Discover the best Wizard class spells you should use in Baldur’s Gate 3 for damage, survivability, and crowd control!
In Baldur’s Gate 3, the Wizard is the most versatile spellcaster with the ability to learn any spells from scrolls. While this opens up many flexible options, it’s also important to note that the core Wizard spellbook has many powerful spells for damage, buffs, and utility. Additionally, the Wizard has a variety of subclasses all offering unique bonuses and playstyles that reward specific spell school mastery.
This guide, Best Spells for the Wizard 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 Wizard build!
What are the Best Spells for the Wizard Class in Baldur’s Gate 3
Disintegrate, Fireball, and Globe of Invulnerability are the best Wizard class spells in Baldur’s Gate 3. Disintegrate boasts the highest single-target damage output in the game. Fireball is renowned for its power area damage capabilities, and those specializing in the Evocation subclass can cast it without risking harm to allies. Lastly, Globe of Invulnerability creates a protective dome that shields against all damage, making even the toughest bosses manageable in honour mode.
Below are the strongest spells for the Wizard class in Baldur’s Gate 3:
- Disintegrate: highest single target damage spell in BG3
- Fireball: pinnacle area damage spell in BG3
- Globe of Invulnerability: dome-based survival skill
- Wall of Fire: creates choke point with massive fire damage
- Counterspell: shuts down enemy spellcasters
- Ice Storm: great damage and chance to stun with prone
- False Life: additional life temporarily
- Misty Step: optimal mobility spell for Wizards
- Magic Missile: modest damage, yet potent when upcast
- Mage Armour: essential for survivability
Related:
10 Mage Armour
Mage Armour features in Baldur’s Gate 3:
- Description: Surround an unarmoured creature with a protective magical force. Its Armour Class increases to 13 + its Dexterity modifier.
- School: Abjuration spell
- Cost: Action + Level 1 Spell Slot
- Range: Self or 1.5 meters
- Concentration: No
- Upcast: No
- Subclass: All
The Mage Armour spell is the essential method for boosting Armour Class (AC) and avoiding attacks. Without it, in clothing, Wizards are vulnerable with that standard 10 AC + dexterity modifier. However, with Mage Armour active and 16 Dexterity, you can push your AC to 16. Additionally, equip a shield (Human or Half-Elf race) for another +2 boost and you’ll be at 18 within seconds of starting the game. That is higher than heavy armour builds early in BG3! Of note, you must activate this spell immediately following a long rest to gain the benefit.
Two additional means to increase your AC are with the Mirror Image and Shield spells. Mirror Image lasts 10 turns and has three duplicates that each raise your AC by 3. Each attack removes one shade, but at the start of combat, you can have another 9 additional AC. The Shield spell activates with a reaction and raises your AC by 5 during the enemy’s turn. Both of these spells can be obtained by a Wizard early and are a powerful means to prevent death, making them in combination with Mage’s Armour some of the best spells for the Wizard Class in Baldur’s Gate 3.
9 Magic Missile
Magic Missile features in Baldur’s Gate 3:
- Description: Create three darts of magical force, each dealing 1d4 + 1 Force damage to its target.
- School: Evocation spell
- Cost: Action + Level 1 Spell Slot
- Range: 18 meters
- Concentration: No
- Upcast: When the spell is cast at 2nd Level or higher, an additional dart is created for each Spell Slot Level above 1.
- Subclass: All
The strength of Magic Missile is its ability to have a 100% chance to land and that it bends around terrain. The spell is available at level 1 but remains powerful even at the end of BG3. Using a level 1 spell slot, Magic Missile fires three projectiles that can target one or more targets for force damage. The damage isn’t significant, but it doesn’t have to go in a straight line and you can guarantee it will hit the target. Magic Missile is great to use around Terrian to remain hidden or when one or more enemies are at low health and you need to ensure a successful attack.
Upcasting Magic Missle
Two specific fights in Magic Missile play a key role: Auntie Ethel in Act 1 and Orin in Act 3. Auntie Ethel offers an item that permanently boosts stats, but the fight can be extremely hard on Honour Mode. The difficulty comes when you have to hit multiple targets, are great distances for 1 or more damage. One additional strength of the Magic Missile spell is you can upcast it with a higher spell slot to shoot more projectiles.
Essentially, this allows you to despawn all the enemies on turn one, and fight the right enemy, not illusions. This mechanic is similarly used to defeat Orin in Act 3 who’s impossible to kill until hit a certain number of times. Thus, don’t sleep on the power of Magic Missle and though it comes early, it’s still one of the best Wizard class spells in Baldur’s Gate 3.
8 Misty Step
Misty Step features in Baldur’s Gate 3:
- Description: Surrounded by silver mist, you teleport to an unoccupied space you can see.
- School: Conjuration spell
- Cost: Bonus Action + Level 2 Spell Slot
- Range: 18 meters
- Concentration: No
- Upcast: No
- Subclass: All
The strength of Misty Step mobility skill is that it uses a bonus action, rather than an action for spellcasting. This helps any spellcasting Wizard maintain high damage and utility with their action while gaining the advantages of mobility of Misty Step. This teleporting spell is also handy for jumping up cliffs or transporting across bridges to get to the unforeseen treasure.
Two items come early in BG3 giving free use of Misty Step: Amulet of Misty Step and Disintegrating Night Walkers boots. Consider obtaining both items early in Act 1 to free up spell slots for damage and utility with your Wizard build.
7 False Life
False Life features in Baldur’s Gate 3:
- Description: Bolster yourself with a necromantic facsimile of life to gain 7 temporary hit points.
- School: Necromancy spell
- Cost: Action + Level 1 Spell Slot
- Range: Self
- Concentration: No
- Upcast: Casting this spell at a higher level yields an extra 5 temporary hit points for each Spell Slot Level above 1.
- Subclass: All
While seeming deceptively weak, False Life is a powerful temporary HP boost to the Wizard. You cast this spell and gain 7 hit points, and it lasts until a long rest without the need for concentration. The true power of this spell comes when you upcast it using a higher-level spell slot, gaining an additional 5 HP for each spell slot above the first. Thus, you can gain 30+ HP before going into combat. This is very helpful when playing on Honour Mode or Solo Wizard build.
Lastly, you can cast False Life or any other buff spell, then take it off from your prepared spell book. This might be annoying to do every long rest, but it allows you to swap in another useful spell before combat while maintaining its benefit. Though seemingly weak, consider False Life one of the best Wizard class spells in Baldur’s Gate 3 due to your increase in survivability.
6 Ice Storm
Ice Storm features in Baldur’s Gate 3:
- Description: Impel a storm of hail and ice to crash from the sky, covering the ground and striking all objects and creatures within range, dealing bludgeoning and cold damage. It also creates an Ice Surface that lasts 2 turns.
- School: Evocation spell
- Cost: Action + Level 4 Spell Slot
- Range: 18 meters
- Concentration: No
- Upcast: Casting this spell at a higher level deals an extra 1d8 bludgeoning damage for each Spell Slot Level above 4.
- Subclass: All
Ice Storm is an exemplary spell that seamlessly blends area damage with crowd control. This Wizard spell unleashes a barrage of intense cold damage across a vast radius, creating a lasting icy terrain for two turns. Notably, Ice Storm serves a dual purpose: delivering significant area damage while also potentially incapacitating enemies who succumb to its effects and fall prone. Unlike other spells, Ice Storm operates instantly and does not necessitate concentration to maintain the icy terrain. As a result, it can be effectively employed on the first turn, and following up with another powerful area damage spell on turn two.
The passive feature of the Markoheshkir legendary staff, Kereska’s Favour, offers a unique advantage by granting access to Ice Storm imbued with the Frost of Dark Winter buff. This enhancement not only provides resistance to cold until a long rest but also includes the Cone of Cold and Ice Storm spells. Furthermore, these spells apply the Frost debuff to targets, augmenting their vulnerability alongside the inflicted damage and icy terrain. If you enjoy large area-based spells, consider playing the Evocation subclass so you don’t cause any friendly fire to your ally companions!
5 Counterspell
Counterspell features in Baldur’s Gate 3:
- Description: Nullify another creature’s spell as a reaction. The spell must be 3rd Level or lower. If it is higher, you must succeed in a Check to nullify it, the difficulty of which is based on the spell’s Level.
- School: Abjuration spell
- Cost: Reaction + Level 3 Spell Slot
- Range: 18 meters
- Concentration: No
- Upcast: No
- Subclass: All
Often overlooked, Counterspell proves to be a valuable asset for Wizards in Baldur’s Gate 3 as it enables the negation of opposing spellcasters. By utilizing a reaction and expending a spell slot, you can nullify an enemy spell upon a successful dice roll. This action effectively prevents incoming damage, outgoing healing, and crowd control effects. Additionally, you have the option to set your reactions tab to “ask,” allowing you to refrain from reacting when the spell does not pose a significant threat.
The optimal use of Counterspell involves negating incoming spells that could impact your turn. Spells such as Silence, Hold Person, and any spells that induce stun or hinder movement are ideal candidates for cancellation. It is advisable to reserve at least one level 3 or higher spell slot specifically for Counterspell. Therefore, it’s important not to exhaust all spell slots in anticipation of an incoming attack that could potentially endanger your party.
4 Wall of Fire
Wall of Fire features in Baldur’s Gate 3:
- Description: Create a blazing wall of fire, Burning anyone who dares stand too close. Deals Fire to anything that moves into or starts its turn in the area.
- School: Evocation spell
- Cost: Action + Level 4 Spell Slot
- Range: 18 meters
- Concentration: Yes
- Upcast: Casting this spell at a higher level deals an extra 1d8 Fire damage for each Spell Slot Level above 4.
- Subclass: All
The Wall of Fire spell is best used for fights with a choke point. Meaning, that if there is a fight with a specific small area of entry, cast a wall of fire to force melee enemies through, taking massive damage. Unlike other fire area damage spells, the Wall of Fire stays in place while you are holding concentration. Moreover, this spell can be upcast dealing further damage as enemies walk through the flames.
The Fight with Viconia to obtain the Walking Fortress Legendary Shield and Mirror of Loss permanent bonus is an excellent time to use Wall of Fire. This fight features many enemies, most of which are melee that have to travel directly towards the player. You can initiate combat with one character, retreat to the rear, and maintain concentration on Wall of Fire burning down many enemies.
3 Globe of Invulnerability
Globe of Invulnerability features in Baldur’s Gate 3:
- Description: Create a barrier that makes creatures and objects inside it Immune to all damage.
- School: Abjuration spell
- Cost: Action + Level 6 Spell Slot
- Range: 18 meters
- Concentration: Yes
- Upcast: No
- Subclass: All
When it comes to damage mitigation, Globe of Invulnerability stands out as an exceptional option. This advanced spell creates a protective bubble within a limited radius where it’s placed. Requiring concentration, this spell nullifies all damage within the bubble. The true strength of the Globe of Invulnerability becomes apparent in specific battles, where it significantly hampers enemy effectiveness. Notably, encounters like Ansur in Balduran’s Giantslayer area or facing the Steel Watcher in Act 3. In these confrontations, despite facing substantial incoming damage, you can strategically enter the globe to evade threats.
To utilize Globe of Invulnerability, you’ll need to either reserve a level 6 spell slot or acquire a scroll of the spell. Certain items such as the Spellcrux Amulet, Markoheshkir Legendary Staff, and Spellpower Staff offer opportunities to obtain this spell for free. This capability is particularly potent as it allows you to deploy both offensive level 6 spells and Globe of Invulnerability in the same battle. However, it’s crucial to note that maintaining concentration on the spell is essential, as it can be disrupted, leaving you vulnerable. Therefore, it’s advisable to minimize exposure to incoming damage and remain within the protective globe, especially during intense combat situations.
2 Fireball
Fireball features in Baldur’s Gate 3:
- Description: Shoot a bright flame from your fingers that explode upon contact, torching everything in the vicinity for 8d6 Fire damage.
- School: Evocation spell
- Cost: Action + Level 3 Spell Slot
- Range: 18 meters
- Concentration: No
- Upcast: When the spell is cast using a 4th level slot or higher, damage increases by 1d6 Fire for each spell slot level above 3.
- Subclass: All
The best area damage spell for the Wizard is Fireball. Unlike other spellcasters, the Evocation Wizard subclass can cast Fireball on top of allies and enemies alike without friendly fire damage. Moreover, Fireball can be upcast and do even more damage, thus it remains a powerful spell regardless of your level. Two Quarterstaffs can be obtained to gain access to free use of fireball: Act 2 Incandescent Staff, Act 3 Markoheshkir Legendary Staff.
One trick to using fireball or any other fire-related spell is gaining access to Heat like with the Act 1 Cinder Shoes. This is a status effect that inflicts 1d4 fire damage to yourself but can be consumed via Heat Convergence to do extra fire damage. Moreover, if you are a Tiefling race or have the Darkfire Shortbow equipped as your ranged weapon, you will half-fire damage. The combination of Heat and Fireball with an additional upcast spell slot makes it one of the best Wizard spells in all of Baldur’s Gate 3.
1 Disintegrate
Disintegrate features in Baldur’s Gate 3:
- Description: Shoot a thin green ray from your finger. If the spell reduces the target to 0 hit points, it disintegrates into a crumbly ash.
- School: Transmutation spell
- Cost: Action + Level 6 Spell Slot
- Range: 9 meters
- Concentration: No
- Upcast: No
- Subclass: All
No other spells provide as much single-target damage as Disintegrate, making it the best of all the Wizard class spells in Baldur’s Gate 3. Moreover, the base damage of 50 is high, guaranteeing you at least some value for spending a level 6 spell. Three items are essential for using Disnitigrate multiple times per battle, Spellcrux Amulet, Markoheshkir Legendary Staff, and Spellpower Staff. Each of these items has a way of granting free use of a spell or replenishing a spell slot.
Another advantage of Disintegrate is that it’s force damage. This helps in fights with Raphael and others who require this damage type to eliminate mechanics. The only downside is the range is limited to 9 meters, so positioning is key. However, outright eliminating 1 target is the reason we ranked this as the best spell in Baldur’s Gate 3 for the Wizard class.
Bonus Action Spellcasting
Lastly, consider taking the Illithid Powers and specifically completing the Awakened permanent bonus in late Act 1. Though challenging to unlock via dialogue, this permanent bonus grants the use of Tadpole Powers with a bonus action. This allows you to cast Black Hole, Mind Blast, and many others in combination with your most powerful spells.
The Mind Sanctuary spell creates a small bubble that allows any spellcaster to use actions and bonus actions interchangeably. This combination essentially ramps up your Wizard’s power to rival that of the Sorcerer, allowing you to cast Disinetigration or any other of the most powerful Baldur’s Gate 3 Wizard class spells within one turn. While you may dislike the appearance, you will love the power of the Illithid abilities, though it may come with a cost!
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