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Even without using the best Sorcerer build, this arcane class has some of the highest DPS potential in Baldur’s Gate 3. Immolating enemies with lightning isn’t the only thing Sorcerers do well, however. These versatile casters have many options when it comes to dispatching their enemies and aiding their allies. Though they’re typically played as DPS, there are plenty of support spells in their repertoire. They’re far from the easiest class for newcomers, but the same spells that make Sorcerers difficult make them a blast to play. Here are the best Sorcerer spells in Baldur’s Gate 3, ranked from the powerful to the truly game-changing.
8. Hold Person
(Updated on October 4, 2024 – updated links and format)
Sorcerers are known for their damage-dealing potential, so it may seem strange that one of the best Sorcerer spells doesn’t cause harm. Yet this Level 2 Enchantment spell has more deadly potential than most spells in the game. Hold Person restrains one humanoid target, preventing them from acting, reacting, or moving. In addition, attacks from within 3m of the target always count as Critical Hits. Being able to prevent a boss or powerful mob from hitting your characters is strong, but subjecting them to a flurry of Crits is even better.
7. Cloud of Daggers
Cloud of Daggers does exactly what its name suggests, creating a vortex of spinning blades in the air. Enemies unfortunate enough to be caught within the maelstrom take damage every turn. A single turn of damage can be enough to kill weaker foes, and even stronger ones can succumb after multiple turns of cuts. Cloud of Daggers is great for cutting off routes, preventing enemies from joining the battle until your party is ready to handle them. Players must be careful, however, as a poorly placed Cloud of Daggers will slice up one’s own allies.
6. Magic Missile
As a mere Level 1 Evocation, Magic Missile is a spell many players will get early. As simple as it is strong, Magic Missile shoots a barrage of arcane energy at enemies. The Missiles do decent damage in the early game, but their real value has nothing to do with their damage. Magic Missile never misses, as long as the target isn’t obstructed by anything. The ability to land guaranteed damage every turn, even while blind or fighting in total darkness, earns Magic Missile a place as one of the best Sorcerer spells.
5. Misty Step
Misty Step allows the character to teleport to any unoccupied location they can see. For a Level 2 spell, that’s pretty great. It’s easy to forget how many places in Baldur’s Gate 3 are laden with traps. By the end of the last act, most players will have tripped their fair share of pressure plates and hidden bombs. In fact, proceeding slowly and always checking one’s surroundings is a good tip for any player. Misty Step allows players to move effortlessly through dangerous areas and past enemies that would otherwise get Opportunity Attacks. Such safety makes Misty Step one of the best Sorcerer spells.
4. Lightning Bolt
Lightning Bolt is exactly the kind of spell most players think of when they picture Sorcerers. Simple and straightforward, this Level 3 Evocation is all about hitting enemies with elemental damage and hitting them hard. Lightning Bolt hits all enemies in a straight line from the caster, dealing 8-48 Lightning Damage. With a range of 30m, it’s possible to line up pretty much every enemy in one shot. It can take some work to maneuver into the right position, but the payoff is a pile of fried foes.
3. Fireball
Why did the developer put so many grease bottles in Baldur’s Gate 3? Because coating a crypt with a slick layer of the flammable stuff and then chucking a Fireball is one of the game’s greatest pleasures. Is it safe? Absolutely not. Fireball is not a spell for the cautious. An AoE attack dealing 8-48 Fire Damage, Fireball is many players’ go-to when they need to kill a crowd in a hurry. Even if enemies succeed on their Dex Saves, they still take half damage. That kind of dependability is why Fireball will always be one of the Sorcerer’s best spells.
2. Counterspell
Every enemy poses a unique threat, but some are far more dangerous than others. Spellcasters rank near the top of this list. Enemies have access to many of the same spells that players do, and an enemy caster can oftentimes turn the tide of battle with a single action. This is especially true on Tactician difficulty when more mobs and harder battles spell doom for even well-prepared players. Counterspell offers a solution. Shutting down enemy magic before it can be cast is irreplaceable, earning Counterspell its place on every Sorcerer’s list.
1. Haste
Every turn in Baldur’s Gate 3 is dictated by the action economy. There’s only so much a character can do at once. Haste lets the player bend that rule by speeding a character up, giving them an extra action. In the hands of a Sorcerer, this already potent ability becomes incredible thanks to Metamagic: Twinned Spell. This unique Sorcerer ability allows the caster to choose a second target for the spell, granting Haste to not one but two of their allies at the same time. Those allies may use their extra actions to attack an enemy, cast a Cantrip, or revive a comrade. Regardless, Haste easily ranks amongst the best Sorcerer spells in Baldur’s Gate 3.
