How do I create a summoner-focused Wizard in Baldur's Gate 3?
Creating a summoner-focused Wizard in Baldur's Gate 3 involves specializing in spells and abilities that allow you to summon creatures to fight alongside you. This build relies heavily on the Conjuration school of magic, which provides access to a variety of summoning spells. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to achieve this, including mechanics, strategies, and tips.
First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics. In BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3, Wizards gain access to a wide range of spells, including those that summon creatures. The Conjuration school is particularly suited for this playstyle, as it offers spells like Conjure Minor Elementals, Conjure Woodland Beings, and Conjure Elemental. These spells allow you to summon creatures that can fight, tank damage, and provide utility in combat. Additionally, Wizards can learn spells from scrolls, giving you flexibility in expanding your summoning repertoire.
To start, choose the Wizard class during character creation. For race, consider options that provide bonuses to Intelligence, such as High Elf or Human, as Intelligence is your primary spellcasting ability. High Elf also grants a bonus to Dexterity, which can help with initiative and AC. During ability score allocation, prioritize Intelligence, followed by Constitution for better concentration checks and Dexterity for AC and initiative. Wisdom can be useful for perception checks, but itÔÇÖs less critical for this build.
At level 1, select the Conjuration school as your Arcane Tradition. This grants you the Minor Conjuration feature, which allows you to create small objects, though this is more for utility than combat. At level 2, you gain the Benign Transposition feature, which lets you teleport and swap places with a summoned creature, providing tactical flexibility.
For spells, start with Find Familiar at level 1. This spell allows you to summon a familiar, such as a raven or a cat, which can scout, distract enemies, or deliver touch spells. At higher levels, focus on acquiring summoning spells like Conjure Minor Elementals and Conjure Elemental. These spells summon powerful creatures that can significantly impact combat. For example, Conjure Minor Elementals can summon Mephits, which have useful abilities like breath weapons and self-destruct mechanics.
In combat, your strategy should revolve around positioning and controlling the battlefield. Use your summoned creatures to engage enemies, allowing your party to focus on high-priority targets. Keep your Wizard at a safe distance, using spells like Mage Armor and Shield to boost your survivability. Concentration is crucial, as many summoning spells require it. Avoid taking damage to maintain concentration, and consider taking the War Caster feat at level 4 to improve your concentration checks.
One common mistake is neglecting your own defenses. While your summons can tank damage, you are still vulnerable. Always have defensive spells prepared, and position yourself carefully. Another mistake is over-relying on summons. While they are powerful, they have limited durations and can be dispelled or banished. Balance your spell selection with utility and damage spells to remain effective in various situations.
Advanced techniques include using your summons to block enemy movement, creating choke points, and using their abilities strategically. For example, a summoned Earth Elemental can knock enemies prone, giving your party advantage on attack rolls. Additionally, consider multiclassing into Cleric or Druid for access to more summoning spells and healing abilities, though this requires careful planning to avoid diluting your Wizard progression.
In terms of D&D rules, BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 closely follows the 5th Edition ruleset. Summoning spells typically require concentration, and the summoned creatures act on their own initiative. Understanding the rules for concentration and spellcasting can help you optimize your build and avoid common pitfalls.
In summary, a summoner-focused Wizard in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 is a powerful and versatile build that can control the battlefield with summoned creatures. Prioritize Intelligence, choose the Conjuration school, and focus on acquiring summoning spells. Use your summons strategically, maintain your defenses, and balance your spell selection for maximum effectiveness. With careful planning and execution, you can create a formidable summoner that excels in both combat and utility.
First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics. In BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3, Wizards gain access to a wide range of spells, including those that summon creatures. The Conjuration school is particularly suited for this playstyle, as it offers spells like Conjure Minor Elementals, Conjure Woodland Beings, and Conjure Elemental. These spells allow you to summon creatures that can fight, tank damage, and provide utility in combat. Additionally, Wizards can learn spells from scrolls, giving you flexibility in expanding your summoning repertoire.
To start, choose the Wizard class during character creation. For race, consider options that provide bonuses to Intelligence, such as High Elf or Human, as Intelligence is your primary spellcasting ability. High Elf also grants a bonus to Dexterity, which can help with initiative and AC. During ability score allocation, prioritize Intelligence, followed by Constitution for better concentration checks and Dexterity for AC and initiative. Wisdom can be useful for perception checks, but itÔÇÖs less critical for this build.
At level 1, select the Conjuration school as your Arcane Tradition. This grants you the Minor Conjuration feature, which allows you to create small objects, though this is more for utility than combat. At level 2, you gain the Benign Transposition feature, which lets you teleport and swap places with a summoned creature, providing tactical flexibility.
For spells, start with Find Familiar at level 1. This spell allows you to summon a familiar, such as a raven or a cat, which can scout, distract enemies, or deliver touch spells. At higher levels, focus on acquiring summoning spells like Conjure Minor Elementals and Conjure Elemental. These spells summon powerful creatures that can significantly impact combat. For example, Conjure Minor Elementals can summon Mephits, which have useful abilities like breath weapons and self-destruct mechanics.
In combat, your strategy should revolve around positioning and controlling the battlefield. Use your summoned creatures to engage enemies, allowing your party to focus on high-priority targets. Keep your Wizard at a safe distance, using spells like Mage Armor and Shield to boost your survivability. Concentration is crucial, as many summoning spells require it. Avoid taking damage to maintain concentration, and consider taking the War Caster feat at level 4 to improve your concentration checks.
One common mistake is neglecting your own defenses. While your summons can tank damage, you are still vulnerable. Always have defensive spells prepared, and position yourself carefully. Another mistake is over-relying on summons. While they are powerful, they have limited durations and can be dispelled or banished. Balance your spell selection with utility and damage spells to remain effective in various situations.
Advanced techniques include using your summons to block enemy movement, creating choke points, and using their abilities strategically. For example, a summoned Earth Elemental can knock enemies prone, giving your party advantage on attack rolls. Additionally, consider multiclassing into Cleric or Druid for access to more summoning spells and healing abilities, though this requires careful planning to avoid diluting your Wizard progression.
In terms of D&D rules, BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 closely follows the 5th Edition ruleset. Summoning spells typically require concentration, and the summoned creatures act on their own initiative. Understanding the rules for concentration and spellcasting can help you optimize your build and avoid common pitfalls.
In summary, a summoner-focused Wizard in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 is a powerful and versatile build that can control the battlefield with summoned creatures. Prioritize Intelligence, choose the Conjuration school, and focus on acquiring summoning spells. Use your summons strategically, maintain your defenses, and balance your spell selection for maximum effectiveness. With careful planning and execution, you can create a formidable summoner that excels in both combat and utility.