Baldur's Gate 3: Unwritten Wizard Rules Explained

Many Baldur's Gate 3players will likely be immediately drawn to the Wizard archetype upon booting up the game. The sense of mystery surrounding their magical powers and the latent potential of their many diverse spells make them a highly viable and unique option for both new and veteran CRPG players. That said, understanding how BG3's spells function, getting a grasp on party composition, and learning a couple other miscellaneous tips and tricks can go a long way toward optimizing a Wizard playthrough.

Those familiar with conventional RPG tropes may already have an innate, broad-strokes understanding of how Wizards function in Baldur's Gate 3. For instance, it should be obvious that a Wizard probably isn't going to be a weapons expert, nor the best choice for a tank-style build. However, while most RPGs will simply have one magic-focused class, Baldur's Gate 3has several, and it can be hard to immediately understand the differences between the Wizard class and a similar class like Warlock. While there are several differences between Wizards, Warlocks, and Sorcerers, both in terms of lore and gameplay, some are more consistently important than others. In essence, Wizards are a great option for players looking for versatility and freedom, though these benefits come at the cost of raw power and defense.

What Baldur's Gate 3 Players Need to Know About Wizards

The Wizard Class Offers Unparalleled Flexibility

While Warlocks are surprisingly durable and Sorcerers can deal the most raw damage, Wizards are the top choice for Baldur's Gate 3players who favor flexibility. Unlike other magic classes, which require a player to level up in order to swap out their prepared spells, a Wizard can change their prepared spells at any time they wish, provided they are out of combat. This allows players to experiment with a wide variety of spell combinations, but it also helps them be more prepared. For instance, if a player knows they will soon be facing enemies that are weak to fire damage, they can prepare for the battle by setting up various fire spells.

True to their scholarly nature, Wizards can also learn spells from scrolls. Learning a spell from a scroll will cost a player 50 gold per spell level and will destroy the object in question, but the spell will be at the player's disposal from that point onward. This ability, coupled with the options for swapping out prepared spells at will, means that a Wizard in BG3can enjoy the benefits of more spells than any other class, making them the best option for players who want the most options.

Wizard Subclasses Can Add Specialization and Depth

Subclasses are a key part of any Baldur's Gate 3character build, but they have a particularly significant impact for Wizards. Wizards can choose from eight different subclasses, all of which have the potential to greatly alter gameplay and influence party composition and behavior. These subclasses are best thought of as "schools" of wizardry, and specializing in one school allows for high-level build-crafting around key points like damage output, support, or non-confrontational problem-solving.

Wizard Subclasses:

• Abjuration
• Conjuration
• Divination
• Enchantment
• Evocation
• Illusion
• Necromancy
• Transmutation

These subclasses apply to different spell categories, so a player's chosen subclass will, unsurprisingly, grant them benefits associated with a given spell type. Across every subclass, learning spells of the relevant type from scrolls will cost less, but each subclass will also grant specific bonuses and abilities upon reaching certain levels, making subclass choice highly influential when crafting unique builds in Baldur's Gate 3. High-level subclass bonuses can include adding an intelligence modifier to Evocation spells and extending Enchantment spells to multiple different creatures per move.

Wizards Must Choose Their Companions Wisely

Wizards, much like Sorcerers, are at a marked disadvantage when it comes to defense. While magic wielders have some defensive options at their disposal in the form of certain spells, they will always be more vulnerable than other party members, especially those who favor traditional fighting methods over the use of magic. Although Wizards can often avoid combat, especially if they opt for the Enchantment subclass, they will ultimately have to come to blows at certain points. Thus, it's important to be thoughtful about party composition to optimize combat encounters.

Wizards, even at higher levels, have a low HP maximum and no armor proficiency. This, coupled with the fact that the majority of spells are most effective at longer ranges, means that Wizards can quickly find themselves in trouble when pitted against combat-focused enemies like Barbarians and Fighters. Luckily, this dynamic also makes Wizards incredibly effective at a distance, particularly when aided by allies with higher HP, defense, and crowd-control capabilities. Putting powerful allies like Karlach or Lae'zel, with their close-quarters abilities and high defense, into the middle of the action can allow Wizard characters to keep distance between themselves and enemies, where they can safely unleash devastating attacks or act as support, depending on the player's build.

Ultimately, Wizards can be some of Baldur's Gate 3's most effective, versatile, and enjoyable custom characters, but only if players understand their strengths and weaknesses. Those looking for a tank or a straightforward damage-dealer might be better off choosing a combat-heavy class, or at least a Sorcerer, while those interested in freedom and experimentation may fall in love with the Wizard's vast array of abilities. Of course, Baldur's Gate 3's multiclass feature can allow for even more complex Wizard builds, but as for the basics, a good understanding of spell preparation, subclasses, and party composition will help make Wizards optimized and efficient.