Shocking Grasp is an Evocation cantrip that delivers a melee spell attack dealing lightning damage. It stops the target from taking reactions until the start of their next turn, making it useful for escaping melee range without provoking opportunity attacks. Is it the best cantrip? Well, it is in the top 10 for sure.
- Spell Type: Cantrip
- Casting Time: 1 Action
- Range: Melee (1.5 meters / 5 feet)
- Components: Verbal, Somatic
- Duration: Instantaneous
- Damage Type: Lightning (1d8 damage)
- Effect: Prevents target from taking reactions
How To Get Shocking Grasp In BG3
The primary way to obtain Shocking Grasp is by selecting a class that has access to it:
- Sorcerer: Available from level 1.
- Wizard: Available from level 1.
- Eldritch Knight (Fighter subclass): Available from level 3.
- Arcane Trickster (Rogue subclass): Available from level 3.
High Elves and High Half-Elves can choose one wizard cantrip at Baldur’s Gate 3 character creation. Feats provide another way to acquire Shocking Grasp, especially if your character does not naturally have access to it. The Magic Initiate feat allows you to choose a cantrip from the Sorcerer or Wizard.
Additionally, the Spell Sniper feat lets you learn a cantrip that requires an attack roll from any spells list, including Shocking Grasp, and also doubles its range to 3 meters (10 feet).
How Shocking Grasp Works
Shocking Grasp deals 1d8 lightning damage and prevents the target from taking reactions until the start of their next turn. At higher levels, its damage increases to 2d8 at level 5 and 3d8 at level 10.
Shocking Grasp is effective for both its damage and its secondary effects. Use it to:
- Escape Melee Range: Prevents enemies from using reactions, allowing you to safely disengage from melee combat.
- Combat Metal-Wearing Enemies: Gain advantage on attack rolls against enemies wearing metal armor, increasing your chances of hitting them.
- Tactical Positioning: Combine Shocking Grasp with other movement-based tactics to reposition yourself or party members without provoking opportunity attacks.
