What are the best ways to deal with enemy conjuration spells in Baldur's Gate

Dealing with enemy conjuration spells in Baldur's Gate 3 requires a solid understanding of both the game's mechanics and the underlying D&D 5E rules. Conjuration spells can summon creatures, create obstacles, or even teleport enemies, making them a significant threat if not handled properly. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to manage these spells effectively.

First, itÔÇÖs important to understand the mechanics of conjuration spells. In D&D 5E, conjuration spells typically fall into two categories: those that summon creatures and those that create objects or effects. Summoned creatures can act independently, often following the casterÔÇÖs commands, while created objects or effects can block paths, deal damage, or provide cover. In Baldur's Gate 3, these spells are implemented with similar mechanics, so understanding how they work is crucial.

One of the most effective ways to deal with conjuration spells is to target the caster directly. Many conjuration spells require concentration, meaning the caster must maintain focus to keep the spell active. If you can break their concentration, the summoned creatures or effects will disappear. This can be achieved through damage or specific abilities that force concentration checks. For example, hitting the caster with a high-damage attack or using spells like Magic Missile, which forces multiple concentration checks, can be very effective.

Another strategy is to use area-of-effect (AoE) spells to deal with summoned creatures. Spells like Fireball or Shatter can quickly clear out multiple summoned enemies, especially if they are grouped together. This approach is particularly useful when facing spells like Conjure Animals or Conjure Minor Elementals, which can summon multiple weaker creatures. By using AoE spells, you can neutralize the threat before the creatures have a chance to act.

Positioning is also key when dealing with conjuration spells. If the enemy summons a creature or creates an obstacle, you can use your movement to reposition your characters to a more advantageous spot. For example, if an enemy conjures a wall of fire, you can move your characters around it or use ranged attacks to avoid the damage. Similarly, if a summoned creature is blocking a path, you can use abilities like Misty Step or Dimension Door to teleport past it.

ItÔÇÖs also important to consider the action economy. Conjuration spells often give the enemy additional actions through summoned creatures, so you need to be efficient with your own actions. Focus on taking out the most dangerous threats first, whether thatÔÇÖs the caster or the summoned creatures. Using abilities that allow you to attack multiple times, such as Extra Attack for martial classes or spells like Scorching Ray, can help you deal with multiple threats quickly.

Common mistakes to avoid include ignoring the caster and focusing solely on the summoned creatures. While itÔÇÖs tempting to deal with the immediate threat, the caster is often the root of the problem. Additionally, failing to use AoE spells or abilities that can break concentration can make the encounter much harder than it needs to be.

Advanced techniques include using counterspells to prevent the conjuration spell from being cast in the first place. Counterspell is a powerful tool that can negate an enemyÔÇÖs spell, provided you have a reaction available and the spell slot to cast it. Another advanced tactic is to use spells like Dispel Magic to remove ongoing conjuration effects. This can be particularly useful against spells like Wall of Stone or Conjure Elemental, which can persist for a long time.

In terms of character building, having a mix of damage dealers and control characters can be very effective. Damage dealers can quickly take out summoned creatures, while control characters can use spells like Hold Person or Banishment to neutralize the caster. Additionally, having characters with high mobility or teleportation abilities can help you navigate around conjured obstacles.

Specific examples include encounters with powerful spellcasters like the Hag in Act 1, who uses conjuration spells to summon creatures and create obstacles. In this scenario, focusing on breaking her concentration and using AoE spells to clear out her minions can make the fight much more manageable. Another example is the fight against the Githyanki in Act 2, who use conjuration spells to summon additional warriors. Using counterspells and focusing on the spellcasters can help you control the battlefield.

In conclusion, dealing with enemy conjuration spells in Baldur's Gate 3 requires a combination of understanding the mechanics, strategic positioning, and efficient use of actions. By targeting the caster, using AoE spells, and optimizing your character builds, you can effectively neutralize the threat posed by conjuration spells and gain the upper hand in combat.