Summary

Any role-playing game that takes place in a magical setting is going to offer casters an array of spells, which is why Wizards, Bards, Sorcerers, and Warlocks are popular choices when it comes to single-class character builds as well as for multi-classing. A bit of spellcasting ability goes a long way, andBaldur’s Gate 3offers plenty of spells to choose from when it’s time to get strategic, clever, or destructive.

The subject of which spells are the best for certain tasks and activities inBaldur’s Gate 3is one for vociferous debate, but when it comes to laying waste, there are a few choices that are better than others. When it’s time for AoE and high damage numbers, here are some of the most destructive spells inBaldur’s Gate 3.You’ll want to keep a Witchbreaker with youin case opposing mages have powerful weapons like these.

Baldur’s Gate 3 Shatter show on inventory screen

7Shatter

Evocation, Level 2

Evocation isn’t just a spell for Storm Sorcerers and Tempest Clerics. Every casting class, including even subclasses like Eldritch Knights and Arcane Tricksters, can learn this spell. It also appears occasionally in scroll form, but it’s rather expensive and rare.

Items that grant the wearer the ability to cast this spellinclude the Sentient Amulet, which is part of The Laughing Monk quest. Shatter is useful against enemies that don’t respond to more conventional forms of damage, like Constructs, so make sure you have it available to you if you’re fighting Steel Watchers or Grym. It may not be a go-to source of damage, but it can be an important secondary one.

Thunderwave spell in inventory screen in Baldur’s Gate 3

6Thunderwave

Evocation, Level 1

Thunderwavehas some very potent destructive and demolition properties, but don’t let that distract you from the convenient defensive features that casters can also use. Since this spell is available to literally every casting class at level 1, andmaintains its utility further into the game, there’s no excuse not to have it. If you become overwhelmed by enemies and need some space in a tight melee situation, or need to blast down a door, you’ll be very glad that you do.

For those classes that don’t usually cast spells, but want the advantage it gives, it’s also available via any of the Magic: Initiate feats. Certain pieces of gear can grant the wearer this spell, like theRing Of Absolute Forceor the Thunderpalm Striker gloves. It may not be a primary damage tool either, but it can certainly fulfil that role where needed.

Baldur’s Gate 3 Tempest Cleric split image three characters stand together and one character looks back over shoulder

5Wrath of the Storm

Tempest Domain Cleric, Level 1

All an enemy has to do is hit a Tempest Cleric to find themselves in a world of hurt. A savage subclass that’s equally good at defense and DPS, the Tempest Clericis the only (Cleric) build that has accessto this spell, and what makes it truly overpowered is that it’s a Reaction that doesn’t require a spell slot, an Action, or even a turn.

Wrath of the Storm has two variants to make it even more fun: Wrath of the Storm: Lightning and Wrath of the Storm: Thunder. The only difference is the type of damage, so you may choose depending on the situation. For example, if your targets are standing in water, zap them with Lightning. If they’re constructs, one of the few types of damage that will work on them is Thunder. The unfortunate thing about this spell, of course, is that it requires the player to take damage to activate.

Baldur’s Gate 3 Destructive Wave shown on inventory screen

4Destructive Wave

Evocation, Level 5

What’s really destructive about this spell is how it can be used strategically in battle to move your enemies around. Use it to knock targets off things like cliffs, rooftops, or bridges, and to demolish pesky crumbling walls or locked doors. The additional status chance can be very useful against tricky opponents too.

Clerics of the Light and Tempest Domain, which are known for their powerful DPS abilities, learn these spells as part of their regular spellbook. Other casting classes also have the option of choosing it from a list of spells, and Evocation Wizards can learn it from a scroll at a discount. In terms of availability and utility, it’s a cut above those spells we’ve featured so far. There are even more powerful options ahead, though.

Casting Fireball in a crowded room in Baldur’s Gate 3

3Fireball

Evocation, Level 3

It’s so satisfying to watch your targets – and everything in their vicinity – explode in a giant frothing bowl of flaming destruction. Fireball is one of the more accessible of the highly destructive spells in the game. It’s readily available in scroll form, granted by a few special items like theIncandescent Staff, and it’s also included in the list of spells available to every casting class.

There’s an important caveat to using it though: The best thing about Fireball,its sheer destructive power, is also the worst thing about it. Allies can get caught up in this mess just as easily as an enemy, and only Wizards of the Evocation School have the Sculpt Spells ability to protect their friends when it’s time to burn it all down.

A Drow Light Domain Cleric in Baldur’s Gate 3

2Radiance of the Dawn

Light Domain Cleric, Level 2

Only Light Domain Clerics can cast Radiance of the Dawn, and there are no exceptions. This is the primary way the game limits access to this awesome spell. The ability to deal 20 damage of any kind with one hit at level two is ludicrous.

You can cast this mighty spell as many times as you have spell slots, and the higher level your Cleric is, the more damage it deals. The Light Domain isone of the more powerful subclassesin the whole game, let alone for Clerics, and this spell is a great incentive to try out the game’s least-played class. The very fact of its limited availability is really its only shortcoming.

The Ice Storm spell in the inventory screen in Baldur’s Gate 3

1Ice Storm

Evocation, Level 4

The name of this spell doesn’t do it justice. This is a thunderous dump of hail, snow, and freezing rain, which means a deadly mix of cold and bludgeoning damage in a 20-foot radius. It can put out fires along with breaking furniture and doors, in addition to the monstrous damage it will deal to your enemies.

Ice Storm is one of the spells usually associated with Druids and Tempest Clerics, but virtually every spellcasting classhas access to this spell (a pure source of damage rather than a multi-purpose spell like Speak to the Dead). It also exists in scroll form, but given how destructive this great icy blast is, it tends to be expensive to buy and difficult to find.

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