Baldur's Gate 3: Best Level 2 Spells, Ranked

Baldur's Gate 3 has made a name for itself as one of the greatest CRPGs of recent times while also introducing many of the wonders of Dungeons and Dragons in video game form. Like its tabletop predecessor, Baldur's Gate 3 has plenty of interesting spells that have been scattered across the various spellcasting classes of the game.

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As players level up their character, they will unlock new spells that require higher-level spell slots to cast them. Level Two Spell slots may be something players unlock early into the game, but many of the spells here are some that players will continue to use for the rest of their adventure. These are by far the best level-two spells of the bunch.

Updated on January 17, 2025, by Megan Smith: With a new patch soon to be released by Larian Studios for Baldur's Gate 3, these new subclasses for each class can be expected to also come with some brand-new spells for players to experiment with. Until then, a player may be interested in knowing what the best level 2 wizard spells are, or even the best level 2 spells, no matter what class the player has decided to explore in this RPG. From a wide variety of both offensive and defensive abilities, there is plenty to play around with in BG3, with these spells being great for a player to consider.

16 Blur

Be Less Likely To Be Hit By Attacks

• Sorcerer
• Wizard
• Druid (Circle of the Land)
• Bard (Regular & College of Lore)
• Rogue (Arcane Trickster)
• Fighter (Eldritch Knight)

Before getting into the best level two spells in BG3 that deal high amounts of damage, players should always consider defensive spells that are likely to save their lives. Especially when playing Baldur's Gate 3 at higher difficulties, such as Honor mode, which gives players one chance to complete the game without their entire party dying.

Blur is a concentration ability a spellcaster can use on themselves to increase their likelihood of surviving, as anyone who attempts to attack them will have a disadvantage on their attack roll. This spell also has the chance of lasting ten whole turns, as long as the player can keep up concentration.

15 Aid

A Small Boost To An Ally's Hit Points

• Cleric
• Paladin

While there are plenty of great healing magic to be used once unlocking level two spells, players that have extra space to learn magic may also consider the likes of Aid, to better boost their party of heroes. Aid is a spell that players will likely use while still in camp, just before leaving to explore.

When cast on themselves or an ally, it increases the maximum hit points of the character by five to give them that little boost to their health until the next long rest or if they lose those five hit points. Players may even consider using it at higher levels, as each spell slot used increases it by five hit points.

14 Shatter

Lethal Thunder Damage, Especially To Creatures Made Of Stone

• Bard
• Sorcerer
• Wizard
• Warlock
• Cleric (Tempest Domain)
• Fighter (Eldritch Knight)
• Rogue (Arcane Trickster)

Shatter is not only one of the best level 2 Wizard spells in BG3 but also a great spell that can be used on many different spell casters. While incredibly lethal against creatures made of stone due to giving them a disadvantage, this thunder ability can also deal damage to any enemy in a radius, no matter the material they are made of.

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Players should still be careful about who they use this ability on, as damage isn't done outright but instead requires the enemy to fail a constitution saving throw.

13 Lesser Restoration

Heals Allies Of Pesky Status Effects

• Bard
• Cleric
• Paladin

Although Lesser Restoration may not heal a player or their party for any hit points, it's essential in the moments that they get attacked by a certain effect, especially during Tactician mode.

Outside of combat, this spell is perfect for those who have allowed Astarion a bite to eat of them, as it instantly cures the bloodless status effect. However, its true purpose will likely be freeing the player's party members from being paralyzed or poisoned, as both of these can lead to a grisly end for a character.

12 Cloud Of Daggers

Great Area Of Effect Spell that Deals 4d4 of Slashing Damage

• Bard
• Sorcerer
• Warlock (The Fiend & The Great Old One)
• Wizard

Cloud of Daggers is an essential spell for at least one spell caster in the player's party. Combining this Conjuration spell with the stupidity that comes with some of the AI's moments can make for some glorious situations.

Cloud of Daggers is an area of effect spell which means any foe that finds themselves within the circle or attempts to walk through it will be damaged. Placing this cloud tactfully in a corridor or a place that the enemies need to pass can allow for the player's spellcaster to quickly deal with a group of foes.

11 Branding Smite

A Heavy Hitting Spell That Does 2d6 Radiant Damage

• Paladin

As a level 2 spell that can only be used by Paladins or those who have chosen to play as a Zariel Tiefling once they have hit level 5, this is a spell that limited classes can use, though it is incredibly powerful. When Branding Smite is cast, the player deals an additional 2d6 of radiant damage to a foe.

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While already powerful as a level 2 spell, Paladins are likely to use this and nothing else when facing foes up close. Besides the damage it does, since it brands the enemy, it also means that those pesky foes that attempt to become invisible can no longer do such a thing for ten turns.

10 Detect Thoughts

Brilliant Spell To Be Used During Dialogue

• Bard
• Sorcerer
• Wizard
• Rogue (Arcane Trickster)
• Fighter (Eldritch Knight)
• Warlock (The Great Old One)
• Druid (Circle Of Spores)

While many players may assume that spells only have a purpose inside of combat, this couldn't be further from the truth. Spells like Detect Thoughts can only be used outside of combat and can help the player through certain moments of dialogue.

Being about to read the thoughts of an individual can help a player choose the correct dialogue option that may avoid a fight or find them an important piece of information. Not to forget to mention that it only needs to be cast once, and then the player can use it for the rest of the day.

9 Spike Growth

An AOE Spell That Does 2d4 Of Damage

• Druid
• Ranger
• Cleric (Nature Domain)
• Bard (Magic Secrets at Level 5)

Spike Growth can only be cast by three different classes, including Druid, Ranger, and Nature Clerics; this is unsurprising due to the nature form this spell takes. Players who are looking for a cheap control spell should look no further than spike growth, as players can cast it onto the ground to cover an area in sharp thorns.

Allies or opponents that walk across this ground will have their movement halved, meaning they can't walk as far. Besides this, every 1.5 meters a character moves will be injured by the thorns for two d4 piercing damage.

8 Spiritual Weapon

An Extra Ally On The Battlefield That Does 1d8 Of Force Damage

• Cleric

Exclusive to only clerics, the Spiritual Weapon spell is a must for those who have a cleric in their party. Starting once the player has unlocked a level two spell slot, the player can now summon a spiritual weapon at their side.

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Players can choose from a wide variety of weapons for it to take the shape of, but either way, it will do one d8 of force damage plus the proficiency bonus of the caster. Naturally, this gives the player another person to control, which will increase their number for ten turns.

7 Blindness

Cause Enemies To Miss More Often

• Bard
• Sorcerer
• Wizard
• Warlock (The Archfey)
• Rogue (Arcane Trickster)
• Fighter (Eldritch Knight)

While Sleep may be one of the best level one spells a player could be using, Blindness is one of the greatest Level Two Spells for those who wish to have better control over the battlefield. Casters with this spell can cause a foe to be blind for ten turns total.

They can avoid this by succeeding in a constitution saving throw, though if they fail, they will be rendered blind. This will make the characters much easier to hit while they themselves struggle to land their marks.