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Channeling the power of their mysterious and terrible patrons, Warlocks wield some of the strongest magic in Baldur’s Gate 3. Acting as the conduit for otherworldly forces separates Warlocks from the Wizards and Sorcerers they work with. Though the class shares much in common with other spellcasters, the nature of its power and its spell list are unique. Warlocks aren’t the easiest class for beginners to learn, but in the right hands, they can be one of the most powerful. Here are the best Warlock spells in Baldur’s Gate 3, ranked from the strong to the truly devastating.
8. Scorching Ray
(Updated on September 25, 2024 – updated images, links, and format)
Scorching Ray casts three rays of fire at the enemy, each of which deals 2-12 points of Fire Damage. The player can choose whether to stack multiple rays on a single enemy or split them between multiple targets. Being able to massively damage or outright one-shot an enemy is great, but having the option of finishing off three smaller opponents is even better. Fire Damage is typically useful, and since Scorching Ray is only a Level 2 Evocation spell, the player will have plenty of time to use it throughout the game.
7. Vampiric Touch
On the downside, Vampiric Touch is a Touch Attack, as its name suggests. This means the Warlock has to be in melee range to use it. The trade-off, however, is a good one. Not only does the spell deal 3-18 Necrotic Damage, but it also heals the player HP equal to half that damage. Additionally, within 10 turns of casting Vampiric Touch, the player can recast that spell for free without consuming a valuable spell slot. Anything that heals you while hurting your opponent is pleasantly efficient. Saving a spell slot to spend on something else makes Vampiric Touch one of the most economical spells in the game.
6. Cloud of Daggers
Cloud of Daggers is a Level 2 Conjuration spell that creates a swarm of daggers, and anyone within its AoE takes damage. Against a single enemy, Cloud of Daggers isn’t worth the spell slot. However, when dropped on a group of enemies, Cloud of Daggers becomes one of the best Warlock spells. In addition to dealing damage, it also allows the player to control doorways and other choke points. There aren’t a lot of good low-level AoE spells, so Cloud of Daggers makes a world of difference in controlling the battlefield. The spell’s benefits aren’t so obvious on the easier difficulties, but on Tactician, it’s indispensable.
5. Misty Step
Why is teleportation so good when the character could just Dash the same distance? Well, teleportation doesn’t risk stepping on a dozen craftily hidden traps, accidentally blowing up the entire party. Teleportation also doesn’t provoke Opportunity Attacks. Ignoring holes, difficult terrain, and other problematic spaces is as powerful as it is underrated. As if that weren’t enough, Misty Step allows the player to outright ignore some puzzles, which in itself is a good tip and a great reason to take the spell.
4. Hunger of Hadar
A properly placed AoE spell can be more deadly than just about anything else in Baldur’s Gate 3. Creatures caught within its sphere take damage at the start as well as the end of their turn. This forces enemies to choose: leave or be punished. The sphere also blinds any creatures caught within, leaving them vulnerable to follow-up attacks from the rest of the player’s party. The zone created by Hunger of Hadar counts as Difficult Terrain, so escaping it isn’t always an easy proposition for creatures caught at its center. That gives the spell’s mixture of Cold and Acid damage plenty of time to work.
3. Fireball
Most lifelong D&D players have a special place in their hearts for Fireball. Fire Damage is great, and AoE spells are even better. Dealing half damage, even if you miss, is the best of all. Fireball combines these three effective traits. This Evocation spell requires a precious Level 3 slot to use, but it’s more than worth it.
8-48 Fire Damage is incredibly punishing, especially when one considers the number of creatures that may be caught in its blaze. As players of Divinity: Original Sin 2 already know, the developer is fond of terrain effects. Players who want to see just how useful Fireball is need only splash some grease around the battlefield before casting.
2. Counterspell
Whether it’s in Baldur’s Gate 3, D&D, or Magic: The Gathering, the ability to cancel an opponent’s spell outright carries a special sting. Nothing provokes frustration or despair quite like queuing up a game-changing spell just to see it fizzle on one’s fingertips. Counterspell puts that power in players’ hands. Enemy spellcasters are not to be underestimated in Baldur’s Gate 3. Counterspell gives the player a simple and direct means of dealing with them. Though some particularly potent magic may overwhelm this spell, Counterspell still succeeds at shutting down magic most of the time.
1. Eldritch Blast
Eldritch Blast may be a controversial pick for the Warlock’s best spell. However, thanks to the Agonizing Blast and Repelling Blast Eldritch Incantations, this Cantrip is far from weak. The ability to spam this spell throughout the battle, damaging enemies and pushing them out of position, makes it shockingly potent. Even enemies with tons of HP are subject to being shoved off cliffs and killed by a well-timed Eldritch Blast. For its cheapness, flexibility, and reliability, Eldritch Blast distinguishes itself as the best Warlock spell in Baldur’s Gate 3.
