Level 0 spells, also known as Cantrips in Baldur's Gate 3, are your best sources of magic to use early in the game that becomes more powerful as your character levels up. The list of cantrips you can choose from depends on what class you chose for your character. However, a few spells are consistent sources of damage or utility no matter what path you picked for your character.
Cantrips do not take spell slots to cast in Baldur's Gate 3, making them the perfect tools for situations outside of combat and in a heated battle. For many classes, there are a limited number of Cantrips you can prepare at a time, but this number increases as you level up. Certain subclasses add spell-casting abilities to usually melee-focused paths, such as the Arcane Trickster Rogue or Eldritch Knight Fighter.
How To Pick The Best Early Cantrips in Baldur's Gate 3
The best Cantrips to use early in Baldur's Gate 3 are 
Eldritch Blast , 
Mage Hand , 
Minor Illusion , 
Shillelagh , and 
Blade Ward . These spells notably do not rely on Concentration, a focus needed to continue a piece of magic over multiple turns. Strong enemies in the early game can break your Concentration more often than not while your Ability Scores are low, so the best beginning Cantrips should not have this risk.
Unlike most spells, Shillelagh takes a bonus action to cast rather than a full action on your character's turn, making it a significant buff to activate before doing something else in combat.
| Cantrip |
Classes |
Description |
|---|---|---|
| Eldritch Blast |
Warlock |
Conjure a beam of crackling energy that deals 1d10 Force damage. |
| Mage Hand |
|
Create a spectral hand that can manipulate and interact with objects. Lasts for 10 turns. |
| Minor Illusion |
|
Create an illusory image that distracts nearby creatures, compelling them to investigate. You can remain hidden while casting this spell while it remains for 10 turns. |
| Shillelagh |
Druid |
Imbue your staff or club with nature's power. It becomes magical, dealing 1d8 + 2 Bludgeoning damage, and uses your Spellcasting Ability for Attack Rolls. |
| Blade Ward |
|
Take only half damage from Bludgeoning, Piercing, and Slashing attacks for 2 turns. |
Although some of these Cantrips are only seen in specific classes, there's no denying how reliable they would be at early levels. Eldritch Blast, in particular, has some of the highest damage from a spell attack when you're getting started. The best Cantrips to use early have broad effects that encourage your creativity, making them almost necessary spells to equip in Baldur's Gate 3.
