You’re new to Baldur’s Gate 3, and you’ve set up your character, down to choosing a class. So, what next? At that point, you may notice Cantrips and spells, which are combat-oriented actions that can level the battlefield or at least, sway the odds in your favour. Our article is dedicated to all the spells and Cantrips that all 12 classes in Baldur’s Gate 3 can use. First on today’s list, though, what are the differences between the two types of spells?
![Baldur's Gate 3's Cantrips Vs Spells Examples Included](https://player.me/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Baldurs-Gate-3s-Cantrips-Vs-Spells-Examples-Included-1-1024x640.png)
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Cantrips vs. Spells
Ultimately, everybody at Player.com agreed that Cantrips are also spells. However, unlike conventional spells in Baldur’s Gate 3, you can cast them an infinite number of times. The drawback is that Cantrips are generally weak, except for a handful of them. They also don’t need any preparation time, with players being able to cast them within a second in most cases. Another advantage of Cantrips is that they don’t require a Spell Slot.
![Baldur's Gate 3's Cantrips Vs Spells Examples Included (1)](https://player.me/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Baldurs-Gate-3s-Cantrips-Vs-Spells-Examples-Included-1-1-1024x549.png)
However, spells are a lot more powerful because you need to prepare them first. Also, spells take up Spell Slots, so you can’t use them infinitely. Spells are also more varied than Cantrips. Players will discover spells that damage foes or buff up their companions. To wrap this comparison up, there are at least a hundred more spells than there are Cantrips in the game. Certain spells are unlocked when you obtain a few of the most important gears in Baldur’s Gate 3. The other spells can be learned by doing an NPC a favour.
Top 5 Cantrips in Baldur’s Gate 3
Cantrips are generally overlooked in Baldur’s Gate 3, except when players are swarmed by foes and they need some breathing space. Still, some Cantrips are effective because the damage they inflict stacks up rather nicely because of the lack of a limit. Additionally, the Cantrip’s effectiveness can be boosted by your companion’s attacks. However, you’ll need to find your allies first, which isn’t as tricky as creating a clan in Diablo IV. Have a look at the five most powerful Cantrips in Baldur’s Gate 3 below.
![Baldur's Gate 3's Cantrips Vs Spells Examples Included (2)](https://player.me/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Baldurs-Gate-3s-Cantrips-Vs-Spells-Examples-Included-2-1024x552.png)
#1: Eldritch Blast
The Eldritch Blast twists the notion that Cantrips are weak by the neck. It’s a wonderful spell that sends out a fiery blast of concussive energy at foes. To cut to the chase, Eldritch Blast sits at the top of our list for reasons such as:
- It can be upgraded to send out several blasts of energy at a single target or multiple ones.
- The Agonizing Blast Invocation is a charisma modifier that practically doubles the damage of an Eldritch Blast.
- The damage from concussive spells and attacks is the most effective in the game.
- Other classes besides the Warlock can’t cast this spell as a Cantrip.
- Warlocks are the best casters of Eldritch Blast.
#2: Blade Ward
Blade Ward is a defensive Cantrip that makes players invulnerable to piercing, bludgeoning, and slashing damage. Any class can learn this Cantrip, but only a High Elf and Cleric can unlock its true potential. With this spell, a high-level Cleric becomes an unkillable force of nature on the battlefield. Other reasons why we love the Blade Ward are:
- You can combine Blade Ward with spells like Armour of Agathys or the Metamagic: Extended Spell for devastating effects on the frontlines.
- The protection from this Cantrip lasts for two turns. You need to cast it after two turns to keep it permanently active, which will slow down your attacks.
#3: Dancing Lights
Dancing Lights is an Evocation Cantrip that illuminates the caster’s surroundings. It’s not primarily a combat spell, but you can still use it to find hidden paths and strategic locations. However, Dancing Lights is a Cantrip for exploring extremely dark regions like the Underdark. Other facts about this Cantrip that you should know are:
![Baldur's Gate 3's Cantrips Vs Spells Examples Included (3)](https://player.me/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Baldurs-Gate-3s-Cantrips-Vs-Spells-Examples-Included-3-1024x541.png)
- The Cantrip is available to the High Elf class and Rogues with the Arcane Trickster subclass.
- Don’t use this spell where stealth is needed because enemies will quickly detect your presence.
- The spell illuminates the caster’s surroundings for up to nine metres.
- You’ll be at the centre of the illumination.
#4: Mage Hand
Mage Hand is probably the most flexible Cantrip in Baldur’s Gate 3 because it’s useful in and out of combat. It’s essentially a spectral hand that players can use to interact with objects in their vicinity. For players interested in the lore behind this spell, it’s a Cantrip from the Conjuration school. Other features of the Mage Hand are:
- The range of the Mage Hand is 18 metres, so you can influence the battlefields from a comfortable distance.
- It can fetch swords for your companions, close the door to a crypt, or just spill inflammable liquids on your foes for huge elemental damage.
- The Mage Hand lasts for 10 turns, but casters must pass a Spell Check.
#5: Fire Bolt
The Fire Bolt is an alternative to the Eldritch Blast because it also burns enemies. You essentially throw a ball of fire at foes. A Fire Bolt is available to several classes, including a High Elf, Wizard, Sorcerer, and Fighter. Other features of this Cantrip are:
- It can be used to ignite inflammable liquids and explosive charges.
- This spell will hit its target if you have direct sight of your opponent and there’s no object in the way.
Top 5 Spells in Baldur’s Gate 3
Baldur’s Gate 3 has more spells than Cantrips, so you can’t ignore these powerful magical feats. Instead of Cantrips that only affect the surroundings for a brief period, spells are long-lasting. That’s why they’re called Concentration Spells more often than not. In most cases, the caster must not take damage, be killed, or even attempt to cast another spell. Thankfully, you can play Baldur’s Gate 3 using a keyboard or a controller. You can learn how to enable controller support for the game here.
![Baldur's Gate 3's Cantrips Vs Spells Examples Included (4)](https://player.me/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Baldurs-Gate-3s-Cantrips-Vs-Spells-Examples-Included-4-1024x554.png)
#1: Tasha’s Hideous Laughter
This spell is number one on our list because of the name. It’s a three-word spell that tells the tale of laughter that’s so hideous that enemies who partake in it are paralysed for a period of time. During that brief period, you can unleash a flurry of Cantrips and melee attacks to flatten your enemies. Thankfully, this is a Level 1 Enchantment spell, so Bards and Wizards can use it from an early stage.
- The range of this spell is 18 metres.
- Enemies are paralysed for 10 turns.
- Enemies who don’t have an Intelligence of at least 5 points won’t be affected by this spell.
#2: Prayer of Healing
Prayer of Healing is a spell that heals your allies, but it can only be performed outside of combat. It’s essentially a health buff that can heal the entirety of the team. Also, it saves you the time and effort of healing your allies individually. Other features of this spell are:
![Baldur's Gate 3's Cantrips Vs Spells Examples Included (5)](https://player.me/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Baldurs-Gate-3s-Cantrips-Vs-Spells-Examples-Included-5-1024x552.png)
- You’ll need a Level 2 Spell Slot to use this spell.
- The range of the spell is 9 metres, and thankfully, it isn’t a Concentration Spell.
- It does not affect the undead.
#3: Inflict Wounds
This is one of the few Cleric spells that are as devastating as they sound. In simpler terms, this spell can deplete an opponent’s health by 30 points. However, this spell isn’t known for its range, so you must get up close and personal to devastate your foes. Other exciting features of this spell are:
- This spell is limited to Clerics and Oathbreaker Paladins.
- Inflict Wounds is a necrotic spell that doesn’t require the caster to concentrate.
- You can Inflict Wounds using Shadowheart. Don’t limit yourself to the Cleric class.
- It deals 3d10 damage per hit.
#4: Chromatic Orb
Chromatic Orb is a Level 1 Evocation spell that deals elemental damage. The caster can also choose from several elements, including Acid, Cold, Thunder, Poison, Lightning, and Fire. This spell is extremely flexible because of its elemental manipulation, which can easily buff up your attack.
- Wet targets can be electrified or frozen solid by using the Chromatic Orb.
- Enemies that are standing on surfaces covered in alcohol can be set ablaze by using the Fire cast of the Chromatic Orb.
- This spell is available to Sorcerers, Wizards, Fighters, and Rogues.
#5: Moonbeam
Spells don’t automatically home in on enemies in Baldur’s Gate 3 which is irritating. However, Moonbeam does that and more. It is even better than Fire Bolt because you don’t need to have a direct sight of the target. This spell is ideal for foes with low health.
- You can move the Moonbeam to any spot on the battlefield to attack enemies consecutively.
- You can call down a beam of light that burns any enemy that enters.
- It also deals a decent amount of Radiant damage (2d10).
- It’s a Level 2 Evocation spell.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Cantrips Get Stronger in Baldur’s Gate 3?
Yes, Cantrips get stronger in Baldur’s Gate 3. However, you must meet some requirements before you can pull that off. For one thing, Cantrips scale up with the casting stat they’re associated with. Also, Cantrips level up with the Character Level, not the Class Level. To be specific, Cantrips are scaled up at Character Levels 5, 11, and 17.
What Class Has the Most Cantrips in Baldur’s Gate 3?
The Class with the most Cantrips in Baldur’s Gate 3 is the Sorcerer. Not only do Sorcerers have the most spells in the game, but their variety of Cantrips are also the best. This means that Sorcerers possess many Cantrips with different functions. Naturally, they can use Cantrips as many times as they want.
What Is the Most Useful Cantrip in Baldur’s Gate 3?
The most useful Cantrip in the game has to be the Eldritch Blast. It’s one of the best Cantrips in the game because of its high damage. Furthermore, players will be able to execute several Eldritch Blasts at once. Whether you want to eviscerate a single enemy or do some crowd control, this Cantrip is extremely versatile on the battlefield.
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