will roll Constitution saving throws to maintain Concentration on powerful spells like Haste, Vampiric Touch, and Insect Plague. The Constitution save DC is half the damage dealt or 10, whichever is higher. For example, if the Bladesinger is hit for 44 damage, the Constitution save DC to maintain Concentration will be 22.
To increase your chances of maintaining Concentration you can use Song of Defence with a level 2 spell slot. This will decrease the damage dealt to 34 and lower the Constitution save DC to 17, which is much easier to achieve with bonuses and the War Caster feat.
Looking For More About Baldur’s Gate 3?
Thank you for reading the Baldur’s Gate 3 guide. We provide the latest news and create guides for Baldur’s Gate 3. Also, watch me play games on Twitch or visit my YouTube channel!
