Top 14 Spells and Abilities from Patch 8 in Baldur’s Gate 3, Ranked

The release of Patch 8 for Baldur’s Gate 3 has provided players ample opportunity to explore and experiment with an array of new spells and abilities. This significant update has transformed gameplay by introducing unique mechanics and features that enhance the overall experience.

These additions—including cantrips and abilities from various subclasses—have breathed new life into character builds and play styles, allowing for more creative and engaging approaches to combat. Among these innovations, some abilities stand out for their impact and potential to change the game.

14 Rakish Sneak Attack

Absolutely Broken Damage Output

Traditionally, Rogues are required to have Advantage to trigger Sneak Attack damage. While the Assassin subclass excelled at ensuring this condition, the Swashbuckler subclass has now taken the lead with the introduction of Rakish Sneak Attack.

This ability allows Swashbuckler Rogues to apply Sneak Attack damage without needing Advantage, as long as they aren’t at a disadvantage. This enhancement significantly amplifies damage potential across the board, giving players the ability to deal incredible damage with every single hit. Pair this with the Savage Attacker feat, which allows players to take the higher of two damage rolls, and the result is devastating.

13 Mantle of Inspiration

Every Little Bit Helps

The College of Glamour Bard represents a versatile subclass, blending both offensive and defensive capabilities. One standout ability, Mantle of Inspiration, enables Bards to provide assistance to allies by granting them temporary hit points and charming attackers.

This unique feature not only boosts ally survivability, but also redirects enemy aggression, making it an essential tool in challenging battles. As players advance, they can support more allies with greater temporary hit points, particularly beneficial for high-difficulty settings like Tactician and Honour Mode.

12 Arcane Shot

Battle Master From a Distance

Prior to Patch 8, Fighters, particularly those in the Battle Master subclass, had limited ranged influence on opponents. The newly introduced Arcane Archer subclass has revolutionized this dynamic with the Arcane Shot ability.

This enables players to utilize a variety of magical effects through arrows, including inflicting conditions and spell-like effects, significantly altering combat strategy. With capabilities such as damaging foes or banishing them to alternate planes of existence, the potential for tactical dominance increases exponentially, especially when coupled with the Martial Adept feat.

11 Divine Allegiance

No, Don’t Touch Them

For Paladins of the Oath of the Crown, teamwork is essential. One of the key abilities, Divine Allegiance, allows you to absorb damage directed at nearby allies.

This ability activates as a reaction, taking radiant damage while healing your ally instead, effectively acting as a shield in combat. By pairing it with Duelist’s Prerogative, you can protect multiple allies in one round, adding layers to your defensive strategy and further enhancing your group’s survivability.

10 Boot of the Giants

GOAL!

Barbarians already have a reputation for their brawn and comedic dialogue, but the Boot of the Giants ability adds a hilariously absurd dimension to their combat style.

This allows Raging Barbarians to kick targets as a Bonus Action, leveraging the kick’s power based on their Athletics, making every battle as entertaining as it is effective. The kick’s scaling with Strength means maximizing Athletics proficiency is key, leading to spectacularly amusing moments during gameplay.

9 Swarm Teleportation

Who Needs Pixie Dust When You Have Bees?

Choosing the Swarmkeeper subclass for Ranger allows players to summon various swarm companions, each with unique offers. When you strike an enemy, you can deal additional damage, inflict conditions, or even teleport yourself short distances.

This mechanic adds a strategic advantage, allowing rangers to evade danger or secure better positioning without needing a full action. Movement is paramount in Baldur’s Gate 3, and even a small teleport can provide the necessary edge in critical situations.

8 Accursed Spectre

A Fate Worse Than Death

Hexblade Warlocks have a fascinating ability to disrespect fallen foes through the Accursed Spectre ability. After casting Hexblade’s Curse and defeating an enemy, you can summon a vengeful spectre from their corpse.

This spectre will assist you in battle, remaining in position while still offering support by damaging enemies. The versatility of being able to potentially summon more powerful versions based on enemy size is a game-changer.

7 Bursting Sinew

Corpses Are Bombs Now

Encounters in Baldur’s Gate 3 frequently leave behind a trail of defeated adversaries. One of the exciting new cantrips introduced in Patch 8 is Bursting Sinew, allowing you to turn fallen foes into explosive traps.

This Necromancy cantrip enables you to cause a corpse to detonate, dealing area damage to all nearby enemies. This ability scales with your level, providing a strategic tool for managing battlefield dynamics. The comedic element of blowing up a corpse adds a humorous twist to battle tactics.

6 Booming Blade

Withers, Wake Up, New Build Just Dropped

Rather than merely being a cantrip, Booming Blade has the potential to completely redefine build strategies. This powerful spell allows players to deal additional thunder damage upon striking with their melee weapon.

When paired with mobility or evasive tactics, Booming Blade becomes particularly formidable—dealing extra damage if the enemy attempts to move. This synergy can lead to creating builds centered around maximizing both movement and damage output.

5 Hound of Ill Omen

Who’s A Good Demon?

With the Shadow Magic Sorcerer subclass, players gain access to a unique pet known as Nimbus—the Hound of Ill Omen. This formidable companion can be summoned for just three Sorcery Points and remains with you until defeated.

If your hound falls in battle, it can easily be re-summoned after a short rest, ensuring that you have consistent support in combat. This mechanic not only enriches gameplay but also adds a touch of flair to your character while providing helpful assistance in battles.

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