Summary
EveryDungeons & Dragonsgame is known to have an abundance of spells to choose from, andBaldur’s Gate 3is no different. Classes like wizard and sorcerer have access to a range of spells for both healing and dealing damage. Whether you’re a seasoned player or are new to the Baldur’s Gate 3 experience, knowing which spells to take with you into battle can be a hard decision.
AOE (area of effect) spells focus on a larger area than other spells. If you’re in combat with too many enemies and become swamped, AOE spells can help you stay in control. But even then, which ones do you choose? This list explores the best AOE spells to aid you in battle when things get too much.
Six meters range
Effect
Impel a storm of hail and ice to crash from the sky, covering the ground and striking all objects and creatures within range. Deals an additional one to eight Bludgeoning damage per level.
Ice Stormis one of the most powerful spells that impact the terrain. Firing an Ice Storm creates a layer of ice on the floor that can knock enemies Prone. If you’re against a large group of enemies or can identify their pathing, you can use Ice Storm to quickly stop them.
Ice Storm can calm an overwhelming fight, giving you time to regroup and heal injuries. It can be especially beneficial in a small room where enemies can’t escape. Remember to be careful that enemies aren’t the only ones affected by icy terrain; your party members might be caught by it, too.
Nine meters range
Bless up to three creatures. They gain a 1d4 bonus to Attack Rolls and Saving Throws. Affects an additional target per level.
AOE spells aren’t just for impeding your enemies. They’re also valuable for protecting and aiding your party members. Bless gives a 1d4 bonus to the Attack Rolls and Saving Throws of your party members. The spell affects an additional target per level, meaning, at level two, your entire party can head into a fight, Blessed.
Gaining access to Bless so early in the game makes it exceptionally strong. As you level and acquire more spell slots, Bless will be one that you still go back to. During more challenging fights towards the end, any boost to your Attack Rolls gives you a substantial edge over your enemies.
18 meters radius
Heal your nearby allies. Heals an additional 1d4 points per level.
Like Bless,Mass Healing Wordis another spell that helps your party and allies. Mass Healing Word will heal 1d4 plus four hit points.Many healing spellsonly affect a specific target, so having one that heals in a radius means your team can maintain their positions on a battlefield.
Later in the game, you may fight alongside allies outside your party. Since some fights can be long and strenuous, keeping your allies safe will help you stay strong during combat. Like other healing spells, Mass Healing Word can revive incapacitated party members. If you’re the last one alive, you’re able to potentially revive your whole party and give them another chance.
18 meters range
Confuse a group of creatures, causing them to attack at random, wander around aimlessly, and occasionally skip turns in the stupor. Affects a larger area per level.
Confusionis a fun spell that can take all the tension out of a fight. The spell befuddles enemies trapped inside and will prevent them from attacking your party. They may attack each other or skip a turn entirely, giving you plenty of time to get back into gear.
The spell does rely on Concentration, so be sure to protect your spellcaster to keep the effect up. If you’re against powerful enemies and aren’t confident about winning, the Confusion spell can help you gain the upper hand.
Concentration remains even when a fight is over. Stop concentrating on spells by pressing the small icon underneath your character’s picture in the bottom left corner of your screen.
Target up to six creatures andSlowthem. Movement and actions are affected, and their AC and Dexterity Saves are reduced by two.
Slow is another spell that impedes enemy attacks by reducing their Movement Speed, Armour Class, Saving Throws, and much more. They can only make an action or bonus action, not both, and can’t make reactions. Enemies can do very little when Slowed, letting you take them out quickly.
Slow effects up to six targets, so you can choose who’s affected. Understand that picking the strongest enemies might not always work, as they couldsucceed their Saving Throws. It’s worth finding the best targets before casting the spell. You might target smaller enemies who are more annoying than dangerous or rangers that your other party members can’t reach.
18 meters range, six meters radius
Tentacles sprout from the ground, turning the area into Difficult Terrain, attacking and Smothering creatures within.
Evard’s Black Tentaclesis another spell that completelychanges the terrain. When failing a save, enemies caught are Smothered, so they can’t move. This spell is valuable for your ranged fighters who need breathing room before enemies get too close.
Not only does the spell stop enemies in their path, but it also deals 3d6 damage per turn when they’re trapped. The spell is effective in small rooms or through doorways where enemies have nowhere else to go. It can also separate you from your enemies, giving you a little time to recuperate.
18 meters range, four meters radius
Shoot a bright flame from your fingers that explodes upon contact, torching everything in the vicinity. Deals an additional one to six Fire damage per level.
Any enjoyer of Dungeons and Dragons knows that Fireball is a classic AOE spell that’s guaranteed to deal a good amount of damage. The spell casts a giant ball of fire that explodes upon impact and deals Fire damage to the vicinity.
WhileFireballis a safe choice for dealing damage, it can also help destroy Difficult Terrain, like ice or webs. That means your melee characters can return to combat as fast as possible. In Baldur’s Gate 3, the only downside to Fireball is that it’s not so useful during certain quests, like Act Three’s House of Hope section.
Creatures within this black sphere areBlindedand take damage at the end of their turn and the start of their turn. Creatures starting their turn in the area take two to 12 Cold damage. Creatures ending their turn in the area possibly take two to 12 Acid damage. The area is considered Difficult Terrain and decreases Movement Speed.
Hunger of Hadaris one of the most dangerous AOE spells in Baldur’s Gate 3. The spell has the potential to deal Cold and Acid damage, which can add up quickly if you’re stuck inside. Movement Speed is reduced while inside the spell, making it harder to escape. Enemies inside are also Blinded, making it harder to attack the spellcaster and break their Concentration.
The spell can give your party a moment of respite when you feel overpowered by enemies. Even the strongest enemies will find it hard to focus on anything other than escaping the spell, which gives you the upper hand. You can prepare your attackers to finish off the enemy if they manage to escape the spell.
