Discover the art of wilderness warfare in Baldur’s Gate 3 with our comprehensive Ranger spell guide. As you navigate the treacherous landscapes and face formidable foes, mastering the right spells can be the difference between victory and defeat. From the essential Hunter’s Mark that amplifies your damage output to the strategic Ensnaring Strike that immobilizes your enemies, this guide unveils the spells that will enhance your Ranger’s prowess. Whether you prefer to strike from the shadows or control the battlefield with nature’s might, equip yourself with the knowledge to become a legendary hunter in this epic RPG adventure.
Upon reaching level 2, your hero will gain access to Spell Casting skill that will allow him to use Level 1 spells. At this level, you will only be able to choose two spells that will be used in adventures ahead. On level 3, there will be three spell slots, and then every two consecutive levels the hero will be given access to another slot. Assuming that the maximum level of the character that can be reached in Baldurs Gate 3 is level 10, once this threshold is reached, you will have 6 places for spells.
Once you have selected the spells, you will not be able to change them until you have advanced to the next level of experience, and the spent spells only renew after a longer rest. Therefore, choosing the right spells for the Ranger will not be easy and it is worth to think before choosing them.
Spells – Level 1
Level 1 spells for Rangers in Baldur’s Gate 3 provide essential utility and combat enhancements that align with their agile and tactical nature. At level 2, Rangers can select two spells from a limited but impactful list, which includes Hunter’s Mark, a staple for boosting damage output against enemies, and Ensnaring Strike, which allows them to immobilize foes while dealing extra damage. Other options like Longstrider enhance movement speed, making it easier to navigate the battlefield. These spells are not only crucial for individual effectiveness but also contribute significantly to the Ranger’s role within a party, allowing them to support allies and control the flow of combat effectively.
Because in Early Access to Baldurs Gate 3 you can only reach level 4, you will be able to learn a maximum of 3 first level spells.
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Animal Friendship Effect: you can charm a Beast and convince it that you don’t want to hurt it. Range: 18 meters. Condition: the beast cannot have an intelligence of 4 or higher. The spell stops when you or one of your companions attacks the enchanted beast. |
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Cure Wounds Effect: the affected creature recovers 1d8 2 health points. Range: 1.5 meters. Additional information: the spell does not work on undead and constructs. |
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Ensnaring Strike Effect: the hero’s attack summons thorny vines, which inflicts 1d6 3 Piercing damage and can immobilize the target. Range: 18 meters. Concentration: Required Additional information: injuries are inflicted at the beginning of each round. The creature or an ally of the trapped target can use their action to try to tear the vines apart. |
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Fog Cloud Effect: you create a cloud of thick fog. The beings residing in the area of operation of this spell are Heavily Obscured and Blinded. Range: 18 meters. Concentration: required |
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Hail of Thorns Effect: you fire a volley of thorns that inflict 1d6 3 Piercing damage and explode, inflicting 1D10 Piercing damage on the main target and the creatures around it. Range: 18 meters, 2 meters of explosion range. Additional information: after a successful Save Throw, targets receive only half of the damage from the blast. |
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Hunter’s Mark Effect: mark a creature with the Hunter’s Mark to inflict an additional 1d6 Piercing damage every time you hit it with an attack. Range: 18 meters. Concentration: required Additional information: if the marked target dies before the spell is over, you can use an additional action to mark another being. |
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Jump Effect: touch a creature to triple its jumping range. Range: 1.5 meters. |
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Longstrider Effect: touch a creature to increase its speed by 10 feet. Range: 1.5 meters. |
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Speak with Animals Effect: you gain the ability to understand and communicate verbally with animals. Concentration: Required |
What are the top spells for a Ranger in Baldur’s Gate 3
In Baldur’s Gate 3, Rangers possess a unique blend of martial skill and spellcasting, allowing them to adapt to various combat situations. Here are the top spells that every Ranger should consider for maximizing their effectiveness in battle:
Top Ranger Spells
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Hunter’s Mark (Level 1)
- This essential spell marks a target, allowing the Ranger to deal an extra 1d6 damage with each attack against it. It can be recast for free if the marked target is defeated, making it a staple for sustained damage output throughout encounters.
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Ensnaring Strike (Level 1)
- A signature Ranger spell that ensnares enemies with thorny vines upon a successful hit, preventing their movement and dealing additional damage. This spell is versatile for both melee and ranged attacks, enhancing the Ranger’s control over the battlefield.
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Hail of Thorns (Level 1)
- This spell allows Rangers to unleash a barrage of thorns on multiple enemies within a small area, providing much-needed area-of-effect damage when facing groups.
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Cure Wounds (Level 1)
- While not primarily a healing class, having access to Cure Wounds gives Rangers additional survivability and flexibility in party composition, allowing them to contribute to healing when necessary.
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Spike Growth (Level 2)
- A tactical spell that transforms an area into difficult terrain, slowing down enemies and dealing damage as they move through it. This can be particularly useful for controlling enemy movement during engagements.
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Pass Without Trace (Level 2)
- This spell grants a significant bonus to stealth checks for the entire party, making it invaluable for sneaking past foes or setting up ambushes.
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Lightning Arrow (Level 3)
- A powerful ranged attack that transforms an arrow into a bolt of lightning, dealing damage in an area upon impact. This spell is excellent for taking out clustered enemies or dealing with tough foes from a distance.
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Conjure Barrage (Level 3)
- Similar to Hail of Thorns but more potent, this spell allows the Ranger to create a rain of projectiles that damages all enemies in a specified area, providing substantial crowd control capabilities.
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Silence (Level 2)
- An area-of-effect spell that prevents all sound within its radius, effectively neutralizing enemy casters and creating opportunities for your team to strike without retaliation.
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Longstrider (Level 1)
- A utility spell that increases the movement speed of the target by 10 feet until the next long rest, enhancing mobility for both the Ranger and their allies.
These spells collectively enhance the Ranger’s ability to deal damage, control the battlefield, and support their party, making them a formidable class in Baldur’s Gate 3.
Which subclass offers the most powerful spells for a Ranger
In Baldur’s Gate 3, the Ranger subclass that offers the most powerful spells is the Gloom Stalker. This subclass is renowned for its exceptional stealth abilities and high damage potential, particularly in dark environments. Gloom Stalkers gain access to potent spells such as Rope Trick and Greater Invisibility, which enhance their combat effectiveness and survivability by allowing them to remain hidden while striking from the shadows.
Additionally, Gloom Stalkers benefit from features like Dread Ambusher, which grants them extra attacks on the first turn of combat, further amplifying their damage output. Their ability to excel in stealthy situations makes them formidable opponents, capable of surprising enemies and dealing significant damage before they even realize what hit them.
While other subclasses like the Fey Wanderer and Horizon Walker also provide strong spellcasting options, Gloom Stalkers stand out for their combination of stealth, mobility, and powerful spells, making them the top choice for players seeking a potent Ranger build in the game.
