Necromancer Build - The Necrotic Archivist - Baldur's Gate 3 (BG3)

Necromancer Build - The Necrotic Archivist

For a long time now, I have wanted to create a Necro-themed build. Now is the time. It is a really flavourful build for those who want something unique and enjoyable. This is a perfect option for those who are looking for roleplay friendly build. Here, I have two main goals - empower and enable the undead and to use the Necrotic and Necromancy spell list.

Here I will mix two classes - wizard and cleric. The former comes with the "Necromancer" subclass, which we will obviously want both for flavour and its feature set, namely - Undead Thralls: Additional Undead​ and Undead Thralls: Better Summons,​ which will drastically improve your combat capabilities. Of course, you will be able to scribe the majority of spells in the game thanks to the Wizard, as long as you have access to high enough spell slots (which we will).

The Cleric is where some interesting stuff will happen - it will give the Death Domain subclass, which provides Reaper​ for double necro cantrips and Inescapable Destruction​ for being able to circumvent enemy necrotic damage resistance. There is also a big boon - Aid, which gives a significant health boost to all allies - including your summons.

Talking about summons, they have problems - low stats. I will show some tricks where you can feed them various potions, debuff enemies and enable them to become significant combat contributors in your Party. The result - they will become a direct improvement to your combat rotation, offering a very fun and unique experience.

Class Contribution

The build consists mainly of 2 classes:

6 Necromancer Wizard

• Spell Scribing is the main highlight of Wizards, allowing them to learn any spell from scrolls and put it into their spellbook. Later, it can be assigned to Prepared spells and used during exploration or combat.
• Arcane Recovery​ - a special feature that allows restoring spell slots and prolongs your combat potential until long rest.
• Grim Harvest​ - okayish feature, that helps restore hit points. It's nothing fancy, just a good addition when it is activated.
• Undead Thralls: Additional Undead, Undead Thralls: Animate Dead,​ and Undead Thralls: Better Summons​ - these give a significant improvement to summons, but most importantly, you get additional ghouls.

6 Death Cleric

• Proficiencies in a wide array of armors and weapons.
• Access to support spells like Healing Word, Mass Healing Word, Sanctuary, etc.
• Aid​ to empower the ally's survivability with a solid HP boost each long rest.
• Can apply Wet​ status for other casters with Create or Destroy Water, helping to make enemies vulnerable to Lightning and Cold damage.
• Spirit Guardians​ - the ultimate cleric spell, to debuff enemies, making them miss their attacks. The necrotic version is also powerful when using Callous Glow Ring.
• A solid list of cantrips - Thaumaturgy, Toll the Dead, etc.
• The Reaper​ feature allows hitting two enemies with the same cantrip.
• Channel Divinity: Touch of Death​ is a very powerful feature, giving a flat damage boost on melee weapons and spell attacks.
• Inescapable Destruction​ helps to maintain the power of your necrotic damage sources, circumventing enemy resistances.

Build Variations

Here are some variations that work similarly and utilise the same classes at their core.

Setup	Description
12 Necromancer Wizard	This is a good option as it gets a unique spell which you cannot obtain otherwise - Create Undead. This allows summoning a mummy, which is a pretty decent combatant. Moreover, you can obtain a third feat.
6 Necromancer Wizard 6 Spore Druid	This is another equally cool option. It gets Fungal Infestation,​ which allows summoning additional zombies. However, they are pretty weak, and I think not that worthwhile of your time.

Leveling Overview

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

Level	Class	Selection
1	Cleric 1	Cantrips: Light, Thaumaturgy, Guidance​
		Deity: Kelemvor
		Subclass: Death Domain
		Abilities: +1 Intelligence from Auntie Ethel Hair: STR - 8, DEX - 16 (15+1), CON - 14, INT - 17 (15+2), WIS - 10, CHA - 10 No Auntie Ethel Hair: STR - 8, DEX - 17 (15+2), CON - 15, INT - 8, WIS - 16 (15+1), CHA - 8
		Skills: History, Religion
2	Wizard 1	Cantrips: Bone Chill, Toll the Dead, Minor Illusion​
		Spells: Chromatic Orb​, Longstrider​, Mage Armour​, Magic Missile​, Shield​, Thunderwave​
3	Wizard 2	Subclass: Necromancy
		Spells: Feather Fall, Enhance Leap​
4	Wizard 3	Spells: Cloud of Daggers, Blindness​
5	Wizard 4	Cantrips: Friends​
		Spells: Misty Step, Hold Person​
		Feat: Dual Wielder​
6	Wizard 5	Spells: Counterspell, Animate Dead​
7	Wizard 6	Spells: Glyph of Warding, Hypnotic Pattern​
8	Cleric 2	-
9	Cleric 3	-
10	Cleric 4	Feat: Ability Improvement - +2 Intelligence, Alert​
11	Cleric 5	-
12	Cleric 6	-

Synergy with other builds

The build is really versatile; it can work both solo and in various groups. You need to be aware that the summons will prolong your combat significantly. In general, you can use different summons based on the composition:

• Using stuff like electrified water or a few lightning casters? Animate Dead: Skeleton​ will use bows, which will make them excellent options to hit from afar.
• Doing a standard composition party - zombies, ghouls, flying ghouls, you name it - all of them can greatly contribute both as meat shields and damage options.

Having a Cleric in the party

A dedicated Cleric build, especially with Aid​ + Heroes' Feast,​ can go a long way, as they will drastically increase the survivability of the summons. Moreover, with Spirit Guardians​ they can debuff enemies using Gloves of Belligerent Skies + Luminous Armour + Boots of Stormy Clamour. This results in lots of Radiating Orb​ and, most importantly, Prone. This gives an easy advantage and greatly increases undead hit chance. Here are some build recommendations:

• Light Cleric
• Tempest Cleric
• Revorb Blender - cleric-like build
• War Domain Cleric
• etc.

Characters with high Strength

The build relies on corpses, and one strategy of getting bodies is to pick them up and store in your stash, for later use. The main caveat is that they are quite heavy, and in many cases, without something like Elixir of Hill Giant Strength you will not be able to pick them up. A solution is to use another build that has high strength, here are a few recommendations:

• Wildheart Barbarian
• Thrower builds - EK Thrower, Berserker or Giant Barb
• Standard frontliner builds - Eldritch Knight, Battle Master, Paladin Builds, etc.

Combatants that can Prone or Sleep enemies

 

Level 1 - Character Creation

This section covers the creation screen and what would go into the best Races, Abilities, and Skills for the Necromancer 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.

Race	Features	Description
High Half-Elf	Civil Militia Darkvision​ Fey Ancestry	Comes with a selection of additional cantrips and shield proficiency. Overall good benefits.
Dwarf Duergar	Dwarven Combat Training​ Superior Darkvision​ Dwarven Resilience​ Duergar Resilience​	Ridiculously powerful race choice if you want to abuse the level 5 Invisibility​ + Minor Illusion​ to pull up targets into one place.
Human	Civil Militia​ Human Versatility​	You will need to pick up dead bodies, so having extra inventory capacity is definitely great.
Wood Half-Elf	Civil Militia Darkvision​ Fey Ancestry Fleet of Foot - your movement speed is increased by 1.5m.	Almost any build can benefit from the extra movement speed. I think the same is here, so I definitely recommend this option
Wood Elf	Elven Weapon Training​ Darkvision​ Fey Ancestry Fleet of Foot - your movement speed is increased by 1.5m.
Halfling	Halfling Luck Brave	General good race, with multiple rerolls helping to avoid failing various checks, spells and saving throws.
Deep Gnome	Gnome Cunning​ Superior Darkvision​ Stone Camouflage​	With a general advantage to mental checks with Gnome Cunning, it's easy to resist deadly spells.

Class Choices

This section will cover what class-related choices you should pick for the optimal setup

Class

Overview
Cleric
Clerics are representatives of the gods they worship, wielding potent divine magic for good or ill.
Features
Spell Slots	These can be used to cast spells and are restored each long rest.
Domain Spells​	Unique spell list accessible based on your cleric subclass.

Cantrips

Take any non-damaging cantrips, as we will not use wisdom as a spellcasting modifier:

Cantrips	Description
Light​	Excellent cantrip that helps activate some items like Callous Glow Ring and lights up dark areas.
Thaumaturgy​	Especially recommended if you are the main character, as it will help with Intimidation checks.
Guidance​	The most important cleric cantrip, which improves various ability rolls, works on yourself and party members.

Deity

Feel free to pick any; my recommendation is Kelemvor.

Subclass

Overview
Death Domain
Features
Martial Weapon Proficiency	Improves weapon options, especially when multiclassing.
Reaper​	Enables you to double-cast necromancy cantrips. This gives a significant damage boost in the early game, compared to other clerics.

Cantrips - Death Domain Subclass

As we will take the core cantrips from the Wizard class later on, I recommend taking the one which will not be used at all - Bursting Sinew, just so that you do not mix up cantrips between classes and different spellcasting modifiers.

Level 1 Prepared Spells

Spells	Description
Sanctuary​	Use this spell to make the ally untouchable, for example, if they have low HP, or you want to divert the enemy's attention.
Healing Word​	A decent healing spell that you can have and cast when needed to help Downed​ ally.
Create or Destroy Water​	Excellent spell to keep on hand. It can be useful when allies cast Cold or Lightning spells to double their damage.
Bless​	This is an excellent spell, however, I would only use it before combat and in the early game. It loses value later on, especially with some excellent items you can get in Act 1 like The Whispering Promise.
Shield of Faith​	Excellent early game spell, that can be used to improve defensive capabilities. I would not use it too much at higher levels as you get better use for concentration slots.

Background

Backgrounds serve a few purposes:

Here are my recommendations based on this build

Background	Skills	Description
Sage	Arcana History	The best pick in terms of skill efficiency, as both of them are intelligence-based.
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.
Acolyte	Insight Religion	Gives one intelligence-based skill

Abilities

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

Abilities	Description
Recommended Setup with Auntie Ethel Hair +1 Intelligence: Strength - 8 Dexterity - 16 (15+1) Constitution - 14 Intelligence - 17 (15+2) Wisdom - 10 Charisma - 8	Covers the core aspects of the build - high dexterity for additional armour class and improved initiative. Constitution is set to 14, as it will give a slight bonus to saving throws and help maintain spell concentration. Intelligence is maximised as this is a spellcasting modifier.
Recommended Setup without Auntie Ethel Hair: Strength - 8 Dexterity - 16 (15+1) Constitution - 14 Intelligence - 16 (14+2) Wisdom - 12 Charisma - 8

Skill Proficiencies

Overall, skill selection should be influenced by your role-playing and background decisions. However, you generally still want options that offer the best benefits. I recommend picking skills for which you have a high ability modifier or those that are useful in general:

• History
• Religion

Act 1 - Levels 2-6 - Wilderness

By this time, you should have landed on the Ravaged beach already and started exploring the initial area. You might need 1 additional encounter if you did not obtain enough XP in the Nautiloid.

Leveling Progression

Level 2 - Multiclass into Wizard Lv 1

Right from the get-go, we multiclass into Wizard. This will allow you to enjoy the Death Cleric feature Reaper​ on wizard necrotic cantrips

With the class, choose Wizard:

Overview
Wizard
Features
Arcane Recovery​	Provides a way to restore spell slots with Arcane Recovery Charges.
Spell Slots	These can be used to cast spells and are restored each long rest.

Now here are the selections for the first level:

Selection	Description
Cantrips: Bone Chill, Toll the Dead​ and Minor Illusion​	The goal is to get necromancy cantrips, as they will work well with Reaper​ feature from the death cleric. Minor Illusion​ is one of the strongest spells in the game, so I also recommend having it.
Spells: Chromatic Orb​ Longstrider​ Mage Armour​ Magic Missile​ Shield​ Thunderwave​	So Wizard gets to choose plenty of spells, but they are only added to the spellbook, which later need to be prepared. Overall, all of these serve different situations. Longstrider​ is free to cast and can be used on yourself, allies and summons to increase movement speed. Mage Armour​ gives an Armour Class increase if not wearing armor. Shield​ is a great spell for survivability. So all of these have their uses.
Prepare Spells: 4 spells	Prepare 4 of your preferred spells that you have learnt

Spell Scribing and Preparing

Wizard is the only class in the game that can learn spells from scrolls. This means that even if you don't choose something through leveling, you can still get it. This consumes a scroll and some additional gold. As a result, the spell is added to the spellbook:

You can only learn spells that you have spellslot access to. So for example with Level 3 wizard, you can scribe up to level 2 spells. With 3 levels of Wizard + 2 levels of cleric you can scribe 3rd level spells.

Does this mean the Wizard is the ultimate caster pick? Not really, you can still use limited amount of spells, and most of them are useful situationally. Moreover, spells learned via Spell Scribing will use Intelligence, and many builds have really low ability score on this one.

The second stage, after you learn or scribe spells, is that you can then "prepare" them. This means that you can have a limited number of spells active at a time.

This is a good thing, as you can change them based on the situation outside of combat. For example, you will be fighting enemies that are weak to Fire. Just add Fireball​ or Wall of Fire. Fighting a large group of enemies, maybe include Glyph of Warding​ or Confusion​ to disable them.

Learning how to use Minor Illusion

I mentioned that Minor Illusion​ can be one of the strongest spells in the game. I think it is intended more for those who really want to break the game's action economy or do runs with limitations. So here's why it is so good:

1. It does not break Invisibility or stealth (unless you get seen).
2. Enemies, when not in combat, will chase the illusion, meaning they will change their vision direction.
3. On most occasions, they will come closer to investigate the illusion.

This creates various opportunities like landing a powerful Area of Effect spell from a caster or scrolls or hitting with wide attacks, even before combat starts. You can also activate Invisibility​ on yourself and cast Minor Illusion​ without breaking it.

Picking up Dead Bodies

As a necromancer, you will really like dead people a lot. The spells in the first levels can be easily cast using spell slots. The problem arises later on, once you get Animate Dead​ and want to use various zombies and skeletons - each of them will require a dead body.

Good thing, this game allows you to pick up these and stash them in your storage chest (they weigh a lot). So once you see a dead body, and you have looted it, right-click on it, and pick it up

They weigh a lot so instantly transport them to your storage chest:

1. Go to camp
2. Store in the Traveller's Chest

There is a caveat. If the body is burned or killed via necrotic damage, you will not be able to resurrect the undead from it. Try to pick up "clean bodies" (as crazy as it sounds)

Stacking on Strength Elixirs

The Elixir of Hill Giant Strength can serve you extremely well, not just for carrying bodies but also later on, empowering your undead buddies summoned with Animate Dead. These summons can drink the potions (When they are dropped on the ground), to have their strength value increased, making them much stronger.

I recommend checking the Strength Elixir farming guide on how to stock up on these really easily, as there is a perfect spot in Druid's Grove in Act 1 for that.

Level 3 - Wizard Lv 2

Now here are the choices:

Selection	Description
Subclass: Necromancy	For now, you only get the Grim Harvest​ feature, but later you will unlock nice boosts for the undead summons.
Spells: any spells	Pick two additional spells that will be added to your spellbook. I would recommend utility ones - Feather Fall​, Enhance Leap, etc.

Recommended Level 2 spells for Wizard Scribing and learning

Now you get access to level 2 spell slots, meaning that you will be able to learn new spells via scribing and consuming scrolls. Moreover, you will still be able to learn spells via the levelling screen. So I will just provide a list of generally good level 2 spells that I think you should learn in one of the two ways, I covered.

Necro Theme spells:

Spell	Description
Blindness​	A very powerful spell, that greatly diminishes enemy combat capacity without using your concentration slot.

Additional Spells

Spell	Description
Cloud of Daggers​	Excellent spell, that hits two times (on cast and on enemy turn). There are multiple early game encounters where you can hit grouped enemies for heavy damage.
Misty Step​	Extremely valuable spell to have on hand. Gives an easy way to move around the battlefield, to reach an enemy or escape.
Web​	Excellent early game control spell that can give an easy Advantage for you and allies.
Hold Person​	Very powerful spell that can paralyse an enemy and force critical hits on them.
Invisibility​	A very powerful spell that can be combined with Minor Illusion​ to force enemies into a grouped position.

Level 4 - Wizard Lv 3

Selection	Description
Spells: choose 2 spells	Add any of the recommended level 2 spells.

Level 5 - Wizard Lv 4

Level 3 spells are unlocked

Selection	Description
Cantrips: choose any	You have various options here to select from: Mage Hand​ - great for throwing potions and interacting with the world Ray of Frost​, Shocking Grasp​ - excellent offensive cantrips that get their damage doubled on Wet​ targets. Friends​ - gives an easy advantage in dialogue checks. But be careful not to cancel it near the target NPCs, as they will attack you.
Spells: 2 spells	Pick any 2 spells that you think might be relevant for your setup
Feat: Dual Wielder​ Ability Improvement - +2 Intelligence	My recommendation would be to go for Dual Wielder​ as you can use excellent weapons like Phalar Aluve, The Spellsparkler or Melf's First Staff together. If you have shield proficiency, you can go for the Ability Improvement and use a shield.

Recommended Level 3 spells for Wizard Scribing and learning

Now you get access to level 3 spell slots, meaning that you will be able to learn new spells via scribing and consuming scrolls. Moreover, you will still be able to learn spells via the levelling screen. 

Necro Theme spells:

Spell	Description
Animate Dead​	This will be your bread and butter spell throughout the game. It will enable you to summon undead that will help in battle. I will give a section on the best uses of them.
Bestow Curse​	Overall, the spell is nothing fancy, but you can activate the Bestow Curse: Dread​ option. This gives a chance of enemy's skipping their turn - great against a few stronger foes that you will encounter.
Vampiric Touch​	It's a nice flavourful spell. I would not say it is mandatory to use it. But later on, you will get Channel Divinity: Touch of Death​ from a death cleric, and using this melee spell is a nice way of activating some extra damage.

Additional Spells

Spell	Description
Glyph of Warding​	A versatile spell that can apply different elemental damage. The main problem is that its range is somewhat short. Glyph of Warding: Sleep​ is excellent for disabling multiple enemies at once, they can then be easy targets for your ghouls.
Sleet Storm​	The spell is generally overlooked cause it doesn't deal any damage. But do not be fooled, it instantly Prone​ enemies, creates huge ice fields, creates Difficult Terrain,​ and more or less minimizes enemy movement and forces them to skip turns once they fall. A well-placed Sleet Storm​ can destroy enemies.
Haste​	On one hand, this is a very powerful spell, on the other hand, it does have problems, like using Concentration and Potion of Speed is a cheaper alternative.
Fear​	Another powerful control spell that is especially effective against foes that use weapons. This leaves them outright defenceless and makes them flee.
Hypnotic Pattern​	One of the strongest control spells in the game. Sadly, it does target allies, but if enemies are grouped together it can give an easy win.
Lightning Bolt​	A very powerful offensive spell. If you have another caster that can apply Wet​ condition, you can deal huge damage with this.

Summoning and using Undead

So your priority is to unlock Animate Dead​, get a scroll of Scroll of Animate Dead and scribe the spell. Now you can start using those dead bodies that you were saving and summon your first undead.

You will have to do this after each long rest, which can be somewhat irritating. You will also need to continue picking up bodies - the number of dead you can raise will increase with each upcast level.

• The summoned undead can drink your Elixir of Hill Giant Strength. Just drop the item on the ground, change to the zombie, and right-click on the elixir to drink it.
• Skeletons can use coatings like Drow Poison. Similar to the elixirs, drop them on the ground and use the skelly to consume it.
• Skeletons can also be empowered using Mage Armour​ spell for additional Armour Class.

Level 6 - Wizard Lv 5

Level Selection:

Selection	Description
Spells: Counterspell, any	Be sure to get Counterspell,​ as this is one of the best spells in the game to counter various control spells. For the other, choose one of the recommended spells.

Gear Recommendations

 

Slot	Item	Description
Melee (Main-Handed)	Phalar 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​ feat.
	The Spellsparkler	When used with Magic Missile,​ you can generate multiple Lightning Charges​ and drastically improve the damage output of the spell.
Melee (Off-Handed)	Melf's First Staff	Gives +1 to spell attack rolls or DC. Excellent addition to improve spellcasting success.
	Club of Hill Giant Strength	Can be used to carry dead bodies to the stash. This means you will not need to drink the Elixir of Hill Giant Strength.
Ranged	Bow of Awareness	The higher initiative bonus will allow you to start your turn earlier.
	Hand Crossbow +1	Equipping two of these will allow you to attack with off-hand, which uses a bonus action. This can give a slight bonus damage.
Shield	Adamantine Shield	It provides a substantial defensive boost by disabling critical hits.
	Safeguard Shield	Gives a bonus to saving throws, easily accessible early in the game.
Head	The Shadespell Circlet	Increases Spell Save DC, while obscured. Very easy to activate, use Shift to see the sun icon, it should be half or fully empty.
	The Lifebringer	The best defensive option in Act 1. Works well with The Spellsparkler. Without it, the item loses its purpose.
Cloak	-	Nothing relevant for the build
Armor	The Protecty Sparkswall	The best spellcaster robe in Act 1. Works well with The Spellsparkler for additional bonuses to Armour Class and Saving Throws with Lightning Charges.
	Infernal Robe	A powerful robe option, but it requires an evil decision against Karlach.
Gloves	Abyss Beckoners	Pick up these gloves as they will be useful for improving your undead minion survivability. I found this choice a good option for Act 1 and Act 2. Later on, there are better options.
	Bracers of Defence	Gives whooping +2 Armour Class. This is the perfect option, especially if you do not have shield proficiency.
	Gloves of Missile Snaring	Defensive gloves that allow you to negate enemy ranged attacks.
Boots	Boots of Stormy Clamour	If you are not running a cleric in the party, I recommend these boots.
	Disintegrating Night Walkers	One of the best boots, giving a total advantage for movement on difficult surfaces. It also gives Misty Step​ to increase that mobility.
	Boots of Speed	Can help with avoiding opportunity attacks when enemies are close.
Amulet	Psychic Spark	Excellent amulet which improves Magic Missile​ effectiveness, making it one of the best spells in the early game.
	Pearl of Power Amulet	A good amulet that allows restoring level 3 or lower spell slots.
	Amulet of Misty Step	A good amulet to obtain mobility via Misty Step.
Rings	Ring of Protection	Gives defensive bonuses to Armour Class and Saving Throws.
	The Whispering Promise	Can be activated using Healing Word​ from a cleric. Or leave this item to a dedicated cleric in your group.
	Fetish of Callarduran Smoothhands	Allows Casting invisibility for free once per long rest.

Gameplay and mechanics

Use offensive spells from the Wizard spell list

One of the nuances with this build is that you have two classes which give access to spells. This creates a minor but impactful problem when not being careful. Wizard uses Intelligence as spellcasting modifier and Cleric wisdom. Cleric does have plenty of spells and features that benefit you even with low wisdom, so that's why it was selected.

So when using control or offensive spells, use the ones from the Wizard spell list. This way, you avoid lowering your success chance unnecessarily. Of course, in the late game, with all the Spell Save DC gear, this might not matter.

Getting Necromancy of Thay

Later in Act 3, you will be able to obtain a pretty nice, thematic spell - Danse Macabre, which will give free undead minions. They are not that powerful and cannot be controlled by the player. However, to get these, you need to do some steps in Act 1.

1. Get the Necromancy of Thay from the Apothecary's Cellar
2. Pick up Dark Amethyst near the Phase Spirder Matriarch (Lv. 5) boss. Be careful, this is a somewhat difficult encounter.

With these items picked up, you can interact with the book.

Obtaining a Second Marriage

After you take care of boss in Ancient Abode, you will be able to enter the room which has Bitter Divorce. With it you can now leave the area via Mushroom Circle. This is an important item as it will allow you to resolve one of the quests related to Mayrina.

Now, when talking with her, tell her of the wand, resurrect the undead, and keep the wand. That's it - you now have a nice summon on your side. It's not very powerful, but it can take in a hit or two from enemies.

The recommended combat loop

• As you have Reaper​ feature, use Bone Chill​ or Toll the Dead​ to hit two targets and inflict serious damage.
• Magic Missile​ is one of the best picks for early games. You get a 100% hit chance and get bonus damage via The Spellsparkler + Psychic Spark.
• Shield​ is perfect for avoiding early-game wipes. Just make sure to have a free level 1 spell slot to activate it.
• Cast Mage Armour​ to ensure you have a good Armour Class. If possible, wear a shield.
• Once you unlock level 2 spell slots, Cloud of Daggers​ can be used to hit enemies that are stacked together. There are a few encounters where you can hit up to 3 enemies in one turn.
• Minor Illusion​ can be used to lure enemies into one place before combat. This works extremely well with Cloud of Daggers​ and other area-of-effect spells.

From level 5:

• Use Animate Dead​ to summon zombies. They are better in this stage of the game. Force them to drink Elixir of Hill Giant Strength from the ground to increase their strength.
• Use Bless​ or Phalar Aluve: Melody​ to buff the summons for more damage or a higher hit chance.
• Use various control spells like Blindness, Hold Person, Glyph of Warding: Sleep, etc., to weaken enemies and give eaan sy advantage on attack rolls for your undead.
• Once you get Lightning Bolt,​ use it together with Wet​ status (Water or Create Water​) to inflict huge amounts of damage.

Act 1.5 - Level 7 - Rosymorn Monastery

I will assume that you have reached level 7 as you reach the Rosymorn Monastery Trail. It has plenty of stuff to explore and some important story bits. The whole map also contains significant gear that you should be on the lookout for. 

Leveling Progression

Level 7 - Wizard Lv 6

You get the most important necromancer features, which give significant improvements for your undead:

Features	Description
Undead Thralls: Additional Undead​	All of these nice features will give a significant boost to your capabilities as the summoner of the dead. Additional undead will make your combat potential stronger, while the boost to the stats is a nice addition.
Undead Thralls: Animate Dead​
Undead Thralls: Better Summons​

Level Selection:

Selection	Description
Spells: any 2 spells	Check the previous level 3 spell list, of which ones to pick

Level 4 Spells

Recommended Level 4 spells for Wizard Scribing and learning

Now you get access to level 4 spell slots, meaning that you will be able to learn new spells via scribing and consuming scrolls. Moreover, you will still be able to learn spells via the levelling screen. 

Necro Theme spells:

Spell	Description
Blight​	This is the only necro spell that you get at this stage. It's pretty good with respectable necrotic damage. As it hits a constitution saving throw, try to target enemies with low CON.

Other spells:

Spell	Description
Evard's Black Tentacles​	This spell is a hidden gem, especially if you have a few ranged party members. If enemies fail a saving throw, they receive bludgeoning damage and are unable to move. Moreover, your allies get an advantage on attack rolls. This makes a perfect combo with Animate Dead: Skeleton, which I will cover below.
Confusion​	One of my favourite control spells. Covers a decent area, avoids allies, and makes enemies skip their turns, attack allies, or greatly diminishes their combat potential.
Conjure Minor Elemental​	Want more summons? Well, here you go. I do not include this in "general build setup" as these are not necrotic summons, but feel free to use them.
Ice Storm​	Really great area of effect spell that creates ice surfaces. It also does decent damage both of bludgeoning and cold.
Wall of Fire​	Great area spell, that can cover a choke point, for enemies to slowly burn themselves up

Skeletons

So with a level 4 spellslot and upcasting Animate Dead​ + Undead Thralls: Additional Undead,​ you can now summon 4 skeletons. This is a significant army, and they can be pretty good at combat, especially if you give them Bless.

However, you can take a step further and enhance their combat potential with Evard's Black Tentacles. These will slow down enemies and make it very easy for skellies to hit them (as they will have advantage). This creates a perfect synergy between your spells and undead summons.

Gear Recommendations

There are a couple of items that I would take a look here; otherwise, the previous Act ones are already enough

Slot	Item	Description
Gloves	Gloves of Belligerent Skies	Pretty powerful gloves if you decide to use them. They can help stack Reverberation,​ which can also result in Prone​ enemies, helping your undead land hits.
Amulet	Amulet of Branding	Can be used to give enemies vulnerability against slashing or piercing damage.
	Periapt of Wound Closure	Can help you stand up in case you are downed.

Gameplay and mechanics

The recommended combat loop

Overall, the gameplay stays the same as in Act 1. You do unlock new spells, which give you these options:

• You can now summon more undead via upcasting Animate Dead​.
• Skellies also become a powerful tool if you add Evard's Black Tentacles​ - enemies are sitting ducks for ranged attackers. Moreover, you can use various coatings for them to consume form the ground to give a decent boost via various effects.
• Confusion​ can be great for disabling a group of enemies, as is Ice Storm,​ which creates an icy area where enemies might fall off.

Act 2 - Level 8-10 - Shadow Lands 

Depending on your choices, you might even reach Act 2 at level 7, so check the previous recommendations. In most cases, people will enter Act 2 via Path to Rosymorn Monastery Trail

Leveling Progression

Level 8 - back to Cleric Lv 2

With the Wizard levels covered, now we can jump back into Cleric and gain additional things to empower the build further.

Feature	Description
Turn Undead​	Excellent against undead enemies, making them run away.
Channel Divinity: Touch of Death​	A nice addition of damage, especially if you land a melee attack on Attack of Opportunity. It also synergises well with Vampiric Touch, which is why I have recommended this spell.

Level 9 - Cleric Lv 3

This now unlocks level 2 spells from cleric, and it's one of the reasons why we went for this multiclass

Selection	Description
Prepare Spells: Aid​	Make sure to add Aid​ as your prepared spell. It will make your undead summons much stronger. Other good spells are - Enhance Ability​, Spiritual Weapon​.

Recommended Level 5 spells for Wizard Scribing and learning

Now you get access to level 4 spell slots, meaning that you will be able to learn new spells via scribing and consuming scrolls. Moreover, you will still be able to learn spells via the levelling screen. 

Spell	Description
Hold Monster​	Very powerful spell, that works great against multiple strong late-game enemies. This will be an easy way to guarantee critical hits for your undead horde.
Cloudkill​	As undead are immune to poison, this spell can create a powerful and deadly field that chips away at the enemy's health points. Just check if they are not immune to poison.
Conjure Elemental​	Another summon source, mentioning them, in case you would want to have more.
Cone of Cold​	A powerful cold spell can be used on enemies that are Wet​.

Level 10 - Cleric Lv 4

Selection	Description
Cantrips: any	Feel free to take any cantrips
Feat options: Ability Improvement - +2 Intelligence Alert​	Make sure to have Dual Wielder,​ as it will be very important in Act 3, where there are many good weapon options.

Gear Recommendations

Overall, you continue to use standard caster gear, improve your Spell Save DC and get other useful bonuses

Slot	Item	Description
Melee (One-Handed)	-	Continue using the Act 1 weapon setup
Ranged	Ne'er Misser	Gives an additional cast of level 3 Magic Missile. Be sure to equip a second-hand crossbow like Hand Crossbow +1.
	Bow of Awareness	Still the best bow, as initiative plays a vital role for first-mover advantage during encounters.
	Darkfire Shortbow	Can be useful to precast Haste​ in some encounters.
Shield	Ketheric's Shield	The best shield for casters as it gives +1 Spell Save DC, increasing spell success.
	Sentinel Shield	What makes this shield amazing is that by wearing it you will be going first most of the time during encounters.
Head	Fistbreaker Helm	Pretty good headwear with +1 to Spell Save DC.
	Circle of Bones	This is an alternative to Abyss Beckoners
Cloak	Cloak of Protection	Improves survivability and Saving Throw success. You want to equip this cloak to maintain that good Armour Class.
Armor	Moon Devotion Robe	It does require an evil decision, but it comes with nice bonuses
	Robe of Exquisite Focus	Alternative to The Protecty Sparkswall. It's not better, but now two casters can get +1 Spell Save DC from armour.
Gloves	-	Continue using the ones from the previous Acts.
Boots	Boots of Stormy Clamour	They are still the best boots for applying to various conditions.
	Evasive Shoes	Slightly improves Armour Class, resulting in higher survivability.
Amulet	Spineshudder Amulet	Gives a way to apply Reverberation​ via spell attacks like Bone Chill.
	-	Previous Act Amulets.
	Spellcrux Amulet	An amazing amulet that proves valuable in the late game for restoring level 5 and 6 spell slots. Can be worn off after use.
Rings	Ring of Mental Inhibition	Allows to weaken foes via Mental Fatigue, further improving the next spell's success.
	Callous Glow Ring	Gives a slight damage boost on various damage sources.
	Coruscation 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.

Gameplay and mechanics

This is an important section, as the build gains major changes in how it plays, thanks to various unlocked items.

The recommended combat loop

With access to Level 5 spells, the build now unlocks better undead.

• Upcast Animate Dead​ to summon Ghouls/Flying Ghouls. They are more powerful and can deal significant damage against enemies that are Sleeping​/Prone​.
• This is where Glyph of Warding: Sleep​ becomes an excellent spell, as it will force enemies to skip turns, but also make your Ghouls deal more serious damage with Devour​.
• For now, Prone​ is best activated by stacking Reverberation​ from either your spells or with another cleric, who uses revorb setup. This also enables Devour​.
• When you can utilise Cloudkill​ for significant poison damage. The good thing is that your Ghouls are immune to this, so they can go inside the cloud and fight.
• If you have a high activation chance, use Hold Monster​/Hold Person​ against the target. The guaranteed critical hits make your undead hit much harder.

Act 3 - Level 11-12 - Rivington and Lower City

You are close to reaching the game finale, or so you think. The last part of the game is huge and can be both intimidating and overwhelming.

Here are some recommendations from me:

• You don't need to do all the side quests here; they can take up to 40 hours or more, depending on what you decide to do
• Leave some stuff for other runs. As you reach the maximum level, the game might become less satisfying. Leave some of the stuff for your next playthroughs, to find novelty and discovery.
• There is a lot of good gear that improves the build, so be sure to get it.

Leveling Progression

Level 11 - Cleric Lv 5

Now, level 3 spells from the cleric are unlocked. These are nothing fancy; only one spell stands out, which might be good if you decide to use the relevant items.

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

And the main selection:

Selection	Description
Prepare Spell: Spirit Guardians​	You can add this spell, as it can be a pretty powerful option with necrotic setup + Callous Glow Ring. Of course, you will have low Wisdom, so don't expect much damage from it. Another spell that might be useful - Daylight​ or Remove Curse.

Recommended Level 6 spells for Wizard Scribing and learning

Now you get access to level 4 spell slots, meaning that you will be able to learn new spells via scribing and consuming scrolls. Moreover, you will still be able to learn spells via the levelling screen. 

Necro theme:

Spell	Description
Circle of Death​	Enjoyable spell to use, that can hit multiple targets in a wide area with necrotic damage.
Eyebite​	This is a very fun spell to use, as it gives easy access to Eyebite: Asleep. By forcing enemies to Sleeping​ your ghouls can hit them for big damage with Devour. Another positive thing is that it can be recast without using any more spell slots, so you can hit multiple targets with it.

Other spells:

Spell	Description
Globe of Invulnerability​	I always recommend having this spell on hand by someone in the party, or at least having a Scroll of Globe of Invulnerability.
Chain Lightning​	One of the strongest spells in the game in its raw power. Definitely use it against Wet​ targets to deal double damage.

Level 12 - Cleric Lv 6

This is the last level for the build, and you do get some sweet features:

Features	Description
Inescapable Destruction​	Enables you to ignore necrotic resistance. Overall, this is a decent buff that helps against a few specific enemies in Act 3.

That's it! The build is done with full progression and various recommendations.

Gear Recommendations

This will unlock a few better items, but overall, the core of the setup will not change much.

Necrotic Spirit Guardians setup

If you are not running a cleric or another party member that uses these two items - Luminous Armour and Callous Glow Ring, you can create a pretty powerful setup that debuffs enemies and makes it easy for your summons to help.

When using Spirit Guardians​ necrotic version, generally stuff like Radiating Orb​ or Reverberation​ is almost impossible to activate. But everything changes once you equip Callous Glow Ring, as this gives an easy radiant damage source. Of course, Spirit Guardians​ uses Wisdom as spellcasting stat, but even then, your goal is not damage but just applying debuffs.

So if you want to try out this setup here is what you can equip:

Slot	Item	Description
Head	Holy Lance Helm	Pretty neat helmet, that gives a source of Reverberation​ when getting attacked. It is an optional item, as being attacked is generally not the main goal.
	Headband of Intellect	This could be used to set Intelligence to 17, which would then enable 16 Wisdom, for a higher Spirit Guardians​ success chance.
Armor	Luminous Armour	With the Callous Glow Ring, you can easily apply Radiating Orb​ on each hit and weaken enemy attack rolls.
Gloves	Gloves of Belligerent Skies	Will give stacks of Reverberation​ from radiant damage, which you can get via Callous Glow Ring.
Rings	Callous Glow Ring	Use this together with necrotic Spirit Guardians​ to get a source of radiant damage and activate Gloves of Belligerent Skies + Luminous Armour.

I am not saying this is the best setup, as I personally prefer being a base spellcaster with necrotic offensive spells, which also helps your undead. However, if you have these items available, feel free to try out this setup.

Standard Setup

Slot	Item	Description
Melee (Main-Hand)	Markoheshkir	The strongest spellcaster weapon in the game. It comes with Arcane Battery​ and a special feature called Kereska's Favour. My recommendations would be Bone-Shaking Thunder,​ which gives Reverberation​ stacks, and Destructive Wave,​ which can Prone​ enemies. Another option is Sizzling Cataclysm, which gives access to Hunger of Hadar.
	Phalar Aluve	Very powerful weapon that continues to be relevant in Act 3, with the crazy amount of summons that you can get. Both the buffs from Phalar Aluve: Melody​ are good, but I do give credit to Phalar Aluve: Sing​ for it's straightwordawrd attack roll boost, which is extremely needed for your summons. If someone else is carrying this in your group, like a cleric, then feel free to equip other weapons.
	Staff of Spell Power	Very good weapon with access to Arcane Battery​ for free spell cast.
Melee (Off-Hand)	Staff of Cherished Necromancy (BiS)	The most necro weapon in the game. As you kill foes, you gain Consume Life Essence,​ which allows you to use any necrotic spell for free. Moreover, enemies have a disadvantage on saving throws against necrotic spells, making it easy to destroy them with these spells outright.
	Rhapsody	A potent weapon that improves damage and attack rolls with each killed foe up to +3.
Ranged	Hellrider Longbow	The bonus initiative is an excellent boost to go early in combat. If it is not a surprise round, it is almost guaranteed.
Head	Hood of the Weave	Gives a whooping +2 Spell Save DC, which greatly improves your spell success chance.
	Helldusk Helmet	Pretty okay headwear that gives immunity to critical hits.
Cloak	Cloak of The Weave	Improves Spell Save DC, a pretty straightforward item.
Armor	Armour of Landfall	Light armour that gives advantage on Constitution saving throw proficiency. The main drawback is that it comes with a lower armour class.
	Robe of the Weave	Boosts armour class, enables using Mage Armour,​ and you get +1 Spell Save DC.
	Robe of Supreme Defences	Gives bonuses to saving throws, making it easier to maintain spell concentration.
Gloves	Gauntlet of the Tyrant	Both gloves come with +1 Spell Save DC. One caveat is that Gauntlet of the Tyrant gives access to Command​, which is a bit more useful, while Helldusk Gloves can be used as an alternative gear to some melee builds.
	Helldusk Gloves
Boots	Bonespike Boots (BiS)	Extremely powerful shoes, that can Prone​ enemies with its Brutal Leap,​ which only costs a bonus action and relies on your Spell Save DC. This is what will make your ghouls very powerful, enabling them to constantly use Devour​.
	Boots of Stormy Clamour	Powerful boots, which give a source of Reverberation​
Amulet	Amulet of The Devout	Simple and effective spellcaster amulet. However, I would prioritise this on the cleric due to its Channel Divinity bonus.
	Spineshudder Amulet	In terms of offensive potential, this amulet is an excellent choice
	Spellcrux Amulet	Allows restoring any level of spell slot, which can be used for another spell or Sorcery points
Rings	Ring of Feywild Sparks	The only ring that provides +1 Spell Save DC (it's not listed)
	Crypt Lord Ring	The ring gives access to Create Undead​ (otherwise, you can only learn this spell with level 11 warlock/cleric/wizard). It gives a mummy summon, which has good HP and pretty decent actions.
	Ring of Mental Inhibition	This ring can help with debuffing foes when you scroll cast, and they fail saving throws.

Gameplay and mechanics

In general, Act 3 does not bring much in terms of how the gameplay changes. It's just optimisations to your gear and higher-level spell unlocks

Constantly Proning targets

Your ghouls shine when enemies are lying on the ground either from Prone​ or from Sleeping​. Act 3 gives access to very powerful boots - Bonespike Boots. They have Brutal Leap​ action, which at first glance would not seem very special. However, it does use your Spell Save DC. So it means, you have a very high chance of inflicting Prone​ on enemies that you use it.

Moreover, this effect is for 2 turns, so enemies still have to waste their movement speed to stand up.

Unlocking Danse Macabre

As we talked previously, in Act 1 you obtain the book - Necromancy of Thay. Well, in Act 3, you can read a special book found in Sorcerous Sundries called The Tharchiate Codex. Once you read it, you can now further open Necromancy of Thay and read the last page. This will reward the Danse Macabre​ spell.

Why is the spell special? Well, it isn't, but it's a nice addition for the Necromancer theme:

• The spell is free to cast
• You get 4 summons, which also benefit from Undead Thralls: Additional Undead​ and Undead Thralls: Better Summons​
• They can deal decent damage, but also act as meat shields
• Sadly, you can't control them, so sometimes they will make suboptimal decisions.

Maximise the amount of the level 6 spell slots.

In the late game, you have multiple sources of level 6 spells from Aid​ to Animate Dead​ and offensive spells like Circle of Death​ or Eyebite​. Thankfully, you do have various ways to get plenty of level 6 spellslots:

• Arcane Battery​ from either Markoheshkir or Staff of Spell Power
• Spellcrux Amulet to restore a level 6 spell slot
• Consume Life Essence​ from the Staff of Cherished Necromancy for a free level 6 spell

As you see, you have plenty of ways to cast the most powerful spells in the game between each long rest.

The amount of summons

• Crypt Lord Ring - allows the use of Create Undead​ to summon a mummy
• Danse Macabre​ - 5 ghouls
• Animate Dead​ with its 4 flying ghouls
• Second Marriage - to summon Connor

This results in plenty of allies to have on your side (how effective they are will be based on your combat strategy). I also did not count elementals and other unique summons, as I don't think they fit thematically.

The recommended combat loop

As I mentioned, the combat loop stays more or less the same from the previous Act 2 (check that out if you missed it). 

• Be sure to activate Kereska's Favour​ from Markoheshkir - Bolts of Doom​ or Bone-Shaking Thunder. These will give free spells to cast and additional improvements.
• Use Bonespike Boots everyturn, you can use Brutal Leap​ to force enemies Prone. This is a huge enabler for your ghouls as they get an easy advantage and can use Devour​ for a significant damage boost.
• Try to kill an enemy either at the start or at the end of the encounter when using Staff of Cherished Necromancy. This will enable Consume Life Essence, giving a free spell cast.
• Utilise control spells that weaken enemies or enable your summons - Hold Person​/Hold Monster, Eyebite, Confusion, Glyph of Warding: Sleep,​ etc.
• If you decide to use the Necrotic Spirit Guardians setup, get close to enemies to debuff them with Reverberation​ and Radiating Orb​
• You can also get some Elixir of Cloud Giant Strength and use these to empower your undead with higher strength values.
• Phalar Aluve is still the top-tier weapon option, as it can empower undead with Phalar Aluve: Melody​
• Overall, the goal is to weaken enemies so that your summons would have an easier way of hitting them.

Maximizing - Abilities, Illithid Powers, Consumables

Maximising 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.

Intelligence

1. 17 Intelligence - the base for character creation.
2. Act 1 - Auntie Ethel Hair - you will want to get +1 Intelligence if you pick this choice.
3. Feat- Ability Improvement - +2 Intelligence.
4. Act 3 - Mirror of Loss - pick +2 Intelligence.

These will allow you to reach 22 natural Intelligence, depending on the various choices. This results in a +6 spellcasting modifier and improved Spell Save DC.

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	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​	Base	An easy way to ensure you land critical hits.
Cull the Weak​	Base	Can help to kill an enemy faster if it is left with a few HP.
Psionic Backlash​​	Base	A great way to weaponize your reaction before obtaining Counterspell.
Shield of Thralls​	Base	Excellent option for bonus temporary HP. It can also apply Stunned on foes after it is destroyed.
Illithid Expertise​	Elite	Can be used to maximize the effectiveness of charisma-based skills, especially relevant to the main character.
Black 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​	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​	Elite	Remove the cost of spell slots or charges.
Mind 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.
Fracture Psyche​	Elite	Weakens enemies by reducing their Armour Class. Now it's easier to hit them.

Potions, Elixirs and other 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	This is a very powerful potion. It gives an additional action point, which can be used to cast a spell or attack. The activation is generally by drinking using a bonus action. However, you can stack together with party members and make one member Throw​ it on the ground, giving Hastened​ to everyone.
Potion of Invisibility	It can be used in two ways - the first one is to enter combat with a Surprised​ round, causing enemies to skip their turn. Another option is to leave combat if you see that it is not going in your favour.
Potion of Animal Speaking	An easy way to get the Speak with Animals​ effect.
Terazul	Gives Hastened​ and stacks with other sources of it. This is a late-game consumable.

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.

Consumable	Description
Elixir of Bloodlust	The elixir gives an easy option to get an additional action point - just kill a foe. This can then be used to attack one more time or cast a full spell.
Elixir of Battlemage's Power	Improves Spell Save DC, making it easier to land spells.
Elixir of Peerless Focus	Makes it easier to maintain spell Concentration
Elixir of Vigilance	For some encounters, you will want to go first. This elixir will ensure that it overcomes even Surprised​ mechanics.

Scrolls

This is one of the most overpowered mechanics in the game. At first, it might seem that you earn those old, boring spells that you can learn yourself. However, as you play more and more, and get higher-level spells, you can see - wait, I can save a spell slot casting this.

Yeah, and this is where their power comes. During the whole playthrough, you will probably collect a lot of these, so I recommend using them whenever you can.

Conclusion

Thank you for reading the Necromancer Build for Baldur's Gate 3. This build has been a feast, and I really enjoyed writing it. It offers both a powerful caster and a flavourful setup that you can use both in party play and solo. Glad you read it!

Cheers!

Credits

• Friendly Lich - the ultimate solo run player, with vast experience in the game. Shared insights and experiences of his Nercomancer build run.
• David - for review of the build and suggestions