Best Necromancer Class Build in Baldur’s Gate 3

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While Baldur’s Gate 3 features an extensive party system with unique companions to choose from, nothing quite beats the thrill of raising an undead army and letting them do all the work. For that, however, you need a Necromancer. Sure, many in Baldur’s Gate look down upon necromancy as a vile form of magic, but that shouldn’t bother an adventurer as powerful as you, right? With the best Necromancer class build in Baldur’s Gate 3, it’s possible to bring enemies to their knees and then raise them up from the ground once more to do your bidding.

The Basics of a Necromancer Class Build in Baldur’s Gate 3

Baldur's Gate 3 Wizard Class — Image Source: Larian Studios via The Nerd Stash

The perfect Necromancer build in Baldur’s Gate 3 starts with the basics. For instance, to play as a Necromancer, you need to select the Wizard class, as necromancy is a subclass of wizardry. From there, consider choosing one of the following ideal races:

Drow
Tiefling
Githyanki

These three races feature unique bonuses, like Darkvision, that really bolster a Necromancer’s abilities and stats. Then, consider selecting the Noble or Sage background, as they offer History and Persuasion or Arcana and History, respectively, which also benefit a Necromancer class build.

Necromancer Abilities

As a Necromancer, you’ll deposit most of your Ability points into Intelligence, of course. Here’s a breakdown of your Abilities:

Strength: 8
Dexterity: 16
Constitution: 14
Intelligence: 16
Wisdom: 10
Charisma: 10

Best Spells for a Necromancer Class Build

Baldur's Gate 3 Wizard Spellcasting — Image Source: Larian Studios via The Nerd Stash

As a Necromancer, you’ll spend much of your time away from the flow of combat and throwing spells into the fray. As such, choosing appropriate cantrips and spells makes a significant difference in the overall power of the build. Choose any of the following:

Cantrips: Fire Bolt, Bone Chill, Chill Touch (Necromancy)
Level 1: Inflict Wounds (Necromancy), Ray of Sickness (Necromancy), Blade Ward, Magic Missile, Thunderwave
Level 2: Blindness (Necromancy), Shatter, Find Familiar
Level 3: Misty Step, Flaming Sphere, Vampiric Touch
Level 4: Mirror Image, Scorching Ray, Dimension Door, Wall of Fire
Level 5: Fireball, Animate Dead (Necromancy)
Level 6: Haste, Glyph of Warding
Level 7: Blight, Conjure Minor Elemental
Level 8: Confusion, Banishment, Disintegrate
Level 9: Conjure Elemental, Cloudkill
Level 10: Stoneskin
Level 11: Circle of Death, Create Undead
Level 12: Arcane Gate, Globe of Invulnerability

As you can see, Necromancers must be relatively high level to start summoning creatures and the undead. It’s well worth the time investment, though.

Recommended Gear for a Necromancer Class Build

With the appropriate spells and cantrips chosen, let’s examine a few choice pieces of equipment for the best Necromancer class build.

Head: Veil of the Morning
Chest: Poisoner’s Robe
Gloves: Bracers of Defense
Necklace: Amulet of Misty Step
Ring: Ring of Fire
Ring: Crypt Lord Ring
Weapon: Staff of Cherished Necromancy

You will eventually find different and better gear as you progress through the story, so feel free to take any clothing or armor options that best suit your playstyle. Furthermore, items like the Circlet of Blasting, sold by Blurg, cost gold. If you cannot afford an item, consider selling some useless junk or finding something more cost-effective for your build.