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Baldur’s Gate 3 has plenty of magical classes to choose from, but none fit the high fantasy image better than the Wizard. With or without a staff and pointy hat, these arcane scholars dominate the battlefield with fire and lighting. Traditionally they’re used in DPS positions, but these casters have a variety of potent utility spells under their belts as well. The sheer number of spells available to Wizards means they’re far from the easiest casters to play. That said, players looking for something to do after beating the game might want to take these powerful spells for a spin. Here are the best Wizard spells in BG3, ranked from useful to indispensable.
8. Magic Missile
(Updated on October 7, 2024 – updated links and format)
Magic Missile isn’t flashy, and its damage isn’t even that impressive compared to other spells. What makes Magic Missile so valuable is the fact that it doesn’t miss. As long as its target isn’t hidden behind cover, this spell will always strike them. With spells capable of blinding characters or plunging them into magical darkness at any moment, the battlefields of Baldur’s Gate 3 are constantly changing. Magic Missile is one of the few spells that can consistently do its job, regardless of conditions.
7. Misty Step
Movement is a crucial part of battles in BG3. Positioning determines whether one character can strike another, whether they can escape an enemy’s clutches without suffering an Opportunity Attack, and so much more. Traps, difficult terrain, volatile surfaces, and other factors all complicate the otherwise simple business of moving around. Misty Step simplifies this issue. With it, the caster can simply teleport from one place to another. It might not do any damage, but the simple utility of Misty Step easily makes it one of the best Wizard spells.
6. Lightning Bolt
Wizards are known for their magical DPS, particularly their elemental spells. Lightning Bolt isn’t the first of those spells most players will think of, but it’s one of the most effective. The spell’s only serious drawback is the need to draw a straight line from the caster through their targets. Solid damage and ease of use make Lightning Bolt a great choice for any elemental Wizard. For players picking up this spellcasting class, grabbing Lightning Bolt or a similar spell should be one of the first things they do.
5. Dimension Door
Given how useful Misty Step is, it’s no surprise that an upgraded version would make the list of the best Wizard spells. Dimension Door functions almost identically. The main difference is that in addition to teleporting the caster, you can teleport one ally as well. There is no shortage of opportunities throughout Baldur’s Gate 3 to squeeze value from Dimension Door. Whether you’re whisking a Cleric out of harm’s way or bringing a Barbarian up to the frontline, the ability to safely maneuver an ally past all manner of dangers is invaluable.
4. Fireball
Some spells are hammers that see every situation as a nail. Fireball is one of those. Unleashing a firey explosive that engulfs everything it touches has obvious combat applications. 4-48 Fire Damage is no small matter, and enemies who beat their Saving Throw still take half damage. It’s messy and has a tendency to light the battlefield as well as allies on fire. Nevertheless, Fireball remains one of the strongest and most dependable spells in any caster’s arsenal. That’s what makes it one of the best Wizard spells in the game.
3. Phantasmal Killer
Phantasmal Killer is a strange DPS spell. Its damage is delayed, which normally isn’t great, and it only hits one target, making it inferior to AoE spells like Fireball. 4-40 Psychic Damage to a single target is decent, but the spell’s real value is its ability to pin a target in place, making them easier to hit. Combined, these three features make Phantasmal Killer ideal for single-target elimination. Is a pesky boss in your way? Drop this spell on them, then let your other party members go to work.
2. Counterspell
In BG3, like the developer’s other games, one of the most useful things any spellcaster can do in combat is shut down another caster. Typically that’s by silencing them or killing them outright. Sometimes, however, it’s about canceling the magic they’re weaving before it ever leaves their fingertips. Counterspell lets the caster do just that. Burning a Level 3 spell slot for a defensive spell is always a tough ask, but nothing is quite as satisfying as snuffing a devastating attack like a drenched candle. Counterspell is strong, and opportunities to use it come up all the time, two factors that make it one of the best Wizard spells.
1. Haste
If there’s one thing players are always running short of in battle, it’s time. Baldur’s Gate 3 follows Dungeons and Dragons by dividing combat into brief turns. Each character can take a limited number of actions during their turn, and careful action management is a vital part of every fight. Haste gives characters an extra action, and it’s hard to overemphasize just how good that is. Raging Barbarian? Give them an extra attack. Sneaking Assassin? Double the range they can move so they can line up a backstab. Haste isn’t just one of the best Wizard spells; it’s one of the best utility spells in the entire game.
