Baldur's Gate 3: Every Wizard Subclass, Ranked

8 Illusion

Baldur's Gate 3 wizard subclass illusion

Illusion is a subclass focused on disguises, distractions, and debuffs. This subclass is best for a sneaky mage and might be good for smaller-party playthroughs. Outside of being able to turn yourself invisible, you can also do the same to creatures in the world.

Level Bonus	Spell	Description
2	Improved Minor Illusion	Bonus Action that can be cast even when Silenced
6	Invisibility	See through magical cloaks and disguises
10	Illusory Self	Creates phantom image for enemies to attack

7 Transmutation

Baldur's Gate 3 transmutation wizard subclass

This school lets the Wizard transform things into useful items for your allies or against your enemies. Although it’s not the most dynamic school, it still is useful, especially to players who don’t want to continually buy potions and gear from vendors. Transmutation can also have some powerful in-battle effects, so, despite it ranking pretty low on the list, if you’re curious it’s worth a try.

Level Bonus	Spell	Description
2	Experimental Alchemy	Create 2 potions instead of 1 when crafting
6	Transmuter’s Stone	Provide a small rock to an ally for some fantastic possibilities
10	Bluejay Transmutation	Transform an enemy into a Bluejay for 5 turns, or until their health runs out

6 Necromancy

The School of Necromancy for the Wizard subclass is focused on death and dying. This one is ideal for playthroughs with undead minions, having resistance to those in the afterlife, and doing everything creepy in between. There is also some practical help for staying alive during battles.

Level Bonus	Spell	Description
2	Grim Harvest	Whenever an enemy dies from your spell, gain a small heal
6	Animate Dead	Bring forth undead minions out of corpses to fight on your side
10	Undeath	Get resistance to Necrotic damage and undead damage related

5 Divination

This school is for those those who want to communicate with creatures, see in the dark, and can affect attack rolls by “seeing the future.” Divination lands around the middle of the list because, although it can be very useful, it’s not the best subclass for damage or unique mechanics. A lot of what the subclass provides here can be found in a normal Druid playthrough. However, being the divine mage has its perks too.

Level Bonus	Spell	Description
2	Portent Dice	Affect 2 Attack Rolls or Saving Throws each long rest
6	Expert Divination	Portent Dice now resets every short rest
10	Darksight & Third Eye	Gain sight in dark areas and the ability to see invisible creatures

4 Enchantment

This school lets Wizards power up their spells increase damage and provide key buffs to their allies. This is also where you can Charm certain enemies and have certain effects on conversations as well. Enchantment is a great base subclass to choose from, and if you’re just looking to hypnotize enemies and buff your allies, this is the place to do it.

Level Bonus	Spell	Description
2	Hypnotic Gaze	Stun an enemy over several turns, as long as the Wizard doesn’t take damage
6	Instinctive Charm	Force an enemy to attack a different target
10	Split Enchantment	All Enchantment spells can now target 2 targets instead of 1

3 Abjuration

The Abjuration School and subclass are meant for the protection of yourself and your allies. With different shields, protective spells, and general defensive abilities, this is a great choice for those looking to avoid being too much of a squishy DPS character.

Level Bonus	Spell	Description
2	Arcane Ward	Creates a shield that lasts for several turns
6	Projected Ward	Give the same shield-granting ability to an ally or friendly creature
10	Improved Abjuration	Increase to effectiveness of Abjuration spells; increases the quality of Arcane Ward

2 Conjuration

Conjuration comes in at a close second-place ranking because it’s one of the best subclasses for Wizards, hands-down. This school grants Wizard familiars, more crowd-controlling abilities, and new spells and mechanics. Conjuration spells can help a Wizard to stay alive and navigate the battlefield with various helpful spells and additions.

Level Bonus	Spell	Description
2	Create Water	Conjure water to throw or rain down in a small area
6	Teleport	Instantly move between two locations
10	Focused Conjuration	Helps to ensure the casting of Conjuration spells can’t be affected by enemies

1 Evocation

Evocation gets the number 1 spot here because it’s simply a powerhouse of a subclass for the Wizard. It’s probably the most overtly offensive choice of schools and for players that are looking to just wipe out enemies while being the squishiest DPS character, this is the subclass to choose.

Level Bonus	Spell	Description
2	Sculpt Spells	Makes allies take zero damage from your aoe spells
6	Potent Cantrip	Cantrips still cause half of the damage when enemies land a successful Saving Throw
10	Empowered Evocation	Adds Intelligence to make spells cause more damage

Baldur’s Gate 3: Every Wizard Subclass, Ranked