Intelligence is one of the six core attributes that shape a character’s physical and mental characteristics. In the world of Dungeons and Dragons, which Baldur’s Gate 3 is based on, the Ability Scores for player character races generally range from 3-18, the result of rolling 3d6.
Intelligence is a crucial attribute, especially for Wizards, as it significantly influences their spellcasting abilities. Additionally, Intelligence contributes to five key skills: Arcana, History, Investigation, Nature, and Religion.
The role of Intelligence in Baldur’s Gate 3 is multifaceted, influencing a significant portion of the game’s skills. However, unless your character is a Wizard, it may not be necessary to heavily invest in this ability. For Wizards, Intelligence is crucial as it affects the Saving Throws and Attack Rolls of your spells, thereby enhancing their effectiveness.
The game no longer awards bonus spells based on your Intelligence score. However, your Intelligence modifier does directly impact the number of different spells you can prepare simultaneously. For example, a 1st-level Wizard starts with knowledge of six 1st-level spells and has two 1st-level spell slots. The number of spells they are capable of preparing is equivalent to their character level, which is one, in addition to their Intelligence modifier.
It’s important to note that you can only prepare spells you know, and you can only cast spells you have prepared. Therefore, a higher Intelligence modifier allows a Wizard to have more spells prepared at any given time. This not only boosts versatility but also enhances the power of their spells, making Intelligence a vital stat for Wizards.
| Intelligence Score | Modifier |
|---|---|
| 1 | -5 |
| 2-3 | -4 |
| 4-5 | -3 |
| 6-7 | -2 |
| 8-9 | -1 |
| 10-11 | 0 |
| 12-13 | +1 |
| 14-15 | +2 |
| 16-17 | +3 |
| 18-19 | +4 |
| 20-21 | +5 |
| 22-23 | +6 |
| 24-25 | +7 |
| 26-27 | +8 |
| 28-29 | +9 |
| 30 | +10 |
