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Discover the best Cleric class spells you should use in Baldur’s Gate 3 for damage, survivability, and crowd control!
In Baldur’s Gate 3, the Cleric is a versatile spellcasting class that possesses 7 subclasses, each with their own unique set of domain spells. Domain spells are always prepared and do not require a slot within one’s spellbook. What makes the Cleric’s unique is their flexibility, healing, support spells, and buffs. However, the Cleric class can be a powerful damage-dealing spellcaster or even a melee weapon damage dealer.
This guide, Best Spells for the Cleric Class in Baldur’s Gate 3, examines the best and most powerful spells and how to use them. We will include gear suggestions, examples, and powerful combinations to get the most out of your Cleric build!
What are the Best Spells for the Cleric Class in Baldur’s Gate 3
Planar Ally, Divine Intervention, and Destructive Wave are the best Cleric class spells in Baldur’s Gate 3. Planar Ally is the strongest summoning spell in the game, allowing you to bring a Planar Ally into combat with you until a long rest. Divine Intervention is a once-per-game spell that either does damage, healing or gives a legendary weapon. Lastly, a Destructive Wave is a powerful area-based damage spell that stuns.
Below are the strongest spells for the Cleric class in Baldur’s Gate 3:
- Planar Ally: best summoning spell in BG3
- Divine Intervention: best one time spell in BG3
- Destructive Wave: massive area damage and stun
- Mass Cure Wounds: the best area-based healing in BG3
- Spirit Guardians: grants damage around the spellcaster
- Mass Healing Word: exceptional healing with a large radius and target cap
- Command: effective crowd control skill that can stun or drop weapon
- Spiritual Weapon: bonus action usage summoning spell
- Guiding Bolt: the best single target damage spell for Cleric
- Bless: buffs offensive and defensive party members
Related:
10 Bless
Bless features in Baldur’s Gate 3:
- Description: Bless up to 3 creatures. They gain a +1d4 bonus to Attack rolls and Saving throws.
- School: Enchantment spell
- Cost: Action + Level 1 Spell Slot
- Range: 9 meters
- Concentration: Yes
- Upcast: Affects an additional target for each Spell Slot Level above 1.
- Subclass: All
Bless is one of the strongest support spells in BG3 because it increases both attack rolls and saving throw chances. This means you are more likely to hit and avoid attacks with Bless active. Moreover, the spell can target up to 3 allies, including the caster. The spell does require concentration, so it cannot be used in conjunction with another concentration spell. However, Bless lasts 10 turns, therefore the player can enter turn-based combat mode before combat and Bless their party before the battle.
In Act 1, consider obtaining the Staff of Arcane Blessing item which grants free use of Bless and an additional bonus via the Mystra’s Blessing. You can find this in the Arcane Tower. Additionally, you can obtain Bless permanently with a bit of gold in Act 3. Both of these are highly recommended when playing Honour Mode difficulty where every attack matters.
9 Guiding Bolt
Guiding Bolt features in Baldur’s Gate 3:
- Description: Allows spellcasters to hit enemies with the radiant bolt that deals Radiant damage and grants advantage to attack rolls made against them.
- School: Evocation spell
- Cost: Action + Level 1 Spell Slot
- Range: 18 meters
- Concentration: No
- Upcast: Deals an additional 1d6 Radiant damage per level.
- Subclass: All
The best single-target damage spell for the Cleric is Guiding Bolt. Obtained at level one, Guiding Bolt has great range, high damage, and provides the next attack roll against the target with an advantage. Meaning, that the follow-up attack against the target will roll two D20s, rather than one. Another strength of Guiding Bolt is that you can upcast the spell and do even more damage. The only downside is that it’s 4d6, which means it has a wide range of outcomes and might not be as reliable as Magic Missile.
The Seraphic Pugilist Gloves are a great way to obtain Guiding Bolt spells for free. These gloves give a level 4 upcasted version of Guiding Bolt making the spell hit much harder. Ideally, these gloves would be used on a Monk build who wants extra Radiant damage and a flexible range damage spell. Technically, Inflict Wounds does more damage but requires closer range and many enemies in BG3 are immune to Necrotic damage. This is why we recommend Guiding Bolt as one of the best spells for the Cleric class in Baldur’s Gate 3.
8 Spiritual Weapon
Spiritual Weapon features in Baldur’s Gate 3:
- Description: Summons a floating weapon that can attack enemies. The weapon is Ethereal, Immune to Psychic and Poison damage, and Resistant to all other Damage Types. Duration of 10 turns.
- School: Evocation spell
- Cost: Action + Level 2 Spell Slot
- Range: 18 meters
- Concentration: No
- Upcast: For every 2 Spell Slot Level higher than the original, the weapon gains 8 hit points and deals an additional 1d8Force damage.
- Subclass: All
One of the major weaknesses of the Cleric class is bonus action utility. Outside of potions, the Cleric has limited ways to take advantage of their bonus action. However, Spiritual Weapon fills the Cleric’s bonus action weakness and allows a summoning spell to be cast up to 18 meters in distance using a bonus action. This spell allows you to pick different versions of the spell, which provide an extra damage attack like Lacerate for the Greatsword. While this spell is level 2, it’s useful throughout the entirety of BG3 because of the bonus action utility, decoy, and it does decent damage.
The major downside of Spiritual Weapon is that it only lasts 10 turns. Unlike Conjure Elemental or Animate Dead, this spell will disappear after 10 turns, giving it less utility. Moreover, you won’t find items or gear sets that give Spiritual Weapon. However, early in the game or late, Spirutal Weapon makes a great Cleric spell due to the bonus action utility.
7 Command
Command features in Baldur’s Gate 3:
- Description: Command a creature to flee, move closer, freeze, drop to the ground, or drop its weapon.
- School: Enchantment spell
- Cost: Action + Level 1 Spell Slot
- Range: 18 meters
- Concentration: No
- Upcast: Affects an additional target for each Spell Slot Level above 1st.
- Subclass: All
The Command spell is one of the best crowd control and utility spells for the Cleric due to its flexibility. The Command spell allows you to cast different versions with different effects like Approach, Drop, Flee, Grovel, and Halt. Our two favorite versions of this spell are Grovel and Drop. Grovel forces the enemy to drop to their feet and stuns them with the prone status effect for one turn. While Command is a lower-level spell, the percentage chance to land Grovel is high depending on your Wisdom modifier. With 20 Wisdom, this spell will likely land on even the toughest of BG3’s enemies.
The Drop command version forces enemies to drop their weapons. You can use this trick on many high-damage dealing weapon users like Githyanki. Specifically, in Act 1, you can use it to obtain the Legendary Silver Sword of the Astral Plane. Additionally, you can obtain the Gauntlets of the Tyrant from defeating Gortash in Act 3 and obtain the use of the spell. Considering the versatility and high percentage chance to land, we recommend Command as one of the best spells for the Cleric class in Baldur’s Gate 3.
6 Mass Healing Word
Mass Healing Word features in Baldur’s Gate 3:
- Description: Call out words of restoration to heal up to 6 creatures for 1d4 + Spellcasting Modifier hit points.
- School: Evocation spell
- Cost: Action + Level 3 Spell Slot
- Range: 18 meters
- Concentration: No
- Upcast: When this spell is cast using a 4th level slot or higher, targets heal an extra 1d4 hit points for each Spell Slot Level above 3.
- Subclass: All
The best bonus action healing spell for the Cleric class in Mass Healing Word. The strength of Mass Healing Word is its massive 18-meter radius and that you can upcast the spell and heal for extra health. The base healing is low with the spell, but combined with Mass Cure Wounds, you can heal your entire party to full in one turn. Moreover, the Mass Healing Word combined with the Whispering Promise ring can give Blessed to your entire team. This is a powerful way to apply Bless while concentrating on another spell.
Consider obtaining the Amulet of Restoration in the Myconid Colony of the Underdark in Act 1. This amulet gives two spell versions and can be useful early in BG3 when spell slots are limited. With Mass Healing Word and Spiritual Weapon, your Clerics bonus action weakness starts to become a strength, making every turn more impactful for the class.
5 Spirit Guardians
Spirit Guardians features in Baldur’s Gate 3:
- Description: Call forth spirits to protect you. Nearby enemies take 3d8 Radiant or 3d8 Necrotic damage per turn, and their Movement Speed is halved. Lasts for 10 turns.
- School: Conjuration spell
- Cost: Action + Level 3 Spell Slot
- Range: Self / AoE 3 meters
- Concentration: Yes
- Upcast: When the spell is cast using a 4th Level spell slot or higher, damage increases by 1d8 Radiant or 1d8 Necrotic damage for each spell slot level above 3.
- Subclass: All
Aggressive melee damage-dealing Cleric subclasses like Tempest and War should consider Spirit Guardians as one of their best spells. What makes Spirit Guardian strong is it’s powerful 3d8 necrotic or radiant damage in a 3-meter radius around the caster. Moreover, Spirit Guardian halves movement and makes it harder for enemies to retreat while taking consistent damage per turn.
The downside of Spirit Guardian is that it requires concentration and only lasts ten turns. You cannot become invisible while concentrating on the spell, but the damage is significant, especially when playing a melee build.
4 Mass Cure Wounds
Mass Cure Wounds features in Baldur’s Gate 3:
- Description: Unleash a soothing hum of energy that heals you and nearby allies.
- School: Evocation spell
- Cost: Reaction + Level 5 Spell Slot
- Range: 18 meters
- Concentration: Yes
- Upcast: Casting this spell at a higher level heals an extra 1d8 hit points for each Spell Slot Level above 5.
- Subclass: All
The best group healing spell for the Cleric is Mass Cure Wounds due to its base 3d8 healing, 18-meter radius, and up to 6 allies. Like Mass Healing Word, this spell can be upcast and provide additional health, unlike Mass Healing Word, which uses an action rather than a bonus action. Often, when in trouble, you want to use your Cleric to cast Mass Cure Wounds and Mass Healing Words in the same turn. If you upcast both of these spells, the healing is powerful and likely to reach everyone in your party due to its massive radius.
The downside of this spell is that it costs a level 5 spell slot to cast. Therefore, you want to be careful to use this spell when necessary and in conjunction with the Mass Healing Word spell for a powerful combination.
3 Destructive Wave
Destructive Wave features in Baldur’s Gate 3:
- Description: Create a shockwave of either divine or malevolent thunder that damages nearby creatures and possibly knocks them Prone.
- School: Evocation spell
- Cost: Action + Level 5 Spell Slot
- Range: 9 meters
- Concentration: No
- Upcast: No
- Subclass: Tempest Domain and Light Domain
The best area-based damage spell for the Cleric is Destructive Wave, dealing a massive 5d6 thunder or radiant damage in a 9-meter radius. The extra benefit of Destructive Wave is that it triggers the prone status effect and can stun enemies. You will only be able to cast Destructive Wave using the Tempest or Light domain Cleric subclasses or with the Markoheshkir legendary quarterstaff.
The Tempest subclass can use Destructive Wrath Channel Divinity Action, using a reaction to induce maximum thunder damage when you roll. This ensures maximum damage for a class built to excel with Thunder and Lightning damage. Consider using the Misty Step spell or scroll and teleporting behind enemy lines or near a ledge with a drop-off. Then, cast Destructive Wave without any allies in the radius. Watch the raw damage and enjoy a unique and powerful Cleric spell in BG3.
2 Divine Intervention
Divine Intervention features in Baldur’s Gate 3:
- Description: Call upon your deity in your moment of greatest need. Once they interfere, your deity will never do so again in this manner.
- School: Cleric Only, available at Level 10
- Cost: Action
- Range: Self
- Concentration: No
- Upcast: No
- Subclass: All
The Divine Intervention is unique amongst BG3 spells because it can only be used once per game. You call on your deity for one of four spells: Sunder the Heretical (area damage), Opulent Revival (mass resurrection), Arm They Servant (grants Devotee’s Legendary mace), or Golden Generosity (gain potions and supplies). Sunder the Heretical is the most powerful damage spell in Baldur’s Gate 3, dealing 8d10 Radiant damage within 15 meter radius. While you can only use it once, it can save an Honour Mode run, especially in the Elder Brain fight.
One way to use the spell is to gain supplies or Devotee’s Mace. Once you’ve reached level 10, summon a hireling to join your party (not Shadowheart). Go through and level the character until level 10. Cast the Arm Thy Servant spell and obtain the legendary Mace. You can then dismiss the companion or use them for long rest buff spells. Remember, Divine Intervention is once per game, per character, so take advantage when you need a powerful weapon as soon as you reach level 10.
1 Planar Ally
Planar Ally features in Baldur’s Gate 3:
- Description: Beseech one of these otherworldly entities for aid. Summon either an Elemental, Celestial, or Fiend to fight for you.
- School: Conjuration spell
- Cost: Action + Level 6 Spell Slot
- Range: 18 meters
- Concentration: No
- Upcast: Casting this spell at a higher level grants no additional benefit.
- Subclass: All
The best spell for the Cleric class in Baldur’s Gate 3 is Planar Ally, allowing you to summon the most powerful ally in the game. Planar Ally summons come in three forms; Djinni, Deva, and Cambion. Our favorite is the Deva because it is a powerful melee damage dealer with 136 hit points, fly, and Wrathful Smite. This Deva will follow you until a long rest and requires a level 6 spell slot to cast the spell. However, you can use one of three items to negate the cost of the spell: Markoheshkir legendary quarterstaff, Staff of Spellpower, or the Spellcrux Amulet. This combination allows the Cleric to still make use of their level 6 spell and likely cast Heroes’ Feast or Create Undead.
Additionally, you can use the companion Wyll at the end of Act 2 to obtain the Infernal Rapier. Once obtained, you can pass this to any companion who cast the spell and obtain the Cambion version of the spell. The Cambion can stack with the Deva giving you two obscenely strong allies to soak up damage and kill enemies passively for you. Therefore, consider Planar Ally the strongest spell in BG3 because of the powerful ally until a long rest.
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