Any fantasy game wouldn’t be complete without spells and Baldur’s Gate 3 is no different. Spells can help players a lot as some of them are offensive while others are defensive. There are a lot of spells in Baldur’s Gate 3 for the players to choose from and our Baldur’s Gate 3 Cantrip Spells Guide will help players pick the best Cantrip spells.
Baldur’s Gate 3 Cantrip Spells Tier List
Spells in Baldur’s Gate 3 are categorized by levels, classes, and schools. Not every character class has access to all of the spells in the game. Each spell belongs to a specific school, can be used by a specific class, and each spell has a level.
Guidance
This isn’t just any old spell; it’s like your personal cheerleader, doling out that sweet, sweet +1d4 bonus to Ability Checks. “Go team!” it shouts, as your Druid or Cleric friend waves their magic wand (or whatever magical paraphernalia they fancy) to bestow it upon you right at the starting line.
Now, here’s the kicker: Guidance isn’t just a one-trick pony. Oh no, it’s your Swiss Army knife for boosting those beefy Ability Checks. Think of it as your secret sauce for adding a dash of flair to hit checks, damage checks, and even those pesky saving throw checks. But hold your horses, because its real magic shines brighter outside the heat of battle.
Ever found yourself tongue-tied trying to sweet-talk a tough NPC or wiggle your way out of a sticky situation with your top-notch Deception skills? Guidance has got your back, acting like your invisible wingman in conversations, boosting your Intimidation, Persuasion, you name it. And the beauty of it? It doesn’t matter who kicked off the chat or who’s packing Guidance in their toolkit; you can whip it out and dazzle your way through those checks with a flair that could make a bard weep.
But wait, there’s more! Not only does Guidance pep-talk your way through social encounters, but it also turns you into a regular trap-detecting, lock-picking, trap-disarming maestro. This Cantrip is like that handy gadget you saw on a late-night infomercial and thought you’d never need, only to find it’s the best thing since sliced bread.
How To Get Guidance Cantrip In BG3
Just buddy up with a Cleric or a Druid. They’re like the cool kids on the magic block, handing out Guidance like it’s candy. Got someone like Shadowheart in your crew? Boom, you’re in business. No Cleric or Druid pals? No sweat. You can still grab Guidance by leveling up your charm with a nifty Feat at level 4, like Magic Initiate: Druid or Cleric.
Eldritch Blast
Imagine Eldritch Blast as the magical equivalent of a rock star in the world of Baldur’s Gate 3, headlining the DPS charts with its chart-topping 1d10 damage hits. As it climbs the levels, like a band on a world tour, it goes from solo to trio, firing up to three projectiles by level 11.
This isn’t just your garden-variety magic missile; it’s more like a precision-guided magical artillery that you can unleash on a single foe for that epic boss battle feel, or scatter across the field to keep the riff-raff in check.
Eldritch Blast is best used when enemies decide not to RSVP to your AOE party and spread out instead.
Who gets to wield this spell? The Warlocks. With their flair for the dramatic and a couple of class feature upgrades, like Agonizing Blast and Repelling Blast, they crank up the volume on damage and add a mosh pit’s worth of knockback. This means Eldritch Blast isn’t just your average DPS spell; it’s a headliner that doesn’t even need Spell Slots to keep the show going.
And for those moments when you’re not in combat, Eldritch Blast lets you blast through walls and open up new paths like a magical wrecking ball.
How To Get Eldritch Blast In BG3
For those eager to master this spell, it’s readily available to Warlocks from the outset, with characters like Wyll exemplifying its potential without any need for adjustments. However, for adventurers who find themselves without a Warlock companion, hope is not lost.
Options such as adopting Warlock as a Multiclass choice or selecting feats like Magic Initiate: Warlock or Spell Sniper can grant access to this spell.
Produce Flame
This cantrip is like having a pocket-sized fireworks display at your disposal, not just brightening your path but also packing a punch with a flicker of fire that can singe your foes from afar. Imagine being able to light up a dark cave and fend off a lurking monster with the same spell. It’s like your favorite fantasy multitool!
Now, you might be thinking, “Sure, but why pick Produce Flame over the flashier Fire Bolt or the divine Sacred Flame?” Well, let me tell you, it’s all about the utility belt, my friend. For those who walk the wild paths or preach the sermons, like Druids and Clerics, Produce Flame is like that reliable friend who’s always ready to lend a light or a fiery hand in a pinch. Druids, in particular, will find this spell a cozy fit, especially in the early days of their journey when their spell arsenal feels a bit… leafy. And for Clerics? Let’s just say it’s a godsend for those who’d rather not rely on the whims of their targets’ agility to land a hit.
But the fun doesn’t stop with just casting light and dealing damage. Produce Flame is also your ticket to becoming a master of elemental combos. Picture this: a battlefield scattered with hazards you’ve created, like a slick of Grease or a snare of vines. With Produce Flame, you’re not just attacking; you’re orchestrating a fiery symphony, turning the tide of battle with every spark and flame.
How To Get Produce Flame In BG3
For those attuned to the natural or divine path, simply being a Druid or Cleric hands you the keys to this fiery ride. The rest of us might need to take a detour through the Magic Initiate feat, picking it up as a Cleric or Druid specialty. Just remember, the spell’s firepower is as good as your wisdom in wielding it. So, if your wisdom’s on the lower end, you might want to stick with spells that complement your strengths.
Thorn Whip
The beauty of Thorn Whip isn’t just in its ability to deal damage, though. It’s a masterclass in battlefield control. Picture this: an enemy’s perched up high, thinking they’re the cat’s pajamas with their “high ground” advantage.
You, with a flick of your wrist and a whisper to nature, send out your thorny vine, pulling them down to earth and onto their backsides. Suddenly, they’re not so smug, especially since being prone in combat is about as advantageous as a chocolate teapot. They’re easier to hit, and, oh, they’ve got to waste precious time getting back up.
Thorn Whip shines in synergy, especially when it comes to setting up enemies for a world of hurt. Got an AoE spell like Cloud of Daggers just itching for a target? Use Thorn Whip to give the enemies a little nudge into the danger zone. It’s like setting up dominoes, except these dominoes scream and try to escape their inevitable demise.
Combining Thorn Whip with spells like Spike Growth turns the ground into a nightmarish dance floor. As enemies are dragged through, they take damage for every moment they’re moved, unwittingly participating in the most dangerous game of “The Floor is Lava.”
How To Get Thorn Whip In BG3
So, how do you get your hands on this Cantrip if you’re not walking the Druid path or haven’t got a Druid buddy like Halsin tagging along? Multiclassing is your friend. Dip your toes into the druidic pool with just one level, and voilà, Thorn Whip is yours, along with some handy healing spells and proficiencies. Not keen on mixing classes? Feats like Spell Sniper or Magic Initiate: Druid can also grant you access to this nifty spell.
Shillelagh
Shillelagh is like the secret handshake of Druid spells—a spell that turns any old wooden stick into a magical beatstick. Imagine walking into a fight with a stick, casting Shillelagh, and suddenly, you’re wielding a weapon as potent as any sword or mace, but it’s all… you know, Druid-style.
Shillelagh is your go-to for when you want to mix magic with melee without worrying about those pesky Strength or Dexterity scores. Got a wooden staff or a club? With a quick spell, you’ve got a magical weapon that uses your spellcasting ability for attack and damage rolls. It’s like saying, “Who needs muscles when you’ve got magic?”
But there’s a twist! Shillelagh plays by its own rules, using a bonus action instead of your main action. This means you can whip out your magical weapon and still have your action free to cast another spell or take a swing. Plus, it sticks around for 10 turns—enough time to turn the tide of most skirmishes.
Shillelagh pumps up your damage to 1d8 Wisdom. It’s a game-changer for Druids and Clerics, giving them an edge in melee without stepping out of their magical comfort zone. And the best part? It doesn’t negate any other damage bonuses. So, if you’ve dipped your newly enchanted club in fire or poison, that extra oomph still applies, making your strikes even more devastating.
How To Get Shillelagh In BG3
Getting your hands on Shillelagh, however, is a bit more exclusive. It’s not something you can just pick up with any feat like Spell Sniper. You’ve got to commit—either be a Druid, take a level in Druid if you’re into the whole multiclassing scene, or choose Magic Initiate: Druid. It’s a small price to pay for turning a simple piece of wood into a source of magical mayhem.
Ray of Frost
What sets Ray of Frost apart is its versatility. No fancy footwork or spell resistance checks needed when you’re aiming to turn the ground beneath your foes into their icy downfall. And for those up-close-and-personal fighters? Getting an enemy prone gives them a clear shot to land hits with an advantage.
Now, let’s talk utility. Trying to keep a melee enemy at bay? Ray of Frost has your back. While teleporting away with Misty Step is flashy, sometimes you just need to keep things cool and calculated with a slow, ensuring enemies linger just long enough in your spell’s area of effect. And while some might find a workaround, the freeze effect remains a potent tool.
But here’s the catch: to unleash Ray of Frost you a puddle, a lake, or, at a pinch, a blood pool. If that’s not available, pair it with Create Water or wait for the melee classes to make it rain (in a manner of speaking).
How To Get Ray of Frost In BG3
Sorcerers, Wizards, and those with a flair for magic through Eldritch Knight or Arcane Trickster paths can wield this Centrip in Baldur’s Gate 3. And if you’re not inherently magical, fret not. Magic Initiate feats in Sorcerer or Wizard can grant you this icy touch, making Ray of Frost a versatile choice.
Shocking Grasp
Shocking Grasp is a dynamic cantrip offering both damage and utility for wizards and sorcerers, ideal for those crafting lightning-focused builds. This spell shines when combined with water, enhancing its ability to thwart enemy reactions—like the perilous attack of opportunity—and inflicting damage simultaneously. When targeting foes, especially those under the Wet status, Shocking Grasp deals double damage, ranking it just behind Ray of Frost in terms of cantrip damage output.
Besides its offensive prowess, its unique feature of preventing enemy reactions adds a layer of strategic depth. This utility extends to enabling ranged spellcasters to evade melee combatants without incurring damage penalties.
How To Get Shocking Grasp In BG3
Acquiring Shocking Grasp is possible for characters such as Sorcerers, Wizards, Eldritch Knights (a Fighter subclass), Arcane Tricksters (a Rogue subclass), or through feats like Magic Initiate (choosing Sorcerer/Wizard) and Spell Sniper. However, it’s important to note the situational nature of Shocking Grasp.
While it excels in lightning-themed builds and provides significant advantages in certain combat scenarios, it might not be the go-to choice for all spellcasters or classes. The cantrip’s effectiveness largely depends on the character’s build and the specific challenges they face, making it a potent choice for some, but not universally ideal.
Honorable Mentions For The Best Centrips In BG3
Light
Light is an evocation cantrip spell in Baldur’s Gate 3. It allows the caster to infuse an object with an aura of light, illuminating the surrounding area. The spell can target an object that is not being worn or carried, and it sheds bright light in a 20-foot radius and dim light for an additional 20 feet.
The light can be colored as the caster likes, and it lasts for an hour. The spell ends if the caster casts it again or dismisses it as an action. The spell is available to several classes, including Cleric, Wizard, and Sorcerer, and it can also be cast by using certain items like the Light of Creation. The light spell is particularly useful in dark environments, helping the party to see and avoid potential dangers.
Sacred Flame
Sacred Flame is a another evocation cantrip spell in Baldur’s Gate 3. It allows the caster to summon a flame-like radiance that descends on a creature that the caster can see within range. The target is required to pass a Dexterity saving throw, or they will receive 1d8 radiant damage.
For this particular saving throw, the target cannot take advantage of any cover benefits. The spell is available to Clerics and it can also be cast by using certain items like the Holy Symbol of Selûne. Sacred Flame is a powerful combat spell, particularly effective against undead and creatures vulnerable to radiant damage.
Minor Illusion
Minor Illusion is an Illusion Cantrip in Baldur’s Gate 3. This spell allows the caster to create an illusory image that distracts nearby creatures, compelling them to investigate. A unique feature of this spell is that the caster can remain hidden while casting it, which can be useful for stealthy characters or situations.
The spell can be acquired by Bards, Sorcerers, Warlocks, Wizards, Eldritch Knights, and Arcane Tricksters. The illusion created by this spell can be used to distract enemies, potentially allowing the party to sneak past them or gain a tactical advantage in combat.
In the tabletop version of D&D, Minor Illusion is known for its versatility and creativity, allowing the caster to create a sound or an image of an object within range that lasts for the duration. However, in Baldur’s Gate 3, the implementation of the spell is somewhat different. As far as players have reported, all Minor Illusion does in BG3 is force the enemies to look at it, and once they do, it disappears.
Despite this, the spell can still be used strategically in the game. For instance, it can be used to get enemies to turn away from you, providing a bonus to hit for being directly behind an enemy. It can also be used to allow a teammate a moment to Hide via a Bonus Action to gain Advantage on an attack. However, since it takes a full Action to cast, it’s best saved as a ‘nothing better to do this turn’ option.
That is all for our Baldur’s Gate 3 Cantrip best spells list with tips on their casting time, classes, and schools. For more on the game, see our Subclasses Guide and Companion Quests Walkthrough Guide.
