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Larian Studios is releasing Patch 8 of Baldur’s Gate 3, and with it, a new overpowered spell only seen in the game via an item, Shadow Blade!
Patch 8 is releasing photo mode, 12 new subclasses and what could be a meta-shifting spell Shadow Blade. This spell, along with new cantrips, is part of another free update provided by Larian Studios. In this post, we exam Shadow Blade, and how you can use it once Patch 8 has launched.
Why Shadow Blade is an Overpowered Spell in BG3
What Makes Shadow Blade so overpowered is the ability to double psychic damage, and upcast the spell giving you more base damage. Shadow Blade, once obtained only through an item, will now be available to Sorcerer, Warlock, and Wizard classes at level 3. Additionally, the Arcane Trickster Rogue and Eldritch Knight Fighter can access Shadow Blade at levels 7 and 8 respectively.
Shadow Blade is a level 2 illusion spell, using a bonus action to summon a shortsword into your main hand. This frees you to wield a shield and gain all the passive benefits including AC and bonuses. The damage calculates based on your strength or dexterity modifier, and as a Warlock, you can bind the weapon and stack Charisma only to increase damage. This versatile ability to score damage scaling means you can use a variety of builds, classes, and playstyles and use it in a single weapon and shield combination.
What makes Shadow Blade the best Spell in Baldur’s Gate 3
The damage of Shadow Blade scales off of Strength specifically and deals Psychic damage. Psychic damage is unique because it can be doubled with the Resonance Stone found in Act 2. Since Shadow Blade is a spell, you can upcast it to further increase the base damage to 4d8 base Psychic damage with a level 5 spell slot. Moreover, you can then drink an Elixir like Cloud Giant Strength, boosting your strength to 27 even as a spell caster.
The combination of the resonance stone, elixir of strength, and upcasting makes Shadow Blade the most overpowered spell coming to BG3. Moreover, you can combine this with a multiclass Paladin to add another layer of damage with Divine Smite. Thus, expecting 100 damage per attack roll min-max at end game is a possibility. Even on a melee spellcaster! And if that weren’t enough, use the Strange Conduit Ring in Act 1, which deals additional Psychic damage while concentrating.
The only major downside is Psychic damage doesn’t work on constructs, so either avoid these battles or rely on companions.
How to get Shadow Blade in Baldur’s Gate 3?
You can get the Shadow Blade spell by selecting it at level 3 Wizard, Warlock, or Sorcerer. You can also obtain the Shadow Blade Ring in Act 2 by completing the quest Find Arabella’s Parents quest. The easiest way to get Shadow Blade is to multiclass three levels as a Warlock or Sorcerer and select it at level 3. The best is using Shadow Magic Sorcerer to gain the Eyes of Darkness spell and Shadow Blade.
Best Shadow Blade Build in Baldur’s Gate 3
The best build to use with Shadow Blade is a Sorcerer and Paladin multiclass combination (Sorcadin). With this combination, you gain Eyes of Darkness, Divine Smite, Extra Attack, and armour/weapon proficiencies. If you want heavy armour, start with a Paladin. If you want spellcasting and Sorcery points sooner, start with a Sorcerer. Ideally, use 6 levels of each, so you can get both subclass bonuses.
How to use Shadow Blade in BG3?
To use Shadow Blade cast it with a bonus action. You will then see it summoned as a purple-glowing weapon in your main hand. You can still use a shield in your off-hand. Using an action, you can attack with your main hand to trigger the Shadow Blade damage. If you don’t have shortsword proficiency with your class, you will still be able to use Shadow Blade automatically. Ideally, you want to pre-buff with Shadow Blade before combat to save your bonus action.
Best Alternatives For Shadow Blade
The best alternative to Shadow Blade is the Phalar Aluve weapon found in Act 1 of BG3. This weapon is also overpowered due to its thunder damage and debuff with shriek. You can either buff all allies around you or debuff enemies within 6 meters, dealing extra thunder damage. Use the necklace of Necklace of Elemental Augmentation which adds the Spellcasting Modifier to the damage when the wearer uses elemental damage with a cantrip. Combine these two items with the new Cantrip, Booming Blade, and you’ll have a massive amount of damage. This is a good alternative to The Most Overpowered Spell Coming to Baldur’s Gate 3, Shadow Blade!
FAQs about Shadow Blade in Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3)
Which classes can use Shadow Blade?
Sorcerer, Warlock, and Wizard at level 3 or Arcane Trickster Rogue at level 7, and Eldritch Knight at level 8.
How much damage does Shadow Blade deal?
Shadow Blade scales with spell level:
- 2nd level: 2d8 Psychic Damage
- 3rd or 4th level: 3d8 Psychic Damage
- 5th or 6th: 4d8 Psychic Damage
Can you dual-wield Shadow Blade?
No, you can only use Shadow Blade in your main hand.
Does Shadow Blade work with Extra Attack?
Yes, Shadow Blade works with extra attack class feature!
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