Best Avowed Wizard Build

Discover how to create the best Wizard build in Avowed, with recommendations for skills, attributes, weapons, companions and leveling progression!

wizard build avowed
Best Avowed Wizard Build (Source: Xbox Games Studio)

Avowed is a first-person RPG developed by Obsidian Entertainment and published by Xbox Game Studios. Set in the Pillars of Eternity universe, the game takes place in the Living Lands, where you are uncovering a secret mystery. Wizard build in Avowed gives you a versatile and powerful wizard, able to handle most challenges during the journey. It revolves around maximizing your spellcasting potential while ensuring your character can handle the challenges of combat. Focusing on the correct attributes is essential for the Wizard build, as it will highly influence your gameplay.

Combine your Wizard skills with the Fighter class skill to make your character extremely powerful. Choose the best gear as a Wizard, boosting your spellcasting power or reducing the mana cost of your spells. You can adapt to nearly any combat situation with different spell types. The game Avowed can be complex in terms of combat and gameplay and features action-oriented combat with a mix of melee, ranged, and magic-based abilities. In this guide, we’ll discuss the best Wizard build in Avowed, along with some useful gameplay tips and tricks and the best gear to equip while progressing.

This build has been updated for the Patch 1.2.3 version of Avowed.

Everything You Need To Know About Wizard Build Guide in Avowed

Out Wizard build focuses on spellcasting abilities and attributes that can make your character powerful. The Wizard build focuses on leveling core attributes like Intellect, Might, and Perception. This unique build aims to maximize magical prowess while balancing defense and versatility. High Intellect is crucial for increasing spell effectiveness and Might help increase your damage output and survivability in combat. It’s best to use AOE spells like Fireball to clear groups of enemies. To deal with enemies in melee combat, you can use swords like Exceptional Sword to reduce physical damage and stun effect.

War Hero is the best background for the Wizard, and weapons like Wand, Grimoire, and one-handed sword complement your Wizard build. Choosing the Yatzli and Giatta as your companions during your journey helps you clear out enemies effectively. However, you need to combine your abilities with your companion’s abilities to increase combat effectiveness. The best Wizard build includes skills like Wand Mastery, Parry, Meteor Shower, Blood Magic, Power Jump, and Clear Out, making your progression fast to winning the battles.

This Wizard build allows you to deal incredible amounts of damage with spells and gives you flexibility in combat. You can hit multiple enemies simultaneously, making a cluster of enemies easier to handle. However, you will be less durable in direct combat and must manage your spell slots. You can only deal physical damage with a one-handed sword, limiting the physical damage in combat.

Wizard Build ProsWizard Build Cons
High Damage PotentialFragile Defenses
Combat VersatilityResource Management
Effective AoE spellsLimited physical damage
High Mobility 

Wizard Build Features & Mechanics

Below are the essential best Wizard build features and mechanics for Avowed:

  • Background: Arcane Scholar
  • Attribute Points: Intellect, Might, Perception
  • Weapon Choices: Wand, Grimoire, One-Handed Sword
  • Best Skills: Meteor Shower, Blood Magic, Arcane Veil
  • Recommended Companions: Kai, Giatta
  • Best Consumables: Fine Aedyran Mead, Fruitful Wine, Krakenhorn

Background

Avowed Character Background Choices

Arcane Scholar is the best background for a Wizard build because you gain weapons geared towards spell casting immediately (wand, Grimoire). However, feel free to select any background, as it won’t affect performance in combat beyond the tutorial.

Background plays a pivotal role in shaping your role-playing experience. It affects your dialogue options and determines your starting weapon during the tutorial chosen during character creation. Your initial allocation of attribute points across six stats is also influenced. However, they do not restrict your access to any equipment or abilities as the game progresses. Regardless of your background, you can use any equipment and abilities. Avowed enriches your character’s backstory and provides initial attribute distributions and dialogue options by selecting the background.

Attribute Points

Intellect, Might, and Perception are the best attributes points for Wizard build, making your character much more powerful. Intellect is important because it increases your maximum Essence and bolsters your defenses. Might allow you to boost both weapon and spell damage, making it essential for maximizing the impact of your spells. Perception increases your critical hit chance and extends the range of your ranged attacks. This makes your spells hit more accurately from a safe distance.

At a max level of 30, you can select 27 attributes, not including passive permanent bonuses given by companions. Below is our recommended attribute points selection for the Wizard build:

  • Might: 8
  • Constitution: 2
  • Dexterity: 0
  • Perception: 4
  • Intellect: 12
  • Resolve: 1

Focus on the attributes wisely for your Wizard build as it increases your magical prowess. You can also use consumables to increase your attributes. The other way to earn attribute points is to level up your character while progressing and gaining experience. The game allows you to permanently boost attributes via companions or temporarily boost your attributes with food and consumables.

Weapon Choices

Wand, Grimoires, and Swords are your best weapons for the Wizard build in Avowed. The weapons you get at the early stage are not as powerful as compared to the weapons obtained later in the game. Each weapon type has unique strengths, so selecting the one that complements your playstyle is crucial.

The wand in your Wizard build is your primary weapon that provides ranged magical attacks, passive bonuses, or unique spellcasting effects. It offers a constant damage output and elemental effects during combat. Equipping the upgraded weapon significantly enhances your wizard’s effectiveness in Avowed. This weapon specializes in complementing your Wizard build.

Grimoire is your off-hand weapon for Wizards, allowing you to increase your magical capabilities. You can equip this weapon to access various spells, enabling versatile combat strategies and crowd control abilities. You can cast multiple spells, providing flexibility in various combat situations. It complements the spells assigned to your main hand. Pairing a Wand in your main hand with a Grimoire in your off-hand is an effective setup. This allows for basic attacks while having immediate access to a variety of spells. You can use this combination to balance constant damage and spell versatility. Use the Grimoire to access a wide range of spells and enhance your magical prowess.

Secondary Weapons

Your secondary weapon for the Wizard build is a one-handed sword. It increases your versatility, allowing for effective close-quarters combat alongside your spellcasting abilities. This is beneficial while facing enemies resistant to magic. You can pair a one-handed sword with a Grimoire to maximize your combat effectiveness. You can switch between melee attacks and spellcasting, providing a balanced approach. We recommend you upgrade your one-handed sword and pair it with the powerful grimoire to craft a formidable wizard build in Avowed.

Swapping weapons is essential during combat as it gives you flexibility in the game. We recommend you use an advanced weapon for more damage when you get advanced further. These weapons deal greater damage at the expense of defense, making them ideal for an aggressive playstyle. Experimenting with different weapon types allows you to learn their mechanics and choose which weapon is best suited for your playstyle.

Essence Regeneration

Essence regeneration Avowed

To regenerate Essence used for spell casting, use consumables, potions, or Parasitic Staff spell. Your primary means for regeneration should come from food, which gives you a slow regeneration over time. You can use the Survivalist perk in the Ranger skill tree to increase the effectiveness and unlock new recipes. Only use potions of essence when you need a burst of sustain, as they are expensive and can be used in later recipes.

Therefore, rely on Parasitic Staff which acts like a weapon for 30 seconds. You want a companion taunt (Kai) or the Bear from Ranger skill tree to grab the attention of enemy NPCs. Then, beat on them with Parasitic Staff for a few hits. Once you have enough resources, go back to range and bar swap to cancel the animation if it hasn’t expired.

Skill Selection

The game allows you to unlock skills at each level, starting at 2. One level gives you one more skill point to place in one of three skill trees. You can mix and match skill trees, but Wizard and Fighter synergize the best together. Moreover, you can reset skills at any time with gold, though it gets more expensive the more levels you increase.

Levels 1-10 Skills

wizard build skills level 1-10 avowed
wizard build skills level 1-10 avowed

Blast, Build to Destroy, Shadowy Beyond, Survivalist, and Grimoire Mystery are the best skills till level 10. Invest skill points to gain the skills that can keep you alive in the initial stages of the game. Passive skills are used to increase damage or survivability, while active skills require essence, and you can’t use them due to their cost.

Below is a list, in order, of the skills for the Best Wizard Build for Avowed from levels 1 to 10:

LevelSkill NameTreeDescription
1None
2Minor Missiles Rank 1WizardSummon 3 magical projectiles that seek out enemies
3Arcane Veil Rank 1WizardInvokes a powerful arcane shield for 20 seconds that makes your spell casting Uninterruptable and increases your Damage Reduction by 50%.
4Parry Rank 1RangerTime a perfect Block against a melee attack to knock the enemy back and gain an immediate counter-attack.
5Shadowing Beyond Rank 1RangerChannel the Beyond, becoming Invisible and draining Essence until your next combat action
6Constant RecoveryFighterAfter taking damage, slowly regeneration 50% of the last amount of health
7Survivalist Rank 1RangerFood restores 20% more Health and Essence and bonus effect durations are increased by 20%.
8Grimoire Mastery Rank 1WizardUnlock level 5 Grimoire spells and decrease the Essence cost of all Grimoire spells by 10%.
9Bristling Frost Rank 1WizardThe caster is surrounded by a protective frost that increases Damage Reduction by 10% and deals Frost Accumulation to enemy melee attackers.
10Built to DestroyFighterDestroying things restores a small amount of health and essence

Levels 11-20 Skills

wizard skill level 11-20 avowed
wizard skill level 11-20 avowed

Player needs to enhance their damage potential from levels 11-20. Blood Magic, Spirit of Decay, Meteor Shower, and Parry are the best skills to invest in. The skill you choose during levels 1 to 10 should be upgraded during your journey from level 11 to 20. Earn skill points to invest in better skills to make your character and Wizard build powerful.

LevelSkill NameTreeDescription
11Blood Magic Rank 1WizardWhen Essence is depleted, you may continue casting by reducing your Health by 150% of the Essence cost.
12Grimoire Mastery Rank 2WizardUnlock level 10 Grimoire spells and decrease the Essence cost of all Grimoire spells by 15%.
13Survivalist Rank 2RangerUnlocks recipes for strong healing food
14Arcane Veil Rank 2WizardReflects ranged projectiles
15Grimoire Mastery Rank 3WizardUnlock level 15 Grimoire spells and decrease the Essence cost of all Grimoire spells by 18%.
16Blood Magic Rank 2WizardWhen Essence is depleted, you may continue casting by reducing your Health by 125% of the Essence cost.
17Pull of EoraWizardPulling 2 neary bnemies and suspending them in the vortext
18Grimoire Mastery Rank 4WizardUnlock level 20 Grimoire spells and decrease the Essence cost of all Grimoire spells by 20%.
19Arcane Veil Rank 3WizardMelee attackers are knocked back
20Meteror Shower Rank 1WizardConjures a cataclysmic shower of destructive meteors that rain down upon the area, dealing great damage and Fire Accumulation to nearby enemies.

Levels 21-30 Skills

wizard skill level 21-25 avowed
wizard skill level 21-30 avowed

At levels 21-30, you want to increase your elemental damage and increase survivability. You can use the best one-handed weapons and Grimoire to have great survivability and damage at this stage. Look to pick one elemental type like fire, frost, etc, and optimize the elemental damage bonus via the passives.

Below is a list, in order, of the skills for the Best Wizard Build for Avowed from levels 21 to 30:

LevelSkill NameTreeDescription
21Parry Rank 2RangerIncreases Parry efficiency by 25%, dealing greater Stun when Parrying enemies.
22Arcane Seal Rank 1WizardConjures an Arcane Seal at your feet for 30 seconds. Your Essence regenerates while you stand within the seal’s lingering area of effect.
23Meteor Shower Rank 2WizardMeteors break on impact, leaving lingering flames on the ground.
24Blood Magic Rank 3WizardWhen Essence is depleted, you may continue casting by reducing your Health by 110% of the Essence cost.
25Meteor Shower Rank 3WizardReduces essence cost by 20%
26Survivalist Rank 3RangerUnlock recipes for foods with powerful effects
27Inspiring Triumph Rank 1FighterKillin enemies restores 10% of your companions’ maximum health
28Scion of Flame Rank 1WizardIncreases the amount of fire accumulation you deal by 20%
29Scion of Flame Rank 2WizardIncreases the amount of fire accumulation you deal by 35%
30Scion of Flame Rank 3WizardIncreases the amount of fire accumulation you deal by 45%

Best Wizard Skills Explained

The best skills for Wizard build in Avowed are Arcane Veil, Blood Magic, and Meteor Shower. Arcane Veil gives you a damage bubble and lowers incoming damage while wearing light armor. It acts as magic armor and can be cast preemptively to avoid getting killed. Blood Magic helps you contiunally cast spells when out of magic, just make sure you have Giatta healing you. Lastly, Meteor Shower is your huge area damage spell with fire. You want to take the Scion of Flame passive to boost the overall fire damage this does and is used for multiple target kills.

Another important skill is Arcane Seal. Once you get rank 2, you can make food that surpasses the need for potions, increasing your survivability dramatically. Arcane Seal increases Essence regeneration and casting efficiency. It conjures a seal at your feet that lasts for 30 seconds when activated. Each skill is useful during the gameplay, so choosing the best one is crucial as it can save your life.

  • Grimoire Mastery: this passive is required to unlock more powerful spells as you progress. Moreover, it reduces the essence cost, making it more effective and easier to cast spells repeatedly.
  • Arcane Veil: At level one, this is your bubble spell that protects you from incoming damage. You can front-load this spell before going into combat, giving you high damage reduction even in light armor.
  • Meteor Shower It rains down destructive meteors, dealing great damage and leaving lingering flames.
  • Blood Magic: This skill allows you to continue casting spells using health when the essence is depleted.
  • Arcane Seal: Conjures a seal that regenerates Essence and increases ability cast speed, slowing enemies within its range.

Companions

Giatta and Kai are best companions for a Wizad build because they either heal or defend you. Kai is your first companion and acts as a tank with two skills that generate aggro and attract enemies’ attention. You’ll want to send Kai into the main battle with Fire and Ire, then Leap of Pride and rotate both taunts back and forth. He keeps enemies from attacking you so you are free to spellcast.

Giatta acts as a healer with powerful spells that also reduce incoming damage. You can pre-bubble with Barrier, which gives you another damage shield on top of Arcane Veil. Then, use her heals for damage reductions once they are upgraded.

Kai

Kai Skill Tree Stealth Build Avowed

Below are the recommended skills and upgrades for Kai as a tank companion:

Skill 1Skill 2Skill 3Skill 4
Fire and IreUnbending DefenseLeap of DaringSecond Wind
Quick ReloadIron WIllLeap of PrideRefreshing Wind

Giatta

Giatta Skill Tree Stealth Build Avowed

Below are the recommended skills and upgrades for Giatta as a healer companion:

Skill 1Skill 2Skill 3Skill 4
PurificationBarrierAccelerationReconstruction
Essence ShieldingGreater BarrierEvade AttacksOvercharge

Wizard Gameplay & Tips

Kai and Giatta are the two best companions that can complement your Wizard build in Avowed. These abilities allow you to dominate the enemies coming in your path. Invest in attributes like Intellect, Perception, and Might to strengthen your character. Intellect increases your maximum essence, perception enhances critical hit chance, and might boost both spell and weapon damage.

Prefer abilities like Grimoire Mastery to unlock higher-tier spells. Use a Wand as your primary weapon, a Grimoire as an off-hand weapon, and a one-handed sword as a secondary weapon to deal damage in combat. Mastering combat techniques is essential to enhance your combat effectiveness. Combining Wizard skills with Fighter skills for a multiclass playstyle is best. The grenade can deal devastating massive damage over time. Equip a light to medium armor to offer a balance between protection and mobility.

Weapons and Armor

Beginner Weapon and Armor

Here’s the best beginner gear for the Avowed Wizard Build Guide:

SlotItemBonus
Weapon 1Minoletta’s Conduit+5% Attack, +30% Range
Off-HandAnextli’s Grimoire Ability Cost -20% Cooldown -15%
Secondary WeaponLast Light of DayRestore health on enemy kill
Off-HandUnflinching Duty5% to avoid melee damage
ArmorArcanist’s Gambeson+15% AOE damage
GlovesArcanist’s Gloves+20 Essence
BootsBoots of the Bricklayer+10% dodge distance
TrinketNight-Mistress’ FavorRestores Essence near companions
RingArcanist Ring+1 intelligence
RingWayfarer’s Ring+20% restoration from consumables and potions
  • Minoletta’s Conduit: Purchased from Abritt Porrya at Porrya & Vellino at Fior Mes Iverno in Emerald Stair.
  • Anextli’s Grimoire: This can be looted from a skeleton north of Ivona’s Threshold in Dawnshore, just northwest of Watermill.
  • Last Light of Day: found during Dawntreader’s quest in the Eothasian temple within Dawnshore (location Pilgrim’s Path).
  • Unflinching Duty: found in the Strangleroot area looted next to an Aedryan Soldier’s Corpse in the north.
  • Arcanist’s Gambeson: Looted from the chest found inside one of the houses at the Yellowband Camp in Dawnshore, due east of Paradis.
  • Arcanist’s Gloves: Found in the Shrine of Woedica in Dawnshore, to the north.
  • Boots of the Bricklayer: Located in Pagrun Cache in Dawnshore behind breakable wall north by Pilgrim’s Path.
  • Night-Mistress’ Favor: Complete the side quest a lady never tells, speak with Concerned Couresan north of Pearl District in Paradis Dawnshore.
  • Arcanist Ring: Can be looted from a lock box that is located on Castol’s Folly in Dawnshore, the southeastern section of the map.
  • Wayfarer’s Ring: Can be found from a skeleton south of Runyd’s Home in Dawnshore to the west of Shrine of Woedica.

Endgame Weapon and Armor

The following table presents the best end-game gear for the best Avowed Wizard Build Guide:

SlotItemBonus
Weapon 1Cruel CommandHits deal extra fire damage
Off-HandEilara’s GrimoireUnlocks Meteor Shower
Secondary WeaponThe Emperor’s ReachBoosts attack and movement on enemy kill
Off-HandBastion of SolaceDeals massive damage, and enemies’ high armor takes 30% less damage
ArmorRobes of Surpassing Brilliance+15% AOE damage
GlovesMagran’s Force+15% Fire damage
BootsCouncilor’s Shoes+2 Dexterity, +25% Dodge Distance
TrinketStoneheartSummons a blight to fight with you
RingRing of Greater Overseeing+20% area of effect damage
RingSigil of the Arcane+20% ability cast speed. -20% ability Essence cost.
  • Cruel Command: Purchased from Stockkeeper Eberk from 58,500 Gold in Galawain’s Tusk southern warden tower.
  • Eilara’s Grimoire: To the right of the altar in the praying room of the Living Archives, Northwest of map, in Galawain’s Tusks.
  • The Emperor’s Reach: Can be found in the middle of the puddle stabbed on a corpse at Ancient Lakebed in Shatterscape.
  • Bastion of Solace: Reward from Mihala if you choose to save Solace Keep.
  • Robes of Surpassing Brilliance: Found in Ancient Lakebed chest South west part of map just north of Shrine to Wael in Shatterscarp.
  • Magran’s Force: Can be found in Sulfur Mines within Shatterscap, west of deadfall highlands.
  • Councilor’s Shoes: Kill Councilor Koysta and save Solace Keep during Our Dreams Divide Us Still in Galawain’s Tusks
  • Stoneheart: complete a Cure for Rage given by Grakohr in Galawain’s Tusks.
  • Ring of Greater Overseeing: Inside locked chest at top floor of Northern Warden Tower behind locked gate.
  • Sigil of the Arcane: Found in Shatterscarp inside a lockbox inside a puzzle door at Shark’s teeth.

Consumables

Fine Aedyran Mead grants +2 Perception and +10% Maximum Essence for 300 seconds. Fruitful Wine provides +2 Constitution and +5% damage reduction for 300 seconds. Krakenhorn allows you to gain +2 Resolve and +5% Maximum Stamina for 300 seconds. You need to take three points into the survivalist skill in the ranger tree. Once unlocked, you can craft advanced food and buffs that drastically increase your survivability, damage, and regeneration.

FAQs about Wizard in Avowed

What is the best Wizard build in Avowed?

The best Wizard build in Avowed uses a Wand, Grimoire, and a one-handed sword. It grants you high-level spell-casting ability, survivability, and physical damage.  

Which is the best Background for a Wizard build?

Arcane Scholar because it gives you range spellcasting weapons early in the game.

Which are the best skills for Wizard build?

Meteor Shower, Blood Magic, and Arcane Viel are the best skills for the Wizard build. These abilities allow you to deal massive damage and provide more survivability in the game.


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