Baldur’s Gate 3: Best Level 1 Spells [Top 10]

With over 50 level 1 spells available in Baldur’s Gate 3, picking the right one can definitely feel overwhelming. But still, selecting the best spell for your character is essential for paving the way for progressive playthrough.

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Key Takeaways

• Spells are used to inflict damage and enhance defenses.
• Players can prioritize a defensive or offensive spell to their choice of playthrough. 
• Magic Missile is one of the most sought-after spells in the game that allows players to deal damage through magical darts.
• We also recommend going forward with Healing Word to heal your downed allies after an intense battle. 

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Spells	Concentration	School	Classes	Damage/Bonus	Level
Chromatic Orb	No	Evocation	Wizards, Sorcerers, Fighters (some), Rogues (some)	3d8	1
Grease	No	Conjuration	Sorcerers, Warlock, Rangers, Druid	depends if you attack	1
Fog Cloud	Yes	Conjuration	Wizards, Sorcerers, Rangers, Druid	depends if you attack	1
Thunderwave	No	Evocation	Wizards, Sorcerers, Bards , Druid	2d8	1
Bless	Yes	Enchantment	Paladin, Cleric	+1d4 (bonus)	1
Magic Missile	No	Evocation	Wizards, Sorcerers, Fighter, Rogue	3d4+3	1
Faerie Fire	Yes	Evocation	Drow, Bard, Druid, Cleric	No Damage	1
Healing Word	No	Evocation	Bard, Druid, Cleric	1d4 (bonus)	1
Shield	No	Abjuration	Sorcerers, Hexblade, Wizards	Increase AC by 5	1
Thunderous Smite	No	Evocation	Paladins, Oath of Vengeance, Oath of Devotion, Oath of Ancients	+2d6	1

Chromatic Orb

At level 1, in my opinion, Chromatic Orb is one of the best spells. This spell is very effective for dealing enormous damage to your enemy. The amount of damage dealt depends on the situation you are in.

This spell can be used by classes such as:

• Wizards
• Sorcerers
• Fighters (some)
• Rogues (some)

Grease

This is one of the best level 1 conjuration spells available in the game. Grease is a convenient spell, allowing you to cover the ground with grease, slowing down your enemies and possibly making them fall, dealing massive damage.

I recommend increasing the damage by lighting grease, burning enemies, or combining it with elemental attacks. However, I also learned that burning the grease will make it disappear.

This spell can be used by classes such as:

• Sorcerers
• Warlock
• Rangers
• Druid

Fog Cloud

This spell is an AoE-changing spell. Fog Cloud is a level 1 conjuring spell that casts a foggy cloud, blinding the opponents. This spell is handy while using it on your party to rest, heal, or take some time. 

The classes that can cast this spell are:

• Wizards
• Sorcerers
• Rangers
• Druids

Thunderwave

Thunderwave will repulse your enemies with a wave of thunder and knock them out.

Moreover, you can use it in many different situations to your advantage, like keeping your enemies at a distance and avoiding fighting in close combat. My favorite way was to use this spell to push your enemies off high places and getting rid of them quickly.

The classes that can cast this spell are:

• Wizards
• Sorcerers
• Bard
• Druid

Bless

This level 1 enchantment spell is used to boost your allies and aid them in inflicting significant damage on your enemies. It adds a +1d2 bonus to all attack rolls. Bless can also be used anytime, during, or before a battle.

The best way to utilize this spell, in my opinion, is to select three of your allies within the 30-foot radius area range and buff them up. Only a random three will be affected if there are more than three allies.

When you are in a fight, this spell helps your party recover from damage and grants damage of 1d4 to attack trolls, allowing you to get out of tricky situations.

The classes that can cast this spell are:

• Paladin
• Cleric

Magic Missile

This is one of the best damage-dealing level 1 spells. Magic Missile fires magical darts, usually three, to hit their targeted enemy and deal much damage. This spell always hits its target, and the only way to evade it is by using the surroundings and hiding behind them.

During my fight with Hyenas, this spell was handy, as it allowed me to attack multiple enemies simultaneously. Thus dealing a lot of damage to more than one target.

The classes that can cast this spell are:

• Wizards
• Sorcerers
• Fighter
• Rogue

Faerie Fire

As a level 1 evocation spell, Faerie Fire is a powerful and helpful spell that helps the caster see everything within the range of 15ft. It illuminates not only the creatures but also objects within the said range. This spell reveals all the invisible enemies for about ten rounds or until your concentration is broken.

I would recommend using this spell before you encounter a large group of enemies, as this will provide you the upper hand during most fights.

The classes that can cast this spell are:

• Drow
• Bard
• Druid
• Cleric

Healing Word

Healing Word is one of the best level 1 evocation spells. This spell aids by healing any creature in your sight and heals 1d4, plus restores hit points at a range of 18m. Due to its decent range and ability to heal allies from a distance, this was my favorite healing spell.

For instance, if you are fighting powerful goblins and your companions get hurt, you can use this spell to heal them. This spell, in particular, only works if the target is alive. In other words, it does not affect the dead.

The classes that can cast this spell are:

• Bard
• Druid
• Cleric

Shield

This spell casts an invisible wall in front of your character, increases your Armor Class by 5, and saves you from taking damage from enemy attacks. The casting time of this spell is 1 round.

Moreover, I discovered that Shield also helps by providing you with resistance to Magic Missile. This spell does not require much concentration and lasts until its effect is over.

The classes that can cast this spell are:

• Sorcerers
• Hexblade
• Wizards

Thunderous Smite

Using this spell, you inflict damage of 2d6 when you attack with the help of your enhanced weapon. Your weapon emits thunder on contact, pushing your enemy back, possibly knocking them out. This is a fantastic spell; casting it requires concentration and attention.

This spell can be used by classes such as:

• Paladins
• Oath of Vengeance
• Oath of Devotion
• Oath of Ancients

My Opinion On Best Spells

Having the best spells to use is essential for a player’s growth in the game. I recommend players choose the spells that best suit and strengthen their gameplay. This way, you will become a mighty and formidable warrior in no time.

One of the most satisfying parts of this game was the freedom with which I could use these spells. This allowed me to approach every combat in my way and find creative solutions to problems.

Up Next:

• Baldurs Gate 3 Best Cantrips.
• Baldurs Gate 3 Best Feats.
• Baldur’s Gate 3 Best Race.