Top Wizard Class Build in Baldur’s Gate 3

The world of Baldur’s Gate 3 offers a diverse array of spellcasting Classes, with the Wizard standing out as the quintessential Dungeons and Dragons spellcaster. Renowned for their extensive spell repertoire, Wizards thrive in situations where melee combatants may falter.

Initially, players selecting the Wizard class in the Early Access phase could only choose from two subclasses: Evocation and Abjuration. Among these, Evocation, which emphasizes sheer damage output, has consistently been regarded as the optimal build. With the game’s full release expanding the pool of available Wizard subclasses to eight, Evocation continues to reign supreme as the premier choice for players looking to maximize damage efficiency.

Updated January 1, 2025 by Erik Petrovich: As we enter 2025, Baldur’s Gate 3 remains at the forefront of gaming discussions, celebrated as one of the greatest RPGs to date. However, for those unfamiliar with the Dungeons and Dragons framework or the intricacies of turn-based RPG mechanics, comprehending the essentials of constructing an effective Wizard build can be daunting. This guide outlines not only the how-to but also the reasoning behind building a successful BG3 Wizard, offering insights into the class’s foundational strategies. The latest iteration of our guide enriches the descriptions of each element in the BG3 Wizard framework, including an updated walkthrough on advancement choices essential for the Evocation Wizard build.

BG3 Wizard Class Introduction & Overview

The Baldur’s Gate 3 Wizard Class, Explained

Wizard Playstyle & Signature Abilities

“Wizards master the arcane by specializing in individual schools of magic, combining ancient spells with modern research.”

In the realm of Dungeons and Dragons, Wizards are quintessential spellcasters, brought to life in Baldur’s Gate 3 with a depth of complexity suited for varied group dynamics. While melee combat isn’t typically a Wizard’s forte, their diverse spells grant multiple tactical applications on the battlefield. Evocation Wizards prioritize damage, Illusion Wizards emphasize deception, and Necromancy Wizards manipulate the dead, creating distinct tactical advantages.

Wizards excel in their versatility, choosing from an extensive array of spells and preparing a new selection out of combat. They uniquely possess the ability to learn spells directly from scrolls, enabling more dynamic play, particularly beneficial when spells align with their chosen subclass, enhancing their effectiveness.

All Wizard Subclasses

Among the eight available BG3 Wizard subclasses, each brings a unique focus, offering distinct abilities and proficiencies that evolve as players advance. Switching subclasses is possible by consulting Withers, but it necessitates starting anew at Level 1.

This information chart presents a comprehensive overview of all subclasses, although to forge the best Wizard build in BG3, players are encouraged to align with the Evocation School.

Subclass Name	Base Spec Features	Special Spec Proficiencies	Base Spells & Abilities
Abjuration School	Arcane Ward Passive Generates a Shield that scales with the levels of spells cast Later levels enable Arcane Ward application on allies, amplifying its effects	Abjuration Savant: Abjuration spells learned at reduced cost.	N/A
Conjuration School	Minor Conjuration: Create Water Action – can create Water without a spell slot Recharges after every Short Rest Later levels enhance teleportation skills tied to Conjuration spells.	Conjuration Savant: Learn Conjuration spells at half the cost.	N/A
Divination School	Wear Passive – grants 2x Portent Dice for manipulating Attack/Save outcomes Later levels enhance the number of Portent Dice and reveal Invisible enemies.	Divination Savant: Learn Divination spells at half the cost.	N/A
Enchantment School	Hypnotic Gaze Action – target must perform a Wisdom Saving Throw to avoid being Charmed/Incapacitated Later levels allow targeting of multiple entities with Enchantment spells.	Enchantment Savant: Enchantment spells learned at half the cost.	N/A
Evocation School	Sculpt Spells Passive – allies automatically avoid damage from spells like Fireball Later levels grant stronger Cantrips and add the INT Modifier to Evocation damage rolls.	Evocation Savant: Learn Evocation spells at half the cost.	N/A
Necromancy School	Grim Harvest Passive – regain HP upon defeating enemies with spells Later levels enable summoning and enhancement of Undead forms.	Necromancy Savant: Learn Necromancy spells at half the cost.	N/A
Illusion School	Improved Minor Illusion Bonus Action – allows for casting Minor Illusion even while Hiding. Later levels offer the ability to appear as others, increasing survivability.	Illusion Savant: Learn Illusion spells at half the cost.	N/A
Transmutation School	Experimental Alchemy Doubles potion outputs when crafting, contingent on a Medicine Check. Later levels introduce transformative abilities, including resistance enhancements.	Transmutation Savant: Learn Transmutation spells at half the cost.	N/A

Base Wizard Class Proficiencies: Armor, Weapons, Saving Throws, & Skill Choices

When creating your Wizard, BG3 provides a set of baseline Class Proficiencies and allows for the selection of two Wizard Skill Proficiencies. Each class offers distinct proficiencies in Armor, Weapons, and Saving Throws, which cannot be altered post character creation without resetting your build.

Proficiency Type	Proficiencies Granted/Choices Offered
Wizard Armor Proficiencies	Robes & Clothing only
Wizard Weapon Proficiencies	Daggers Quarterstaves Light Crossbows
Wizard Saving Throws	Intelligence Wisdom
Wizard Skill Proficiency Choices	Choose two from the following Skill proficiencies: Arcana History Insight Investigation Medicine Religion

Wizard Class Features & Proficiency Bonus – Level By Level

In Baldur’s Gate 3, the maximum level is Level 12, with each level gaining unique benefits for your Wizard build. during character creation, you acquire foundational features of the Wizard class, followed by leveling up, which brings Feat selections, new spells, abilities, and an increase in your Proficiency Bonus.

Class Feature	Proficiency Bonus
Wizard Lvl 1	Spellcasting Arcane Recovery: Strength 1 Recovers Spell Slot of Level 1 on Long Rest.	+2
Wizard Lvl 2	Subclass Choice	+2
Wizard Lvl 3	Arcane Recovery: Strength 2 Recovers Spell Slot up to Level 2 once per Long Rest.	+2
Wizard Lvl 4	Feat Choice	+2
Wizard Lvl 5	Arcane Recovery: Strength 3 Recovers Spell Slot up to Level 3 once per Long Rest.	+3
Wizard Lvl 6	Subclass Feature	+3
Wizard Lvl 7	Arcane Recovery: Strength 4 Recovers Spell Slot up to Level 4 once per Long Rest.	+3
Wizard Lvl 8	Feat Choice	+3
Wizard Lvl 9	Arcane Recovery: Strength 5 Recovers Spell Slot up to Level 5 once per Long Rest.	+4
Wizard Lvl 10	Subclass Feature	+4
Wizard Lvl 11	Arcane Recovery: Strength 6 Recovers Spell Slot up to Level 6 once per Long Rest.	+4
Wizard Lvl 12	Feat Choice	+4

Wizard Spell Slots & Prepared Spells – Level By Level

Prepared Spells	Learned Spells	Cantrips Known	Lvl 1 Slots	Lvl 2 Slots	Lvl 3 Slots	Lvl 4 Slots	Lvl 5 Slots	Lvl 6 Slots
Wizard Lvl 1	1 + INT modifier	6 (base, from Spellbook)	3	2	–	–	–	–
Wizard Lvl 2	2 + INT modifier	8 (+2)	3	3	–	–	–	–
Wizard Lvl 3	3 + INT modifier	10 (+2)	3	4	2	–	–	–
Wizard Lvl 4	4 + INT modifier	12 (+2)	4	4	3	–	–	–
Wizard Lvl 5	5 + INT modifier	14 (+2)	4	4	3	2	–	–
Wizard Lvl 6	6 + INT modifier	16 (+2)	4	4	3	3	–	–
Wizard Lvl 7	7 + INT modifier	18 (+2)	4	4	3	3	1	–
Wizard Lvl 8	8 + INT modifier	20 (+2)	4	4	3	3	2	–
Wizard Lvl 9	9 + INT modifier	22 (+2)	4	4	3	3	3	1
Wizard Lvl 10	10 + INT modifier	24 (+2)	5	4	3	3	3	2
Wizard Lvl 11	11 + INT modifier	26 (+2)	5	4	3	3	3	2
Wizard Lvl 12	12 + INT modifier	28 (+2)	5	4	3	3	3	2

BG3 Wizard Subclass Choice – Evocation

Overview Of BG3 Wizard Evocation Subclass

Baldurs Gate 3 Best Builds Wizard Half Elf Character Creation

What Makes Evocation the Best BG3 Wizard School?

“Evocation spells concentrate elemental energy into formidable attacks and enchantments. Practitioners in this school earn the title of Evokers.”

All Wizards possess access to an arsenal of invaluable out-of-combat spells, yet Evocation Wizards specifically excel in unleashing immense damage promptly. While each Wizard grapples with a limited number of recharge slots, Evocation Wizards make the most out of these by employing Arcane Recovery when necessary.

Moreover, the Evocation Wizard specializes in magical offense since their area spells do not harm teammates, thanks to the Spell Sculpt special feature. This allows allies to safely engage in close-quarters combat without fear of damaging spells, especially impactful after acquiring spells like Fireball at Level 5.

Evocation Subclass Features – Level By Level

Upon reaching Level 2 as a Wizard, you can select a subclass, with Evocation being a prime option for maximizing potential. Your subclass unlocks specific features as you advance.

Evocation Wizard Level 2	Evocation Savant Passive Ability: Learn Evocation spells at reduced cost. Sculpt Spells Passive Ability: Allies take no damage from your spells.
Evocation Wizard Level 6	Potent Cantrip Passive Ability: Cantrips deal half damage even on misses.
Evocation Wizard Level 10	Empowered Evocation Passive Ability: Add INT modifier to damage rolls of Evocation spells.

Best BG3 Wizard Build Character Creation Choices

BG3 Wizard Build Race, Background, Proficiency, Feats, & Stat Choices

A wizard wielding the Mourning Frost Staff in the Grymforge in Baldur's Gate 3

Best BG3 Wizard Race: Githyanki or Half-Elf

The Githyanki represent a unique and often underappreciated racial choice. Their innate spells and the Astral Knowledge passive provide notable enhancements, particularly for non-martial classes like Wizards. With an improved version of the Mage Hand and access to Misty Step at Level 5, Githyanki augment the Wizard’s mobility and toolkit.

Furthermore, Githyanki offer essential armor proficiencies, allowing Light and Medium armor usage. This shift significantly enhances survivability compared to traditional robes. The Astral Knowledge feature also aids in dialogue interactions.

Overall, Githyanki emerge as the superior race for Wizards, increasing durability and spellcasting capabilities.

Best Wizard Backgrounds in BG3: Sage or Guild Artisan

Among available backgrounds, Sage stands out for Wizards due to its proficiency in History and Arcana checks, both critical skills for Intelligence-based character performance. Engaging in Wizardly pursuits often triggers Inspiration in contexts like learning new spells or rediscovering lost arcane knowledge.

If the Arcane theme does not resonate, the Guild Artisan offers substantial gameplay benefits by providing proficiency in Insight and Persuasion, skills that can prove invaluable during dialogues.

BG3 Wizard Skill Proficiency Choices: Insight and Persuasion

Wizards can select two skills from options like Arcana, History, and Investigation during character creation. With the Sage background claimed, the skill selection shifts slightly, emphasizing Insight and Investigation as critical proficiencies.

Investing in Investigation allows for better exploration encounters, revealing quest-related items, while Insight functions fundamentally in dialogue scenarios, though it appears less frequently compared to Investigation.

Best BG3 Wizard Feats: Alert, War Caster, and Spell Sniper

Alert Effects: Provides a +5 bonus to Initiative and immunity to Surprises.
War Caster Effects: Grants advantages on Concentration Saving Throws and allows casting Shocking Grasp as a Reaction when enemies try to flee your melee range.
Spell Sniper Effects: Lowers the Critical Hit threshold for spells and permits you to learn an additional Cantrip from a specified selection.

Best Wizard Ability Scores & Stat Distribution

To establish an exemplary BG3 Wizard build, prioritize Intelligence as the main attribute, followed closely by Constitution and Dexterity for improved survivability and combat effectiveness.

Charisma, Strength, and Wisdom play less critical roles in crafting an effective Evocation Wizard build.

STR	DEX	WITH	INT	ALREADY	NO
Base	8	16	14	16	10	10
Modifier	-1	+3	+2	+3	0	0

Best BG3 Wizard Leveling Choices

Best Wizard Spells, Feats, & Other Choices At Every Level

The Wizard class in Baldur’s Gate 3 is unparalleled in its spellcasting capabilities, allowing an extensive selection of spells through Scroll interaction. Each level increment provides opportunities to acquire beneficial spells, but certain selections are markedly more advantageous.

In Act 1, typically leading to around Level 5, you’ll establish your Wizard Subclass (Evocation), select initial Cantrips, a Feat, and a set of spells up to Level 3.
In Act 2, usually culminating at around Level 9, Wizards will gain another Feat along with spells up to Level 5.
In Act 3, raising you to Level 12 and beyond, players can choose a third Feat, obtain potent spells up to Level 6, and an extra Cantrip.

Below is a table displaying optimal spells and choices that should be equipped during these thresholds, enhancing the Evocation Wizard’s playstyle with a focus on damage and control spells, alongside environmental manipulation for strategic advantages.

Class Level	Choices & Recommendations
Level 1	Recommended Cantrip Choice Fire Bolt, Ray of Frost, and Mage Hand. Recommended Level 1 Wizard Spell Choices Grease, Thunderwave, Mage Armor, Magic Missile.
Level 2	Subclass Choice Evocation School Recommended Level 2 Wizard Spell Choices Chromatic Orb.
Level 3	Recommended Level 3 Wizard Spell Choices Misty Step, Cloud of Daggers (Replace Chromatic Orb).
Level 4	Feat Choice Alert or Spell Sniper. Recommended Cantrip Dancing Lights or Light. Recommended Level 4 Wizard Spell Choices Detect Thoughts or Crown of Madness.
Level 5	Recommended Level 5 Wizard Spell Choices Fireball.
Level 6	Recommended Level 6 Wizard Spell Choices Lightning Bolt or Counterspell.
Level 7	Recommended Level 7 Wizard Spell Choices Glyph of Warding or Wall of Fire/Wall of Stone.
Level 8	Feat Choice Alert or War Caster. Recommended Level 8 Wizard Spell Choices Ice Storm or Conjure Minor Elemental.
Level 9	Recommended Level 9 Wizard Spell Choices Conjure Elemental.
Level 10	Recommended Cantrip Friends or Minor Illusion. Recommended Level 10 Wizard Spell Choices Cone of Cold or Art of War.
Level 11	Recommended Level 11 Wizard Spell Choices Otto’s Irresistible Dance.
Level 12	Feat Choice Spell Sniper or Ability Improvement. Recommended Level 12 Wizard Spell Choices Globe of Invulnerability or Disintegrate.

Best Wizard Build Companions & Party Composition

Best Companions For Evocation Wizard Builds

Baldur's Gate 3 Shadowheart in armor smiling 2x1 screenshot

Companion	Class/Specialization	Role In Party	Unique Attributes
Shadowheart	Cleric	Support	Difficult to control; hybrid Damage and Support spells.
Lae’Zel	Fighter	Melee Tank	Exceptional at distracting foes while maintaining combat efficacy.
Astarion	Rogue	Melee Damage/Utility	Lockpicking prowess and lethal Sneak Attacks.

When it comes to companions best suited for a Wizard build, Shadowheart excels as the primary support, Lae’Zel acts as a dependable melee tank, and Astarion serves as an invaluable damage-dealer and utility character outside of combat.

While it is possible to alter a companion’s class or specialization, these three characters bring beneficial traits that integrate seamlessly into a balanced party composition.

Shadowheart: A Trickery Cleric, Shadowheart’s capabilities blend well with damage and support, complementing typical Wizard gameplay.
Lae’Zel: Ideal as a Battle Master, Lae’Zel can adeptly handle front-line engagements, drawing enemy attention while withstanding damage.
Astarion: Suited for the Thief subclass, Astarion adds critical access to stealth and unlocking mechanics, enhancing strategic options in both combat and exploration.

If you are committed to including a specific character, you may speak to Withers to reconfigure them into one of the previously mentioned optimal Wizard companion classes, ensuring you do not miss out on their quests or roles within your party.

Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Wizard Build Equipment

Get The Best BG3 Wizard Gear In All Three Acts

In this section, we will explore the ideal equipment for Evocation Wizards throughout each Act of BG3. Certain items established in the earlier Acts remain viable choices later on in the narrative.

Items marked in bold signify new options available for the build in each respective Act, potentially replacing older gear.
Items in regular font must be acquired during earlier Acts but are deemed sufficiently potent and do not require replacement in subsequent Acts.

Best Evocation Wizard Items & Equipment: Act 1

Name	Effect	Location
Head	Warped Headband of Intellect	Increases base INT score to 17 (Obtained from Lump the Enlightened).
Cloak	Deathstalker Mantle	Offers Expertise in Stealth and temporary invisibility after defeating an enemy (Available to Dark Urge characters after Alfira joins).
Chest	Robe of Summer	Provides resistance against Cold damage (Loot from Hidden Vault in Druid Grove).
Gloves	Bracers of Defence	Grants +2 AC when unarmored (Found in hidden cellar of Blighted Village).
Boots	Boots of Speed	Allows a bonus action to enhance movement (Purchased from Thulla in Myconid Colony).
Neck	Pearl of Power	Restores Spell Slots. (Purchased from Omeluum in Myconid Colony).
Ring 1	Ring of Arcane Synergy	Triggers Arcane Synergy upon Cantrip damage (Dropped outside Creche Y’lvek in Rosymorn Monastery).
Ring 2	Ring of Protection	Provides +1 to AC and Saving Throws (Loot from Druid Idol in Emerald Grove).
Main Weapon	Melf’s First Staff	Boosts Spell Save DC and grants Melf’s Acid Arrow spell (Purchased from Blurg in Myconid Colony).
Offhand	N/A	N/A

Best Evocation Wizard Items & Equipment: Act 2

Name	Effect	Location
Head	Circlet of Mental Anguish	Regains 1d4 HP when enemies fail saving throws against spells (Found in Mind Flayer Colony).
Cloak	Vivacious Cloak	Gains temporary HP upon casting a spell in melee (Found in Grand Mausoleum).
Chest	Robe of Exquisite Focus	+1 to Spell Save DC (Purchased from Araj Oblodra in Moonrise Towers).
Gloves	Bracers of Defence	+2 to AC (Previously obtained in Act 1).
Boots	Boots of Speed	Previously obtained in Act 1.
Neck	Spellcrux Amulet	Grants additional Arcane Spell restoration charge (Drops from The Warden of Moonrise Towers).
Ring 1	Ring of Arcane Synergy	Previously obtained in Act 1.
Ring 2	Ring of Mental Inhibition	Enemies receiving saving throw penalties (Found in House of Deep Shadows).
Main Weapon	Melf’s First Staff	Previously procured in Act 1.
Offhand	N/A	N/A

Best Evocation Wizard Items & Equipment: Act 3

Name	Effect	Location
Head	Hood of the Weave	+2 Spell Save DC and Spell Attack (Purchased from Mystic Carrion).
Cloak	Cloak of the Weave	+1 to Spell DC; absorbs elemental damage once per Short Rest (Available from Helsik in Lower City).
Chest	Robe of the Weave	+1 to Spell DC; heals on saving throw success (Located in secret area of Ramazith’s Tower).
Gloves	Quickspell Gloves	Allows action interchangeability with Bonus Actions once per Short Rest (Purchased in Lower City).
Boots	Boots of Speed	Previously obtained in Act 1.
Neck	Spellcrux Amulet	Previously acquired in Act 2.
Ring 1	Ring of Arcane Synergy	Previously obtained in Act 1.
Ring 2	Ring of Mental Inhibition	Previously obtained in Act 2.
Main Weapon	Markoheshkir	+1 to Spell Save DC; negates spell slot cost for the next spell (Interact with “Below”symbol in Ramazith’s Tower).
Offhand	N/A	N/A

Best BG3 Wizard Multiclass Choices

Maximize Your BG3 Wizard Build With Complimentary Wizard Multiclass Options

Beginning at Level 2, players have the option to Multiclass by using the “Add Class”feature within the leveling menu. This allows for selection from any other class within Baldur’s Gate 3.

Fighter Multiclass – Wizard 10/Fighter 2

By investing two levels into the Fighter class, players unlock one of the most potent abilities in the game: Action Surge. This allows a bonus action in the same turn, enabling an additional spell cast or action whenever needed.

While this requires dedicating two levels to Fighter and missing out on certain Level 6 Wizard spells, the benefit of casting multiple actions in one turn significantly bolsters the caster’s effectiveness, while also providing armor proficiencies as an extra perk.

Cleric Multiclass – Cleric 11/Wizard 1

A Wizard’s signature ability to learn spells from scrolls amplifies considerably when partnered with another Prepared Spellcaster, such as a Cleric. This hybrid build focuses on maximizing clerical strength while maintaining a single level in Wizard for scroll access.

This combination achieves minimal sacrifice in terms of high-level spell usage while still benefiting from a full complement of Level 6 spell slots, enabling the full extent of spell mechanics without losing valuable Wizard features like Arcane Recovery.

Keep in mind that the balance between Wisdom and Intelligence can impact your overall performance during ability score improvements.

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