In Baldur’s Gate 3, Wizards stand as one of the most versatile and powerful spellcasting classes, capable of controlling the battlefield, unleashing devastating spells, and protecting allies with arcane knowledge. However, choosing the best wizard subclass in BG3 can greatly influence your overall experience and tactical potential. Each subclass offers unique spells, features, and playstyles that cater to different preferences, whether you’re focused on raw damage, battlefield control, or magical resilience. To determine the best wizard subclass in BG3, we’ll explore the most effective options, how they function, and what makes them shine in various situations.
Understanding Wizard Subclasses in BG3
Wizards in Baldur’s Gate 3 select their subclass at level 2, which grants them access to school-specific benefits and some exclusive abilities. Unlike Sorcerers or Warlocks, Wizards rely on their intelligence and spell preparation, offering unmatched flexibility in choosing spells from their spellbook.
The available wizard subclasses in BG3 include:
- School of Evocation
- School of Abjuration
- School of Necromancy
- School of Enchantment
- School of Conjuration
- School of Divination
- School of Illusion
- School of Transmutation
Each school provides different features that align with certain magical strategies. Some enhance damage spells, others provide defense, and a few manipulate chance or control minds. Let’s dive deeper into the strongest contenders for the best wizard subclass in BG3.
School of Evocation Master of Raw Damage
Focused Power
Evocation Wizards are ideal for players who want to dish out pure elemental damage without harming their allies. This subclass shines in combat-heavy encounters thanks to the Sculpt Spells feature, which lets you avoid friendly fire when casting area-of-effect spells like Fireball or Shatter.
Key Features
- Sculpt Spells: Protects allies from your damaging evocation spells.
- Potent Cantrip: Cantrips deal half damage even on a miss.
- Empowered Evocation: Adds Intelligence modifier to damage rolls of evocation spells.
Evocation Wizards are straightforward and devastating. Their ability to cast high-damage spells safely makes them a top-tier choice for those who want an aggressive caster build.
School of Abjuration The Defensive Arcane Protector
Warding and Utility
Abjuration Wizards focus on magical defense and survivability. They excel in both solo and group play due to their powerful defensive spells and the unique Arcane Ward feature, which absorbs damage on behalf of the wizard or their allies.
Key Features
- Arcane Ward: Automatically grants a shield of hit points when casting abjuration spells.
- Projected Ward: Redirect damage from allies to your Arcane Ward.
- Improved Abjuration: Boosts counterspell and dispel checks.
This subclass is ideal for support-heavy roles or front-line wizard play, where resilience and protection matter more than raw damage. The Arcane Ward’s automatic activation makes this subclass incredibly efficient and forgiving for newer players.
School of Divination Master of Fate
Controlling Luck
The Divination Wizard doesn’t rely on brute force or defense. Instead, they manipulate fate itself with the incredible Portent feature, which lets you replace die rolls with predetermined results. This subclass is a tactical powerhouse that can change the outcome of key moments.
Key Features
- Portent: Roll two d20s at the start of each day and replace any attack, save, or check with one of them.
- Expert Divination: Regain spell slots when casting divination spells.
- Third Eye: Gain special vision or insight options.
Divination Wizards are game-changers in party scenarios, ensuring clutch moments go in your favor whether it’s forcing an enemy to fail a saving throw or making sure you succeed at a critical skill check. For strategic players, this may be the best wizard subclass in BG3.
School of Necromancy Commander of the Dead
Raising the Army
Necromancy Wizards are ideal for those who want to command the undead and deal with life-draining magic. This subclass becomes stronger the more it kills, thanks to Grim Harvest, and eventually allows you to control multiple undead allies at once.
Key Features
- Grim Harvest: Regain hit points when you kill with a spell.
- Undead Thralls: Summoned undead are stronger and gain extra HP.
- Command Undead: Control powerful undead creatures.
Although a bit niche, this subclass offers great flavor and the ability to overwhelm foes with minions. Its strength increases in longer fights and with careful spell selection.
School of Enchantment Mind Control and Influence
Magical Charisma
Enchantment Wizards are all about manipulation charming enemies, forcing them to obey, and turning foes into allies. Their unique Hypnotic Gaze and Instinctive Charm abilities make them useful in both combat and dialogue-heavy encounters.
Key Features
- Hypnotic Gaze: Daze and incapacitate enemies with your gaze.
- Instinctive Charm: Redirect attacks targeting you.
- Split Enchantment: Affect two targets with one enchantment spell.
This subclass excels at crowd control and support. It’s ideal for players who prefer trickery and non-lethal solutions over brute force.
Which Wizard Subclass is Best in BG3?
The answer to the best wizard subclass depends on your playstyle:
- For pure damage: School of Evocation remains the top contender.
- For defense and support: School of Abjuration is highly effective.
- For strategic manipulation: School of Divination offers unique control.
- For summoner fantasy: School of Necromancy shines with undead minions.
- For roleplay and utility: School of Enchantment brings versatility.
Among all options,School of AbjurationandSchool of Evocationstand out as the best wizard subclasses in Baldur’s Gate 3. Evocation is perfect for direct combat roles, while Abjuration provides a strong blend of protection and utility. Divination, while less flashy, is powerful in the hands of a thoughtful player who wants to influence outcomes with precision.
Wizards in BG3 are already powerful due to their expansive spell list and ability to adapt to various encounters. However, choosing the right subclass can elevate your character from competent to exceptional. Whether you prefer incinerating foes with fireballs, shielding your allies from harm, or shaping the very threads of fate, there’s a wizard subclass tailored for you. Take time to understand each school’s strengths and match them with your campaign goals or combat strategy, and you’ll unlock the full potential of this iconic spellcasting class.