Baldur’s Gate 3 introduces the Bladesinging Wizard, a captivating subclass that artfully combines spellcasting with melee combat. This guide will provide an optimal build to harness the strengths of both magic and swordplay.
Following months of speculation and beta tests, the highly awaited Patch 8 of Baldur’s Gate 3 has launched, delivering a rich new experience with the introduction of 12 fresh subclasses, including the Bladesinging Wizard.
If you enjoy the thrill of casting spells while engaging directly in battle, then the Bladesinging Wizard is designed for you. This subclass, which has its roots in elven tradition, elegantly marries magical prowess with martial skills.
Understanding the Bladesinging Wizard
At level 2, the Bladesinging Wizard gains access to the Bladesong ability. Once activated, this remarkable ability enhances your character’s Armor Class, movement speed, and provides advantages on Acrobatics and saving throws for a duration of ten turns.
This subclass boasts stunning new animations that enhance gameplay visually.
Moreover, activating the Bladesong ability enables charge accumulation for damage and healing, culminating in a dramatic finale known as the Bladesong Climax. This aspect promotes a dynamic playstyle where you can charge into combat and unleash powerful effects before the ability’s duration expires.
While this ability is vital during tough encounters, it’s important to manage your resources, as it can only be reused after a Long Rest. However, as your character progresses, additional uses of this ability become accessible.
The gameplay becomes even more exhilarating upon reaching level 6 when you unlock the Extra Attack feature, allowing you to inflict greater damage or deal with foes more effectively.
Choosing the Right Race for Your Bladesinging Wizard
While you can pair any race with the Bladesinging Wizard, certain races provide distinct advantages.
- High Elf
- Half-Elf
The High Elf stands out as the premier choice, perfectly aligning with the origins of this subclass. Their Elven Weapon Training grants proficiency in various weapons, including Longswords and Shortswords, which complements the Bladesinging playstyle admirably.
This proficiency extends to Light Armor, Daggers, Rapiers, and more, enhancing both your combat capabilities and thematic cohesion. Meanwhile, the Half-Elf is a viable alternative, offering similar benefits while lacking some weapon proficiencies.
Optimal Ability Score Distribution
For an effective Bladesinging Wizard, focus on maximizing Intelligence, Dexterity, and Constitution.
Though Bladesong enhances your survivability, it’s critical to remember that you’re fundamentally a wizard, making Intelligence the priority for spellcasting effectiveness.
Simultaneously, investing in Dexterity is essential for increasing your Armor Class and improving your attack rolls. Constitution boosts your overall durability, providing a buffer against damage and spell resistance.
Here’s a recommended spread for your ability scores:
- Strength: 8
- Dexterity: 14
- Constitution: 16
- Intelligence: 16
- Wisdom: 10
- Charisma: 10
Key Spells for Your Wizard
Selecting spells that enhance both your versatility and the Bladesong is crucial for success. Here’s a compilation of recommended spells across various levels:
- Cantrips: Booming Blade, Shocking Grasp, Mage Hand, Blade Ward, Fire Bolt
- Level 1: Burning Hands, Mage Armor, Magic Missile, Shield, Enhance Leap, Longstrider
- Level 2: Shadow Blade, Misty Step, Blindness, Hold Person
- Level 3: Counterspell, Fireball, Haste, Grant Flight
- Level 4: Fire Shield, Wall of Fire, Dimension Door
- Level 5: Hold Monster, Conjure Elemental, Telekinesis
- Level 6: Chain Lightning, Disintegrate
Considerations for Multiclassing
While multiclassing may not be optimal for maximizing the Bladesong’s potential, it remains an option. Wizards can significantly benefit from multiclassing with Clerics, who offer various useful spells, including healing and utility options like Sanctuary and Command, enhancing survivability against adversaries.
Essential Build for the Bladesinging Wizard
A detailed overview of ability points and spells to incorporate into your gameplay.
This guide outlines a comprehensive single-class build for the Bladesinging Wizard, leveraging an array of melee and ranged spells. Prioritize acquiring Haste early to incapacitate foes effectively.
Also, include spells like Misty Step and Dimension Door to navigate challenging situations, especially useful in certain demanding quests in Act 3.
| Level | Feature |
|---|---|
| 1 | Cantrips: Booming Blade, Shocking Grasp, Fire Bolt — Spells: Burning Hands, Magic Missile, Mage Armor, Shield, Enhance Leap, Longstrider |
| 2 | Subclass: Bladesinging — New Spells: Tasha’s Hideous Laughter, Thunderwave — Weapon: Dagger or Shortsword |
| 3 | New Spells: Shadow Blade, Misty Step |
| 4 | Cantrip: Mage Hand — New Spells: Blindness, Hold Person — Feat: Ability Improvement (Intelligence +2) or Alert |
| 5 | New Spells: Fireball, Counterspell |
| 6 | New Spells: Haste, Grant Flight |
| 7 | New Spells: Fire Shield, Wall of Fire |
| 8 | New Spells: Dimension Door, Remove Curse — Feat: Ability Improvement (Intelligence +2) or Mage Slayer |
| 9 | New Spells: Hold Monster, Ice Storm |
| 10 | Cantrip: Blade Ward — New Spells: Telekinesis, Conjure Elemental |
| 11 | New Spells: Chain Lightning, Disintegrate |
| 12 | Feat: Ability Improvement (Intelligence +2) — New Spell: Wall of Ice |
This concludes our comprehensive breakdown of the optimal Bladesinging Wizard build in Baldur’s Gate 3.
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