Top Warlock Spells You Don’t Want to Miss

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Warlocks in Baldur’s Gate 3 are unique spellcasters with a spontaneous approach to magic. Each time they level up, players get to choose a few spells that remain available until the next advancement. This class employs a distinctive spell-casting technique called Pact Spells, which reduces the number of available spells and spell slots but allows Warlocks to unleash each spell at its maximum power.

Even with a limited pool of spell slots, every spell a Warlock casts is immensely potent, thanks in part to a feature called Eldritch Invocations. Because of this, Warlocks are seen as formidable allies on any team in BG3, making it essential to select the right spells for their arsenal.

Understanding Spells vs. Cantrips

Warlocks have access to both cantrips and spells. Cantrips are basic spells that can be cast at will without using a spell slot and don’t require preparation during long rests or level-ups.

In contrast, spells are more powerful and categorized by levels. To cast a spell, it must be prepared and requires the expenditure of a spell slot. You can only use a spell in a slot of the same level or higher; you can’t cast a higher-level spell with a lower-level slot.

Best Level 1 Spells for Warlocks

When creating a level 1 Warlock, you can select two cantrips. Here are our top picks:

• Eldritch Blast: This cantrip deals 1d10 force damage and is central to a Warlock’s offensive strategy.
• Minor Illusion: This creates a simple illusion that can distract or mislead enemies.

At this stage, you’ll also choose a subclass. Opting for The Fiend grants access to two additional spells:

• Armor of Agathys: Provides 5 temporary hit points and retaliates against melee attackers with 5 cold damage until your next long rest.
• Hex: Inflicts an extra 1d6 necrotic damage on a target and imposes disadvantage on an ability of your choice. This spell requires a bonus action and doesn’t consume a spell slot. If the hexed target is defeated, you can transfer it to another target without using an action.

Best Level 2 Spells for Warlocks

Upon reaching level 2, you’ll have the opportunity to select one more level 1 spell. We recommend:

• Arms of Hadar: Deals 2d6 necrotic damage to enemies and prevents them from using reactions. If they save against the spell, they still take half damage but can act normally.

This level also unlocks Eldritch Invocations, enhancing your cantrip capabilities.

Best Level 3 Spells for Warlocks

At level 3, you gain access to level 2 spells but can only choose one. Our favorite is:

• Scorching Ray: Fires three rays of fire at your enemies, inflicting a total of 6d6 damage.

Best Level 4 Spells for Warlocks

Upon reaching level 4, you can learn one more cantrip:

• Friends: Gives you an advantage on Charisma checks against creatures that are not hostile.

You will also gain access to one more level 2 spell; we recommend:

• Cloud of Daggers: Creates a zone of daggers that inflicts 4d4 slashing damage to any enemies caught within.

Best Level 5 Spells for Warlocks

At level 5, you can select one level 3 spell. We suggest:

• Hunger of Hadar: Inflicts 2d6 cold damage and 2d6 acid damage to enemies within the sphere, also blinding those caught inside.

Best Level 6 Spells for Warlocks

When you reach level 6, you can choose another level 3 spell:

• Counterspell: Allows you to interrupt and negate an enemy’s spell.

Best Level 7 Spells for Warlocks

Upon reaching level 7, you can choose a level 4 spell, but we recommend going back to select a powerful level 3 spell instead:

• Fireball: Deals 8d6 fire damage in a huge area, making it perfect for group encounters.

Best Level 8 Spells for Warlocks

At level 8, you have the chance to learn another level 4 spell. While we advise skipping to select a level 2 spell:

• Misty Step: Enables instantaneous teleportation to a location you can see.

Best Level 9 Spells for Warlocks

At level 9, you can select a level 5 spell, and we recommend:

• Hold Monster: This spell paralyzes a creature, rendering it unable to move, act, or react. Any attack on it from within a 10-foot range is a guaranteed critical hit.

Best Level 10 Spells for Warlocks

At level 10, you can choose an additional cantrip:

• Bone Chill: Inflicts 3d8 necrotic damage and prevents enemies from healing until your next turn. Undead foes also have disadvantage on their attack rolls against you.

You can also learn another level 5 spell, but consider picking a level 4 option instead:

• Banishment: Sends a creature to a different plane of existence for 2 turns.

Best Level 11 Spells for Warlocks

Upon reaching level 11, you unlock the Mystic Arcanum feature, allowing the selection of a level 6 spell that you can cast once per long rest without utilizing a spell slot. We suggest:

• Eyebite: Causes dread, sickness, or sleep in your foes for an extended duration.

You may also select another level 5 spell, but it’s wise to choose a level 4 spell like:

• Wall of Fire: Creates a wall of flames that deals 5d8 fire damage to enemies that come too close.

Best Level 12 Spells for Warlocks

At level 12, you can add another level 5 spell, but we suggest opting for a level 3 spell instead:

• Vampiric Touch: Deals 3d6 necrotic damage while enabling you to regain half of your hit points.

Summary of Best Cantrips and Spells for Warlocks

Here’s a concise overview of our recommended spells and cantrips by level to assist players:

Best Cantrips for Warlocks:

• Eldritch Blast
• Minor Illusion
• Friends
• Bone Chill

Level 1 Spells:

• Armor of Agathys
• Hex
• Arms of Hadar

Level 2 Spells:

• Scorching Ray
• Cloud of Daggers
• Misty Step

Level 3 Spells:

• Hunger of Hadar
• Counterspell
• Fireball
• Wall of Fire
• Vampiric Touch

Level 4 Spells:

• (Level 4 recommendations not specified)

Level 5 Spells:

• (Level 5 recommendations not specified)

Level 6 Spells:

• (Level 6 recommendations not specified)

By combining these spells and cantrips, you can craft a Warlock that is not only versatile but also a formidable presence throughout your adventures in Baldur’s Gate 3.