In Baldur's Gate 3, there are a few spellcasting-oriented Classes that players can choose from – Classes that actually thrive when normal weapons are taken out of the equation. The Wizard is arguably the most iconic Dungeons and Dragons spellcasting class thanks to the breadth of spells they can know. In Baldur's Gate 3, the Wizard's diversity makes it hard to pin down its best build.
In the Early Access version of Baldur's Gate 3, there were only two subclasses (or Schools) of Wizard to choose from: Evocation, and Abjuration. Because Evocation focuses almost exclusively on damage output, it tends to be the best Wizard build to follow. However, the full version of the game has quadrupled the number of available subclasses for Wizards, making it likely that Evocation won't remain on top forever. Until fans figure out the best Wizard School in BG3, though, it's a safe bet for dishing out damage.
Updated August 4, 2023 by Erik Petrovich: With the full release of Baldur's Gate 3 a lot of things have changed from the Early Access version. Thanks to the new subclasses and expanded maximum level, players' ideas about the best Wizard build in BG3 have changed, and will very likely continue to evolve as fans get deeper into the game. This guide has been updated to be accurate to the full release version of Baldur's Gate 3, but it doesn't recommend build choices past Level 5. Check back regularly for more advice on how to make the best Wizard build as the Baldur's Gate 3 community continues to learn more about how the class plays at higher levels.
As a guide-in-progress, this build will be continually updated with more information about choices in the mid to late game as players make their way through the expansive Baldur's Gate 3.
Best Wizard Build Overview
"Evocation spells focus elemental energy into powerful attacks and enchantments. Those who specialize in this school are known as Evokers."
The Evocation Wizard is a master of all things related to magical combat, in large part because their offensive spells no longer damage (or affect) allies thanks to the Sculpt Spells passive. Because of their enormous repertoire of knowledge, and the ability to swap prepared spells anytime outside of combat, Wizards are generally considered the class with the most diversity in Baldur's Gate 3.
All Wizards get access to a list of ridiculously useful out-of-combat spells, but Evocation Wizards specifically hone in on their ability to dish out massive damage in a short amount of time. Wizards suffer from the lack of easily rechargeable spell slots like the Warlock, but Evocation Wizards can put these limited slots to good use – plus, Arcane Recovery can help when a Long Rest isn't possible. Pick up Evocation spells as you level up to take advantage of the subclass' passive, which lets melee fighters stay in close range without worrying about an incoming Fireball.
Evocation Wizard Character Creation
Best Wizard Race: Half-Elf or High Elf
The best race for Wizards in Baldur's Gate 3 is either the Half-Elf or the High Elf because of their extra racial Wizard cantrip. Because Wizards tend to sling spells constantly during a fight, it's good to have spells to fall back on that don't require slots. This brings the total number of cantrips the Wizard starts with to 4 – consider picking up a handy out-of-combat cantrip for this slot, like Light, Mage Hand, or Dancing Lights.
Best Wizard School/Subclass: Evocation
The Evocation Wizard is one of eight total Schools that players can choose from in selecting a Wizard Subclass. Evocation Wizards, who would normally damage their own teammates with their spells, gain the passive Spell Sculpt to let allies ignore damage and automatically succeed their Saving Throws instead.
The game's full release further empowered Wizards with a slew of new abilities, proficiencies, bonuses, and the likes with all of the other Subclasses available. As time goes on, the best Wizard build Subclass could change. But until then, the Evocation Wizard's ability to protect teammates from their own arcane destruction is really nice at Level 5, when Wizards pick up Fireball.
Best Wizard Proficiencies and Background: Sage
It might seem like a natural fit, but there's a reason the Sage is the best background for Wizards. It gives Proficiency to History and Arcana, two skills that are based on INT, and removes them from the pool of other proficiencies Wizards can learn at Level 1. From the remaining choices, choose Insight and Investigation, which can help in both dialogues and exploration.
Best Evocation Wizard Cantrips
Level 1: Fire Bolt, Ray of Frost, Acid Splash, and Light/Dancing Lights/Mage Hand
Level 4: Blade Ward
Best Evocation Wizard Prepared Spells
Level 1: Grease, Thunderwave, Mage Armor, Magic Missile
Level 2: Chromatic Orb
Level 3: Misty Step, Cloud of Daggers
Level 4: Detect Thoughts, Crown of Madness
Level 5: Fireball, Hypnotic Pattern
Baldur's Gate 3 is available for PC and will release for PlayStation 5 on September 6, 2023. A version for Xbox Series X/S is currently in development.