Baldur’s Gate 3’s Scrolls Are Best Used To Teach Spells

Unlocking the arcane secrets of Baldur’s Gate 3 can transform your gameplay, especially when it comes to mastering spells. Whether you’re a seasoned wizard or a newcomer to the magical arts, learning how to acquire new spells from scrolls can significantly enhance your tactical options in combat. This guide delves into the unique mechanics that allow wizards to transcribe spells from scrolls, providing you with the knowledge to expand your spellbook and adapt to any challenge the game throws your way. Discover how to turn your wizard into a formidable spellcaster and ensure that no magical opportunity goes unseized!

What are Scrolls?

In Baldur’s Gate 3, scrolls are magical items that allow characters to cast spells without expending their own spell slots. Each scroll contains a specific spell, which can be used once before the scroll is consumed. This makes them particularly valuable for spellcasters who want to conserve their resources or for characters who do not typically have access to magic. Players can find scrolls throughout the game world, and they can also be crafted or purchased from vendors. Using a scroll requires the character to have the appropriate level to cast the spell contained within it, adding a strategic layer to their usage in combat and exploration.

Scrolls are magical spells that, by default, are consumables. They can be used in the same way as potions or throwables. Their advantage is that the spell can be cast by any character who has a scroll in his or her inventory. Their disadvantage, however, is that once the spell is cast, the Scroll is irretrievably lost. Some consolation is that for some spells the effects of the action can persist for a long time, for example for a certain number of rounds or until the team rests.

You can find new scrolls in the game world and buy them from merchants – in the latter case, we advise you to buy only the most useful spells that you failed to find through exploration.

Wizards are the only class that can learn spells from Scrolls. This option is unfortunately not available for all other character classes. The advantage of this feature is that the spell the Wizard learns is permanently added to his or her list of spells. It will not be lost once it is activated.

How do you learn a spell?

To learn a spell in Baldur’s Gate 3, players primarily utilize spell scrolls, which are consumable items that can be found throughout the game or purchased from vendors. Only Wizards can permanently learn spells from these scrolls. To do this, you must first transfer the desired scroll to your Wizard’s inventory. By right-clicking on the scroll, you can select “Learn Spell,” which incurs a gold cost that varies depending on the spell’s complexity. Once learned, the spell is added to the Wizard’s spellbook, but it must be prepared before use, allowing for strategic planning based on upcoming challenges in the game. This mechanic not only enhances a Wizard’s versatility but also encourages players to explore and collect various scrolls during their adventures.

Start by transferring the scroll of interest to your Wizard’s inventory. If your main character is not a Wizard, in the early access version of the game, only Gale can learn a spell in this way. The circumstances of recruiting this character are described on the Playable Characters List page of this guide.

Right click on the scroll and select Learn Spell. The important information, in this case, is that you have to pay gold for learning a spell. The simplest spells require 50 pieces of gold, but in the case of more complex spells, it may be even 100 pieces of gold.

When trying to learn a spell, the game can block you in two different ways. The first limitation is that the character’s experience is too low. It may be necessary to level up your Wizard before he or she can learn the chosen spell. This problem concerns more complex spells, such as the Speak with Dead spell.

What are the best spells to learn first in Baldur’s Gate 3

In Baldur’s Gate 3, choosing the right spells early on can significantly enhance your gameplay experience. Here are some of the best spells to learn first, tailored for various classes and playstyles:

1. Guidance (Cantrip): Essential for any party, this cantrip provides a +1d4 bonus to ability checks, making it invaluable for skill checks like lockpicking or persuasion. Its unlimited uses ensure you can leverage it throughout your journey.
2. Healing Word (Level 1): A crucial healing spell that allows you to revive allies from a distance as a bonus action. This flexibility enables you to heal while still engaging in combat or casting other spells.
3. Magic Missile (Level 1): This spell guarantees hits, launching three magical darts that can be split among targets. It’s perfect for dealing with enemies effectively without worrying about missing.
4. Eldritch Blast (Cantrip): A staple for Warlocks, this cantrip deals 1d10 force damage and scales with your level, making it a reliable damage dealer throughout the game.
5. Sleep (Level 1): An excellent crowd control spell that can incapacitate multiple low-HP enemies, effectively removing them from combat for two turns or until they take damage.
6. Faerie Fire (Level 1): This spell outlines enemies in light, granting advantage on attack rolls against them. It’s particularly effective for setting up your party’s heavy hitters.
7. Grease (Level 1): While it may seem niche, Grease creates difficult terrain and can be ignited for additional damage, making it versatile for controlling enemy movement.
8. Armor of Agathys (Level 1): For Warlocks, this spell provides temporary hit points and deals damage to attackers, offering both protection and offense.
9. Misty Step (Level 2): A bonus action teleportation spell that allows you to reposition without provoking opportunity attacks, enhancing your mobility in combat.
10. Pass Without Trace (Level 2): This spell grants a +10 bonus to stealth checks, making it invaluable for sneaky approaches and avoiding detection during missions.

Selecting these spells will provide a solid foundation for your adventures in Baldur’s Gate 3, allowing you to adapt to various challenges and enhance your party’s effectiveness in combat and exploration.

Which spells are best for early combat in Baldur’s Gate 3

In Baldur’s Gate 3, selecting the right spells for early combat can greatly enhance your effectiveness in battles. Here are some of the best spells to consider:

1. Sleep (Level 1): This spell can incapacitate multiple enemies based on their current hit points, making it a powerful crowd control option. It effectively removes threats from combat without requiring a saving throw, allowing your party to focus on other targets.
2. Magic Missile (Level 1): A reliable damage-dealing spell that guarantees hits, Magic Missile sends out three darts that can be split among targets. This is particularly useful for finishing off weakened enemies or bypassing defenses.
3. Healing Word (Level 1): As a bonus action spell, Healing Word allows you to heal allies from a distance, enabling you to maintain your offensive actions while providing support. It’s a staple healing spell that can be used throughout the game.
4. Shield (Level 1): This reaction spell increases your Armor Class by 5 until the start of your next turn, providing crucial protection against attacks. It can also block Magic Missile, making it essential for squishier characters.
5. Faerie Fire (Level 1): Although it doesn’t deal damage, Faerie Fire outlines enemies in light, granting advantage on attack rolls against them. This spell is excellent for setting up powerful attacks from your party members.
6. Guiding Bolt (Level 1): A strong ranged attack for Clerics, Guiding Bolt deals significant damage and grants advantage on the next attack against the target. This makes it an effective choice for both damage and support.
7. Grease (Level 1): This spell creates difficult terrain and can cause enemies to fall prone if they fail a Dexterity saving throw. Grease is versatile and can be ignited for additional damage, making it a strategic choice in combat.
8. Thunderwave (Level 1): Useful for pushing back enemies and dealing area damage, Thunderwave can help create space when surrounded by foes. However, be cautious as it affects allies as well.
9. Armor of Agathys (Level 1): For Warlocks, this spell provides temporary hit points and retaliates against melee attackers with cold damage, offering both defense and offense.
10. Bless (Level 1): This spell enhances attack rolls and saving throws for multiple allies, making it a great support option in combat scenarios where every roll counts4.

Choosing these spells will give you a solid foundation for early encounters in Baldur’s Gate 3, allowing you to adapt to various combat situations effectively.