The Talos Dragonling - Lightning Caster build

The Talos Dragonling - Lightning Caster build - Baldur's Gate 3 (BG3)

By zanuffas
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In this post, I will go through the Tempest and Draconic Sorcerer Build - The Talos Dragonling for Baldur's Gate 3. The idea is to take two lightning-related subclasses - Draconic Bloodline with Lightning ancestor and Tempest Domain Cleric with Talos as a Deity.

Tempest Cleric and Draconic Sorcerer Build - The Talos Dragonling

The build idea is solid both from a roleplay perspective and overall capabilities. The Talos deity represents the destructive nature of this build by using storms and lightning. It is a true nature's incarnate of chaos representing the unpredictable nature of lightning strikes.

This build merges Destructive Wrath icon passive feature bg3Destructive Wrath​ with spells like Lightning Bolt icon action bg3Lightning Bolt, Witch Bolt icon action bg3Witch Bolt,​ and Draconic ancestry buffs which give a slight boost of damage. Moreover, these spells will be able to knock back foes thanks to Thunderbolt Strike icon passive feature bg3Thunderbolt Strike, which gives another layer of combat options. Many of the grunt enemies will die from one spell cast.

The build does offer some customization. You can be more Cleric or more Sorcerer depending on the party composition. My goal here is to create a solid offensive caster that can destroy any kind of foe early in the combat. The sorcerer spells arsenal and access to Metamagic: Quickened Spell icon passive feature bg3Metamagic: Quickened Spell​ is perfect for this, as you can also cast Create Water icon action bg3Create Water​ on the starting turn followed up by an offensive spell.

So I will be skipping the support part, and it will play only a minor role in this build.

The main downside is that the build only gets access to level 3 spells, which does limit its options. Of course, you will get access to some other options via items like Markoheshkir icon bg3Markoheshkir or Spell Scrolls.

So let's go into the build!

Class Contribution

The build consists of 2 classes in equal parts:

6 Sorcerer Draconic Bloodline

  • Constitution saving throw proficiency at least for the early game, to help with spell concentration
  • Access to good defensive spells like Shield icon action bg3Shield​ to improve survivability.
  • Up to level 3 spells, specifically Lightning Bolt icon action bg3Lightning Bolt​ for destroying multiple foes.
  • Draconic Resilience icon passive feature bg3Draconic Resilience​ which grants 13 Armour Class if you are not wearing any protection.
  • Draconic Ancestry effects that improve specific element damage based on the bloodline with Elemental Affinity: Damage icon passive feature bg3Elemental Affinity: Damage.
  • Access to a variety of cantrips like Friends icon action bg3Friends, which are especially useful if you are the main character, as you can win over the dialogues
  • Metamagic mechanic and Sorcery points. You will be able to cast full spells using Metamagic: Quickened Spell icon passive feature bg3Metamagic: Quickened Spell, giving a unique advantage over normal cleric builds.

6 Tempest Domain Cleric

  • Access to healing and support spells - Mass Healing Word icon action bg3Mass Healing Word​ and Healing Word icon action bg3Healing Word​ in case the situation becomes very bad.
  • Can apply wet status for other casters with Create or Destroy Water icon action bg3Create or Destroy Water, to empower your Lightning spells.
  • Tempest Domain offers Destructive Wrath icon passive feature bg3Destructive Wrath, allowing you to deal the maximum possible damage with your spells.
  • Access to various reactions and spells related to the Lightning and Thunder theme - Wrath of the Storm icon passive feature bg3Wrath of the Storm, Sleet Storm icon action bg3Sleet Storm.
  • Proficiencies with shields and medium armor, allowing to improve defensive capabilities further.
  • Your lightning and thunder spell effects can push foes away with the Thunderbolt Strike icon passive feature bg3Thunderbolt Strike​ effect. It can easily result in an instant kill if enemies are close to the ledge.

Leveling Overview

Here is a concise table with all the main picks during your leveling progression. For more detailed reasoning, I go further in the article. Also, do not forget to check the recommended gear as it is crucial.

I recommend doing a respec at Withers to correctly allocate the initial Ability points and other options.
Level Class Selection
1 Sorcerer 1 Cantrips: Friends icon action bg3Friends, Minor Illusion icon action bg3Minor Illusion, Ray of Frost icon action bg3Ray of Frost, Shocking Grasp icon action bg3Shocking Grasp
Spells: Magic Missile icon action bg3Magic Missile, Chromatic Orb icon action bg3Chromatic Orb
Subclass: Draconic Bloodline
Dragon Ancestor: Draconic Ancestry: Blue (Lightning) icon passive feature bg3Draconic Ancestry: Blue (Lightning)​ or Draconic Ancestry: Bronze (Lightning) icon passive feature bg3Draconic Ancestry: Bronze (Lightning)
Abilities: STR - 8, DEX - 16, CON - 14, INT - 8, WIS - 10, CHA - 17
Skills: Deception, Persuasion
2 Sorcerer 2 Spells: Shield icon action bg3Shield
Metamagic: Metamagic: Twinned Spell icon passive feature bg3Metamagic: Twinned Spell​, Metamagic: Distant Spell icon passive feature bg3Metamagic: Distant Spell
3 Sorcerer 3 Spells: Cloud of Daggers icon action bg3Cloud of Daggers
Metamagic: Metamagic: Quickened Spell icon passive feature bg3Metamagic: Quickened Spell
4 Sorcerer 4 Cantrips: Mage Hand icon action bg3Mage Hand
Spells: Blindness icon action bg3Blindness
Feat: Dual Wielder icon passive feature bg3Dual Wielder​ or Ability Improvement - +2 Charisma
5 Sorcerer 5 Spells: Lightning Bolt icon action bg3Lightning Bolt
6 Sorcerer 6 Spells: Haste icon action bg3Haste
Replace Spell: Cloud of Daggers icon action bg3Cloud of Daggers​ -> Counterspell icon action bg3Counterspell
7 Cleric 1
(respec as first level)
Cantrips: Guidance icon action bg3Guidance, Light icon action bg3Light, Thaumaturgy icon action bg3Thaumaturgy
Subclass: Tempest Domain
Deity: Talos
Abilities: STR - 8, DEX - 16, CON - 14, INT - 8, WIS - 10, CHA - 17
Prepare Spells: Create or Destroy Water icon action bg3Create or Destroy Water
8 Cleric 2 -
9 Cleric 3 -
10 Cleric 4 Feat: Dual Wielder icon passive feature bg3Dual Wielder​ or Ability Improvement - +2 Charisma
11 Cleric 5 -
12 Cleric 6 -

Starting the Game - Level 1

This section covers the creation screen and what would go into the best Races, Abilities, and Skills for the Talos Dragonling build. If you have already started playing feel free to do a respec at Withers and follow along. This will make it easy to follow the build step by step.

Races

Picking a race provides various benefits - abilities, dialogue options, looks, etc.

If you are having difficulties making a choice, pick whatever you prefer in terms of looks or roleplay. "The perfect race pick" is important if you are into extreme min-maxing.
Race Features Description
halfling bg3Halfling The good thing is that Tempest Domain does not need to be as much on the frontlines and can play as a caster. This opens up options for shorter races.
Half-Elf Baldur's Gate 3High Half-Elf Comes with a selection of additional cantrip and shield proficiency. For the former, pick something utility. Sadly,the  cantrip spellcasting modifier is intelligence.
dragonborn bg3Blue Dragonborn
  • Lightning Breath icon action bg3Lightning Breath
  • Draconic Ancestry icon passive feature bg3Draconic Ancestry
Although the race is somewhat disappointing, it still fits the theme pretty well, as it represents lightning elements.
dragonborn bg3Bronze Dragonborn
  • Lightning Breath icon action bg3Lightning Breath
  • Draconic Ancestry icon passive feature bg3Draconic Ancestry
gnome bg3Deep Gnome
  • Gnome Cunning icon passive feature bg3Gnome Cunning
  • Superior Darkvision icon passive feature bg3Superior Darkvision
  • Stone Camouflage icon passive feature bg3Stone Camouflage
With a general advantage to mental checks with Gnome Cunning icon passive feature bg3Gnome Cunning, they also come with an advantage on stealth, making them perfect rogue characters.

Class

Overview
sorcerer Baldur's Gate 3Sorcerer
Features
ico_mini_spellSlot Baldur's Gate 3Spell Slots These can be used to cast spells and are restored each long rest.

Cantrips

Cantrips Description
Friends icon action bg3Friends If you are the main character and do most of the dialogues, this is mandatory as it gives an advantage on dialogue rolls.
Minor Illusion icon action bg3Minor Illusion It can be used to distract NPCs, even before combat.
Ray of Frost icon action bg3Ray of Frost A long-range cantrip, that has different elements than fire, in case the target is resistant.
Shocking Grasp icon action bg3Shocking Grasp A very useful melee range spell, that allows to disable enemy reactions.

Spells

Spell Description
Magic Missile icon action bg3Magic Missile A good spell to have in the arsenal as it has a 100% hit chance and is perfect for eliminating specific targets. The missiles also can target enemies that you cannot see.
Chromatic Orb icon action bg3Chromatic Orb Can be used with different elements and target enemies based on what they are weak in.

Subclass

Overview
draconic bloodline bg3Draconic Bloodline
Features
Draconic Resilience icon passive feature bg3Draconic Resilience This negates the need for Mage Armour icon action bg3Mage Armour.
icon features bg3Draconic Resilience: Hit Points Just a bonus 1 HP for this build, so it's nothing fancy.

Dragon Ancestor

Only interested in lightning-related Ancestry.

Ancestor Description
Draconic Ancestry: Blue (Lightning) icon passive feature bg3Draconic Ancestry: Blue (Lightning) I would prefer the Draconic Ancestry: Blue (Lightning) icon passive feature bg3Draconic Ancestry: Blue (Lightning)​ as I think Witch Bolt icon action bg3Witch Bolt​ is more useful, especially later in the game, when you can inflict huge amounts of lightning damage on a single target. It is also a decent spell early in the game, to save spell slots.
Draconic Ancestry: Bronze (Lightning) icon passive feature bg3Draconic Ancestry: Bronze (Lightning)

Background

Backgrounds are mostly for role-playing and you can pick whatever you prefer. If you want to optimize, then it would be good to pick backgrounds that are based on your ability points.

Background Skills Description
Guild Artisan Insight
Persuasion
Gives persuasion proficiency, for better dialogue checks.
Entertainer Acrobatics
Performance
Improves Acrobatics skills and gives bonuses to Performance for some dialogue checks.
Noble History
Persuasion
Although you will have low intelligence the Persuasion check improvement is good. But it's an inferior option to Guild Artisan in my opinion.

Abilities

Now let's take a look at the abilities of the Fire Sorcerer build. Correct allocation will allow you to maximize the early gameplay and get good modifier bonuses.

The core mechanic to understand for ability points is that they give "ability modifiers" that apply to various skill checks. For example, Charisma works on Intimidation and persuasion checks. Wisdom on Survival or Animal Handling and so on.

You get a higher ability modifier on even values - 10, 12, 14, etc. So keeping it on odd may be useless. However, there are various +1/2 modifiers in the game, specifically Auntie Ethel Hair or Feats that help round this up.

Ability Value Description
strengthStrength 8 This build does not need strength.
dexterityDexterity 16 (15+1) High Dexterity will ensure that you go early in combat. Moreover, you will get a bonus Armour Class, for better survivability.
constitution bg3Constitution 14 It is important to ensure sufficient HP and good survivability by having a decent Constitution ability score.
intelligenceIntelligence 8 Not needed for the build
wisdomWisdom 10 Overall, leaving it at 10 is a good choice as you will not get a negative modifier on Wisdom Saving Throws. Wisdom is targeted by many spells.
charismaproficient_ability Baldur's Gate 3Charisma 17 (15+2) Charisma is the main spellcasting ability for Sorcerer and also helps with dialogue checks.

Skills and Expertise

Overall, the skills should be impacted by your roleplaying and background decisions. However, you would still want those that will give you the best benefits. My recommendations are to pick those at which you have a high ability modifier and these are Charisma-related.

  • Deception
  • Intimidation
  • Persuasion

Leveling Progression - Levels 2-12

Here is the detailed progression for the Lightning Sorcerer build to get you started. You can use it as a guideline because early games can be daunting and overwhelming. Later on, once you get a feel for the class you can start picking your options

Level 2

This is where you will have left the tutorial area, and will start exploring the world. 

Actions Description
Create Sorcery Points icon action bg3Create Sorcery Points Spend Spell Slots to gain Sorcery Points. Once you get some more metamagic options, you could sacrifice spell slots, to cast two spells in one turn or increase your range.
Create Spell Slot icon action bg3Create Spell Slot Spend Sorcery Points to unlock a Spell Slot. You could create a higher tier spell slot, to increase the damage over what you can at the current level

Spells

My recommendation for the spells to be included in the spellbook:

Spells Description
Shield icon action bg3Shield I cannot stress enough how powerful this spell is. You can use the level 1 spell slot, to increase your armour class by 5. The result is that you can avoid most of the attacks during the turn. I would delay this a few levels to lower the difficulties, as you have limited spell slots. However, on Honour Mode, getting hit can be the end of the run.

Metamagic

Sorcerers get access to unique actions. They allow to consumption of sorcery points to enhance spellcasting. New metamagic options will be unlocked as we level up as you have more and more Sorcery Points. Pick two:

Passives Description
Metamagic: Twinned SpellMetamagic: Twinned Spell Spells that only target 1 creature can target an additional creature. Later on, you can use this to apply Haste on two allies or a Command spell to disable two targets.
Metamagic: Extended Spell icon passive feature bg3Metamagic: Extended Spell This is especially useful if you will cast spells with short duration like Command icon action bg3Command. It would extend their effect period.
Metamagic: Distant SpellMetamagic: Distant Spell Get a huge distance boost, allowing you to take out enemies before they see you.

Replace Spell

Nothing for now.

Level 3

The level-up unlocks the level 2 spell slots and spells. You also gain another option for metamagic, this time much better.

Spells

Spells Description
Cloud of Daggers icon action bg3Cloud of Daggers This can be used to target multiple enemies and is very good in passages or choke points. The spell deals damage when it's cast and when the enemy's turn begins. This means you do 2x damage by default.

Metamagic

Passives Description
Metamagic: Quickened SpellMetamagic: Quickened Spell By consuming 3 Sorcery points a spell can be cast using bonus action instead of action points. You can cast two damage spells one after another. Or cast a control spell followed by an offensive one. This opens a lot of possibilities to combo various spells.

Replace Spell

There are plenty of good spells that you could take - Hold Person icon action bg3Hold Person, Enhance Ability icon action bg3Enhance Ability, etc. However, I think you can delay them, as everything that you have is still useful.

Level 4

Cantrips

Pick one of the cantrips:

Cantrip Description
Mage Hand icon action bg3Mage Hand Can be used in various situations - combat, exploration, and interactions.
Bone Chill icon action bg3Bone Chill There is one encounter in Grymforge against an elemental where this is especially useful. Otherwise, if you know how to handle strong health regeneration I would skip it. Overall, I would make sure that at least one member of the party has this spell.

Spells

As now you have a decent amount of spell slots getting this option makes sense:

Spells Description
Blindness icon action bg3Blindness A decent spell that can Blind enemies and does not use a concentration slot.

Replace Spell

Nothing to replace.

Feat

There are 2 main choices depending on which race you have picked:

Feat Description
Ability Improvement +2 Charisma This is the most obvious one and is perfect if your race has access to shield proficiency (like Humans or Half-Elves). Later, you will multiclass into a cleric and obtain the shield proficiency at level 7.
Dual Wielder icon passive feature bg3Dual Wielder If you have shield proficiency this can be delayed to later. However, if not, then dual-wielding Melf's First Staff icon bg3Melf's First Staff with The Spellsparkler icon bg3The Spellsparkler is the best setup in Acts 1 and 2. This will also give +1 AC.

Level 5

And you finally reach level 3 spells, which makes the build stronger, and gives access to powerful lightning spells.

Spells

Spells Description
Lightning Bolt icon action bg3Lightning Bolt The core spell of this build that you will use during most of the encounters. I will cover how to maximize the damage with it in the mechanics section. Overall, just make sure to use it on wet enemies to maximize lightning damage.

Replace Spell

Nothing to replace it as of yet.

Level 6

Reaching Level 6 Sorcerer gives bonus subclass features, which will be a huge improvement for the build.

Features Description
Elemental Affinity: DamageElemental Affinity: Damage The ability will activate every time we use relevant elemental spells. In your case, this will be bonus Lightning damage with spells like Lightning Bolt icon action bg3Lightning Bolt​ or Witch Bolt icon action bg3Witch Bolt.
Elemental Affinity: ResistanceElemental Affinity: Resistance Somewhat situational feature, I have not used it much as I would rather spend sorcery points on metamagic.

Spells

I would be sure to pick up some kind of control spell. This will prove vital especially later on, to disable multiple foes. Here are my suggestions:

Spells Description
Haste icon action bg3Haste You can use Metamagic: Twinned Spell icon passive feature bg3Metamagic: Twinned Spell​ to target yourself and an ally. This is a very powerful combo almost guaranteeing a win.
Fear icon action bg3Fear A very powerful spell that frightens enemies and forces them to drop their weapons. This does require you to come close to them, which can prove risky.
Sleet Storm icon action bg3Sleet Storm One of my favorite spells, that can immobilize many foes as they slip on ice. You will obtain this later, with Cleric multiclass, so it's a low priority.

Replace Spell

Remove Spell Add Spell Description
Cloud of Daggers icon action bg3Cloud of Daggers Counterspell icon action bg3Counterspell Can be a lifesaver against enemy casters in case they will be able to cast a powerful spell.

Level 7 - Respec to Lv 1 Cleric

This level is important as you will now start going for Cleric multiclass. Still, there is a slight problem that needs to be addressed. When casting spells with items, the spellcasting modifier is based on the last level 1 class.

For this build the goal is charisma, so having cleric as the last lv 1 class, will result in Wisdom, which will just reduce the spell's effectiveness. So for this reason Cleric needs to be the first-level class pick and only after that can you multiclass into Sorcerer.

This does sound complicated, but solves an important problem later down the road, when you will get some powerful spell scrolls and items. So go respec at Withers and pick Cleric as a first class.

Class

Overview
cleric bg3Cleric
Clerics are representatives of the gods they worship, wielding potent divine magic for good or ill.
Features
ico_mini_spellSlot Baldur's Gate 3Spell Slots These can be used to cast spells and are restored each long rest.
Domain Spells icon passive feature bg3Domain Spells Unique spell list accessible based on your cleric subclass.

Cantrips

Cantrip Description
Guidance icon action bg3Guidance The spell can be used to improve the ability check rolls
Light icon action bg3Light A decent spell that will be useful in Act 2, to avoid heavily obscured areas.
Thaumaturgy icon action bg3Thaumaturgy Advantage source when doing Intimidation dialogue checks.

Subclass

Overview
tempest domain bg3Tempest Domain
Features
Wrath of the Storm icon passive feature bg3Wrath of the Storm Unique reaction that can deal lightning or thunder damage to the targets attacking you.
Thunderwave icon action bg3Thunderwave It can be used to push back enemies from ledges.
Fog Cloud icon action bg3Fog Cloud Create an obscured area, that can be used to pickpocket or blind enemies.

Deity

The build is all about lightning so the perfect pick is Talos.

Abilities

Reuse the same ones from the 1st level - STR - 8, DEX - 16, CON - 14, INT - 8, WIS - 10, CHA - 17.

After you are done picking Cleric, multiclass back into Sorcerer and go through levels 1-6. So for the Level 2 screen, you will click the button below to pick a second class:

multiclass button level up bg3

Prepare Spells

Don't forget to pick prepared spells once you leave the level-up screen. Here are my recommendations:

Spells Description
Create or Destroy Water icon action bg3Create or Destroy Water
The core spell of this build will allow your Lightning-based spells to deal double damage. In most cases, you will be able to destroy simple grunt foes.

Level 8 - Cleric Lv 2

The most powerful feature of the tempest domain cleric will be unlocked here.

Action Description
Turn Undead icon action bg3Turn Undead Excellent against undead enemies, making them run away.
Destructive Wrath icon passive feature bg3Destructive Wrath The main feature of Tempest Domain allows it to deal maximum damage with Thunder and Lightning spells.

Prepare Spells

Add one spell:

Spells Description
Sanctuary icon action bg3Sanctuary A very good spell to save an ally or yourself if the situation becomes dire.

Level 9 - Cleric Lv 3

The build gets access to level 2 spells. The offensive spells are not that useful as they will have Wisdom as a spellcasting modifier.

Spells Description
Gust of Wind icon action bg3Gust of Wind You won't be using these spells as they will have Wisdom as a spellcasting modifier.
Shatter icon action bg3Shatter

Prepared Spells

Add one spell:

Spells Description
Enhance Ability icon action bg3Enhance Ability It's almost a mandatory spell to have by someone in the group. This can help with various ability checks and turn the tables to your side.

Level 10 - Cleric Lv 4

You will get the second feat from the cleric leveling.

Cantrips

You can pick anything, as all the important ones have already been learned.

Prepare Spells

Add one spell:

Spells Description
Warding Bond icon action bg3Warding Bond Allows to split damage with a warded ally, improving survivability.

Feat

Here you can select from a few choices, based on your playstyle and what kind of playthrough you are doing.

Feat Description
Ability Improvement - +2 Charisma Pick this if you have not taken it yet. This will improve the spellcasting modifier.
Dual Wielder icon passive feature bg3Dual Wielder Should be picked if you did not take it earlier. However, you might skip it if you have another caster in the party, as you will be limited to good caster weapons
Alert icon passive feature bg3Alert Very powerful feat that more or less guarantees that you go first in most combat situations.

Level 11 - Cleric Lv 5

This level is a huge milestone, and that is why no multiclassing happened before. Access to level 3 spells makes Tempest Cleric an extremely powerful build.

Feature Description
Destroy Undead icon passive feature bg3Destroy Undead When you use Turn Undead icon action bg3Turn Undead, you will also deal bonus radiant damage. I think this is a good addition, but nothing fancy as it has niche uses.

The Tempest Domain subclass also gains special spells:

Spell Description
Call Lightning icon action bg3Call Lightning As the build uses the Charisma spellcasting modifier, this spell is sadly irrelevant.
Sleet Storm icon action bg3Sleet Storm Extremely powerful control spell that is usually overlooked, because it does not have any damage. However, you can make enemies prone with it, cancel the concentration of spells, and cover an area in ice. After this, enemies will have to pass Dexterity checks to avoid falling once they start moving.

Prepared Spells

Overall, you can take any non-offensive spell. As I mentioned a few times, these will use the Spellcasting modifier of wisdom, so anything with Saving Throws or attack rolls will not be as effective.

Level 12 - Cleric Lv 6

The last level of the build gives a significant boost - a new feature and the second Channel Divinity Charge. It's quite unfortunate that these are obtained on the last level, as they would be extremely useful in the mid-game.

Feature Description
Thunderbolt Strike icon passive feature bg3Thunderbolt Strike With this feature, you will be able to see some silly situations, where enemies are pummeled around from your spells. It does not provide too many practical bonuses and sometimes can even have negative effects, of spreading enemies apart.

Prepared Spells

Overall, you can take any non-offensive spell. As I mentioned a few times, these will use the Spellcasting modifier of wisdom, so anything with Saving Throws or attack rolls will not be as effective.

Maximizing Ability Scores

Now, as the build progression is covered there are a few aspects and important decisions you will have to make throughout the game. These will decide your final score for abilities.

Charisma

  1. 17 Charisma - the base from character creation.
  2. Act 1 - Auntie Ethel Hair - you will want to get +1 Charisma if you pick this choice.
  3. Feat- Ability Improvement - +2 Charisma.
  4. Act 3 - Mirror of Loss - pick +2 Charisma.
  5. Act 3 - Mirror of Loss - Patriar's Memory additional +1 Charisma, to counteract Auntie Ethel Hair if it was skipped in Act 1.

These will allow you to reach 22 natural Charisma, which results in a +6 spellcasting modifier and improved Spell Save DC.

Potions, Elixirs and Consumables

Let's take a look at what consumables you can use to further empower the build.

Potions

These are general consumables, and most of them are activated for a few turns. Potions are separate from Elixirs and can be active together.

Consumable Description
potion of speed bg3Potion of Speed In case you or your other casters have a Concentration spell slot taken and cannot cast Haste, use this potion. It acts similarly, but the effect is just for 3 turns.
potion of animal speaking bg3Potion of Animal Speaking Although not something powerful, it is worth stocking up and saving a spell slot.
potion of invisibility bg3Potion of Invisibility Can be used to get a perfect position before the encounter starts or leave the encounter if it comes to worst.

Elixirs

Unfortunately, only one Elixir can be active at a time. However, the good thing is that they last until a long rest, making them very useful and economical.

Be sure to activate them before combat as otherwise, you will need to use Bonus Action.

Remember to activate one elixir after each Long Rest. These are found plentiful throughout the game, so don't save them too much.
Consumable Description
elixir of bloodlust bg3Elixir of Bloodlust Very effective elixir that gives another action point if you kill an enemy. I would say this is the best one to use to maximize your output through the turn.
elixir of battlemage's power bg3Elixir of Battlemage's Power Gain 3 stacks of Arcane Acuity. I would say this should be the most used elixir for higher spell success.
elixir of peerless focus bg3Elixir of Peerless Focus Another good choice that allows to better maintain spell Concentration.
superior elixir of arcane cultivation bg3Superior Elixir of Arcane Cultivation Grant's a single level 3 spell slot. Could be useful in case you are preparing for a longer encounter.
supreme elixir of arcane cultivation bg3Supreme Elixir of Arcane Cultivation Grant's a single level 4 spell slot. Could be useful in case you are preparing for a longer encounter.
elixir of vigilance bg3Elixir of Vigilance For some encounters, you will want to go first. This elixir will ensure that it overcomes even surprise mechanics. However, if you have Alert icon passive feature bg3Alert​ this becomes redundant.

Illithid Powers

This special mechanic in Baldur's Gate 3 allows you to consume tadpoles and unlock special Illithid Powers.

At first, you can only use the base powers. As you move to Act 3, you will be able to unlock the outer ring powers also called Elite.

Illithid Power Type Description
Favourable Beginnings icon passive feature bg3Favourable Beginnings Base Beneficial power to take as it does not have any costs, and provides only benefits on the first hits with attack rolls.
Luck of the Far Realms icon passive feature bg3Luck of the Far Realms Base An easy way to ensure you land critical hits.
Cull the Weak icon passive feature bg3Cull the Weak Base Can help to kill an enemy faster if it is left with a few HP.
Psionic Backlash icon action bg3Psionic Backlash Base A great way to weaponize your reaction before obtaining Counterspell icon action bg3Counterspell.
Illithid Expertise icon passive feature bg3Illithid Expertise Elite Can be used to maximize the effectiveness of charisma-based skills, especially relevant to the main character.
Black Hole icon action bg3Black Hole Elite Very powerful spell that can be used to pull enemies together. You can then follow up with area-of-effect spells or attacks. In general, it is a very effective action in the hands of any character.
Psionic Dominance icon action bg3Psionic Dominance Elite Can be used to save yourself from a deadly spell. This is especially relevant as you will have a disadvantage on mental saving throws.
Freecast icon passive feature bg3Freecast Elite Remove the cost of spell slots or charges.
Mind Sanctuary icon action bg3Mind Sanctuary Elite You can now use action and bonus action interchangeably, giving two full spell casts each turn. It's not as important for you, but it will help other casters in the group.

Equipment Recommendations

Now I would like to go through some gear recommendations to maximize the Lightning Sorcerer Build. Items are especially important as they take the build to the next level thanks to their unique effects.

I recommend checking the Item Checklists this will help you plan your run and assign items so that they do not overlap.

Act 1

For most of Act 1, your melee weapon slots will be free, so use anything there.

Slot Item Description
melee slot bg3Melee (One-Handed) The SpellsparklerThe Spellsparkler When used with Magic Missile icon action bg3Magic Missile​ you can generate multiple Lightning Charges and drastically improve the damage output of the spell.
Melf's First StaffMelf's First Staff Gives +1 to spell attack rolls or DC. An alternative to The SpellsparklerThe Spellsparkler in case it is used by someone else.
Phalar Aluve icon bg3Phalar Aluve It can be used to apply damage and attack roll buffs in various combat encounters. Wearing it together with other staves will require Dual Wielder icon passive feature bg3Dual Wielder​ feat.
ranged slot bg3Ranged Bow of Awareness icon bg3Bow of Awareness The higher initiative bonus will allow you to start your turn earlier.
Hand Crossbow +1 icon bg3Hand Crossbow +1 Equipping two of these will allow you to attack with off-hand. This is important as you may not have used for bonus action if your Sorcery points have been expended, so this will allow some bonus damage.
shield icon bg3Shield Adamantine Shield icon bg3Adamantine Shield It provides a substantial defensive boost by reducing critical hit damage.
Safeguard Shield icon bg3Safeguard Shield Gives a bonus to saving throws, easily accessible early in the game.
helmet slot bg3Head The Shadespell Circlet icon bg3The Shadespell Circlet Increases Spell Save Difficulty Counter, while obscured. Very easy to activate, use Shift, to see the sun icon, it should be half or full empty.
The Lifebringer icon bg3The Lifebringer The best defensive option in Act 1. Works well with The SpellsparklerThe Spellsparkler. Without it, the item loses its purpose.
cloak slot bg3Cloak - Nothing relevant for the build
armor slot bg3Armor The Protecty Sparkswall icon bg3The Protecty Sparkswall The best spellcaster robe in Act 1. Works well with The SpellsparklerThe Spellsparkler for additional bonuses to Armour Class and Saving Throws with Lightning Charges.
gloves slot bg3Gloves Gloves of Belligerent Skies icon bg3Gloves of Belligerent Skies Applies Reverbation when dealing thunder or lightning damage. With 5 stacks, this will deal a bonus 1d4 damage and can make enemies Prone. This can be easily achieved once you have The Spellsparkler icon bg3The Spellsparkler.
Bracers of Defence icon bg3Bracers of Defence Gives whooping +2 Armour Class. This is the perfect option especially if you do not have shield proficiency.
Gloves of Missile Snaring icon bg3Gloves of Missile Snaring Defensive gloves that allow to negate enemy ranged attack.
boots slot bg3Boots Boots of Stormy Clamour icon bg3Boots of Stormy Clamour Excellent shoes for applying Reverbation. However, if you have a Cleric or other Spirit Guardians icon action bg3Spirit Guardians​ user I would save these on them.
Disintegrating Night Walkers icon bg3Disintegrating Night Walkers One of the best boots, giving a total advantage for movement on difficult surfaces. It also gives Misty Step icon action bg3Misty Step​ to increase that mobility.
Boots of Striding icon bg3Boots of Striding Gives additional protection against being Prone.
amulet slot bg3Amulet Psychic Spark icon bg3Psychic Spark Excellent amulet which improves Magic Missile icon action bg3Magic Missile​ effectiveness, making it one of the best spells in the early game.
Pearl of Power Amulet icon bg3Pearl of Power Amulet A good amulet that allows restoring level 3 or lower spell slots. This way you could get additional sorcery points.
Amulet of Misty Step icon bg3Amulet of Misty Step A good amulet to obtain mobility via Misty Step.
ring slot bg3Rings Ring of Protection icon bg3Ring of Protection Gives defensive bonuses to Armour Class and Saving Throws.
Fetish of Callarduran Smoothhands icon bg3Fetish of Callarduran Smoothhands Allows Casting invisibility for free once per long rest.
Ring of Absolute Force icon bg3Ring of Absolute Force Bonus thunder damage to thunder spells works with 5 Reverbation stacks from Boots of Stormy Clamour icon bg3Boots of Stormy Clamour.

Act 2 - mid-game

Slot Item Description
melee slot bg3Melee (One-Handed) - Continue using weapons from Act 1, as nothing comes close in terms of usefulness.
ranged slot bg3Ranged Ne'er Misser icon bg3Ne'er Misser Gives an additional cast of level 3 Magic Missile icon action bg3Magic Missile​. Be sure to equip a second, hand crossbow like Hand Crossbow +1 icon bg3Hand Crossbow +1.
Bow of Awareness icon bg3Bow of Awareness Still the best bow, as initiative plays a vital role for first mover advantage during encounters.
Darkfire Shortbow icon bg3Darkfire Shortbow Can be useful to precast Haste icon action bg3Haste​ in some encounters.
shield icon bg3Shield Ketheric's Shield icon bg3Ketheric's Shield The best shield for casters as it gives +1 Spell Save DC, increasing spell success.
Sentinel Shield icon bg3Sentinel Shield What makes this shield amazing is that by wearing it you will be going first most of the time during encounters.
helmet slot bg3Head Fistbreaker Helm icon bg3Fistbreaker Helm Adds +1 Spell Save DC improving spell success.
cloak slot bg3Cloak Cloak of Protection icon bg3Cloak of Protection Improves survivability and Saving Throw success. You want to equip this cloak to maintain that good Armour Class.
Thunderskin Cloak icon bg3Thunderskin Cloak Because most of the enemies you come across will have Reverbation this cloak will further help to weaken those foes.
armor slot bg3Armor The Protecty Sparkswall icon bg3The Protecty Sparkswall Same armor from Act 1 that improves Spell Save DC.
Robe of Exquisite Focus icon bg3Robe of Exquisite Focus Gives bonus Spell Save DC.
gloves slot bg3Gloves Gloves of Belligerent Skies icon bg3Gloves of Belligerent Skies The best gloves in terms of stacking bonus Reverbation, especially via Callous Glow Ring icon bg3Callous Glow Ring effect.
Hr'a'cknir Bracers icon bg3Hr'a'cknir Bracers Decent gloves with the ability to cast Telekinesis icon action bg3Telekinesis.
- Anything from Act 1.
boots slot bg3Boots Boots of Stormy Clamour icon bg3Boots of Stormy Clamour They are still the best boots for applying various conditions.
Evasive Shoes icon bg3Evasive Shoes Slightly improves Armour Class resulting in a higher survivability.
amulet slot bg3Amulet - Previous Act Amulets.
Amulet of the Harpers icon bg3Amulet of the Harpers The Shield icon action bg3Shield​ spell is pretty good, but you will get this spell from Sorcerer.
ring slot bg3Rings Ring of Mental Inhibition icon bg3Ring of Mental Inhibition Once you reach level 9 and unlock Magical Ambush icon passive feature bg3Magical Ambush​ this ring can help with debuffing foes when you scroll cast.
Callous Glow Ring icon bg3Callous Glow Ring The ring's bonus radiant damage will help activate Gloves of Belligerent Skies icon bg3Gloves of Belligerent Skies and get more Reverbation stacks.
Coruscation Ring icon bg3Coruscation Ring It is fairly easy to cast any light spell on yourself or have an ally do that. The Radiating Orb effect will debuff enemies, making it harder for them to hit targets.

Act 3 - Final Build setup

This is the last act of the game, where you will get access to the most powerful items. To get them as early as possible you will need some planning, but overall, it should not be a problem.

Slot Item Description
melee slot bg3Melee (One-Handed) Markoheshkir icon bg3Markoheshkir The ultimate caster weapon that enables the Arcane Battery icon passive feature bg3Arcane Battery​ effect, special Kereska's Favour action, and other bonuses. You can pick Bolts of Doom, depending on whether you want an improved Scorching Ray icon action bg3Scorching Ray​ or Fireball icon action bg3Fireball.
Rhapsody icon bg3Rhapsody A very powerful weapon, that improves damage and attack rolls with each killed foe up to +3.
Staff of Spell Power icon bg3Staff of Spell Power It gives the Arcane Battery icon passive feature bg3Arcane Battery​ effect which will save spell slots when casting high-level spells. Moreover, it improves Spell Save DC.
Woe icon bg3Woe Vampiric staff with improvements to Spell Save DC.
ranged slot bg3Ranged Hellrider Longbow icon bg3Hellrider Longbow The bonus initiative is an excellent boost to go early in combat. If it is not a surprise round, it is almost guaranteed.
helmet slot bg3Head Hood of the Weave icon bg3Hood of the Weave A good caster headwear that gives bonuses to spell attack rolls and spell save DC.
Birthright icon bg3Birthright Gives +2 Charisma, which will allow you to reach 24 with all the bonuses.
cloak slot bg3Cloak Cloak of The Weave icon bg3Cloak of The Weave Improves Spell Save DC. However, the main caveat is that this cloak is in demand by all casters.
Cloak of Displacement icon bg3Cloak of Displacement Provides an increased chance of avoiding enemy attacks with attack rolls.
armor slot bg3Armor Armour of Landfall icon bg3Armour of Landfall If you have light armor proficiency from race, this is a very powerful armor and the best one for the caster. The Constitution Saving Throw advantage is a huge boon. It also improves Spell Save DC.
Robe of the Weave icon bg3Robe of the Weave Improves Spell Save DC and also Armour Class. Excellent caster robe.
Robe of Supreme Defences icon bg3Robe of Supreme Defences Improves Saving Throw success by giving a bonus based on your spellcasting modifier.
gloves slot bg3Gloves Helldusk Gloves icon bg3Helldusk Gloves Good gloves with a boost to Spell Save DC
Gauntlet of the Tyrant icon bg3Gauntlet of the Tyrant Boosts Spell Save DC by 1.
boots slot bg3Boots Helldusk Boots icon bg3Helldusk Boots Gives an option to pass a Saving Throw using reaction. Moreover, improves the movement via Difficult Terrain.
Disintegrating Night Walkers icon bg3Disintegrating Night Walkers One of the best boots in the game, enabling free movement on difficult terrains and giving Misty Step icon action bg3Misty Step.
amulet slot bg3Amulet Amulet of The Devout icon bg3Amulet of The Devout Provides +2 Spell Save DC. However, it is better used on Cleric to get the bonus Channel Divinity charge.
Spellcrux Amulet icon bg3Spellcrux Amulet Allows restoring any level of spell slot.
ring slot bg3Rings Ring of Feywild Sparks icon bg3Ring of Feywild Sparks A somewhat overlooked ring, but it gives +1 Spell Save DC. It can help land that initial spell.
Ring of Mental Inhibition icon bg3Ring of Mental Inhibition This ring can help with debuffing foes when you scroll cast and they fail saving throws.
Callous Glow Ring icon bg3Callous Glow Ring Will give additional radiant damage rider and will affect multiple targets.
Ring of Protection icon bg3Ring of Protection The armor class boost from the ring slot is valuable throughout the game.

Build Mechanics

In this section, I would like to dive deep into how to play the Lightning Build Build. This will help you utilize it to the fullest and correctly use various actions and spells throughout the game.

Important Mechanics and Combos

Let's go through key mechanics and tips on how to use the build effectively.

Easily apply Wet

The build revolves around very high lightning damage. To reach it, you should apply Wet status on enemies whenever that is possible. This is pretty easy and there are a few ways of doing that:

  • Have someone cast Create or Destroy Water icon action bg3Create or Destroy Water​. You can also cast it yourself, but this will limit the number of action points available. Having Metamagic: Quickened Spell icon passive feature bg3Metamagic: Quickened Spell​ is perfect for this.
  • Drag the Water Bottle from the inventory onto the ground or close to the enemies. The next step will require some kind of Hand Crossbow +1 icon bg3Hand Crossbow +1 so that you can shoot with offhand. Now hit the bottle with your arrow, and it will break, applying wet to the nearby targets.
  • Have someone (like Wizard or Druid) with a level 6 spellslot and access to Conjure Elemental icon action bg3Conjure Elemental. This allows summoning Conjure Elemental: Water Myrmidon icon action bg3Conjure Elemental: Water Myrmidon, which can use Healing Vapours icon action bg3Healing Vapours​ to apply wet on everyone in the area.

With these options, you can greatly improve the build damage from the early levels.

Maximum Lightning Damage

So, the main build highlight is Lightning damage. To get huge numbers you will need a few things:

  1. Apply Wet status, which was mentioned above for double damage.
  2. Use Lightning spells like Witch Bolt icon action bg3Witch Bolt, Lightning Bolt icon action bg3Lightning Bolt,​ or Chain Lightning icon action bg3Chain Lightning​ (accessible via level 11 wizard/sorcerer, scrolls, or Markoheshkir icon bg3Markoheshkir).
  3. Once casting a spell activate Destructive Wrath icon passive feature bg3Destructive Wrath​ for maximum rolls. This will most likely kill any normal enemies and inflict heavy damage on bosses.

Destructive Wrath icon passive feature bg3Destructive Wrath​ is the highlight of the build, however, it is limited as it uses Channel Divinity Charge, which is restored each short rest.

Metamagic effectiveness

One of the core mechanics that sorcerers have and get an edge on other casters is Metamagic. The first actions are obtained at level 2, and you get more and more as you level up. Here are a few that I recommend:

  • Metamagic: Quickened Spell icon passive feature bg3Metamagic: Quickened Spell​ - allows casting spells with bonus action, which is an extremely powerful option for Nova rounds, or just inflicting damage and control on the same turn.
  • Metamagic: Heightened Spell icon passive feature bg3Metamagic: Heightened Spell​ - enemies have a disadvantage on Saving Throws against your spells.
  • Metamagic: Subtle Spell icon passive feature bg3Metamagic: Subtle Spell​ - you can overcome Silence, in case there is a situation where your character is affected by it.
  • Metamagic: Twinned Spell icon passive feature bg3Metamagic: Twinned Spell​ - if the spell is a single target, it can now affect two targets - Haste icon action bg3Haste, Command icon action bg3Command​ level 1, etc.

The main problem is that these require Sorcer Points which are limited. Still, you can use Create Sorcery Points icon action bg3Create Sorcery Points​ and consume level 2 spell slots, which have limited uses in the late game.

Minor Illusion to divert enemies

On the other hand, you can also use something like Minor Illusion icon action bg3Minor Illusion​ to pull enemies together, change their vision cones, and attack with the same spell but hit all of them. This is a very powerful cantrip that can be overlooked.

First, it does not break Invisibility or stealth (unless you get seen). Second, enemies when not in combat will chase it, meaning they will change their vision direction. Third, on most occasions, they will come closer to investigate the illusion.

This creates various opportunities like landing a powerful Area of Effect spell from caster or scrolls or hitting with wide attacks.

Early Game Combat

Let's cover how you should progress combat levels 1-6.

  • Magic Missile icon action bg3Magic Missile​ is one of the best picks for early games. You get a 100% hit chance and get bonus damage via The Spellsparkler icon bg3The Spellsparkler + Psychic Spark icon bg3Psychic Spark.
  • Shield icon action bg3Shield​ is perfect for avoiding early-game wipes. Just make sure to have a free level 1 spell slot to activate it.
  • Once you unlock level 2 spell slots Cloud of Daggers icon action bg3Cloud of Daggers​ can be used to hit enemies that are stacked together. There are few encounters where you can hit up to 3 enemies in one turn.
  • Minor Illusion icon action bg3Minor Illusion​ can be used to lure enemies into one place before combat. This works extremely well with Cloud of Daggers icon action bg3Cloud of Daggers​ and other area-of-effect spells.
  • Once you get Lightning Bolt icon action bg3Lightning Bolt​ use it together with wet status (Water Bottle or Create Water icon action bg3Create Water​), to inflict huge amounts of damage.

Mid to Late Game Combat

  • When using lightning spells, especially Lightning Bolt icon action bg3Lightning Bolt​ be sure to activate Destructive Wrath icon passive feature bg3Destructive Wrath​ for maximum possible damage.
  • Once you obtain Markoheshkir icon bg3Markoheshkir, be sure to activate Kereska's Favour with Bolts of Doom to access Chain Lightning icon action bg3Chain Lightning​ - one of the strongest spells in the game.
  • Feel free to use Cleric spells like Sanctuary icon action bg3Sanctuary, and Healing Word icon action bg3Healing Word​ if some support is needed for the party.
  • Chromatic Orb icon action bg3Chromatic Orb​ can still be used to inflict decent damage on a single target.
  • Otherwise, the tactics stay the same throughout the game.

Conclusion

Thank you for reading the Talos Dragonling Build for Baldur's Gate 3.

Cheers!

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Post author zanuffas avatar zanuffas
Gamestegy Founder. I have been writing game guides and builds for 4 years. I like to push myself to create something wonderful for the readers!