Ultimate Magic Missile Build - Pact Missile Launcher - Baldur's Gate 3 (BG3)

The best Magic Missile Build - Pact Missile Launcher for Baldur's Gate 3. This is an elegant and rather simple build which offers reliance on Magic Missile​ optimized to the brink. The sheer number of projectiles, damage riders will make your combat log a rainbow, and the build works well throughout the whole game.

Magic Missile Build - Pact Missile Launcher

As the name suggests, the build relies mostly on Magic Missile​ spell for its damage. Of course, as a Wizard, you also have access to other options, but this one, where the bulk of optimizations will happen. Later, you will get an upgrade - Curriculum of Strategy: Artistry of War,​ which is an even stronger version.

Of course, being a Wizard allows you to scribe spells and you can learn a lot of them. Then you can choose the ones you need based on the situation at hand. So this does not limit you to just spamming Magic Missile. You can also cast control spells like Confusion, Hypnotic Pattern, etc.

That is not all, you get the unique Empowered Evocation​ feature, which will empower spells with a bonus spellcasting modifier. This is what makes Magic Missile​ deadly in the late game. Moreover, even area-of-effect spells like Lightning Bolt and Fireball​ will prove deadly in the end game.

Class Contribution

12 Evocation 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.
• Although the Evocation School gives a few nice features, for this build, particularly only one is the main highlight - Empowered Evocation, which will give a significant damage boost to all your Evocation spells.
• Sculpt Spells​ is useful for those area of effect spells like Fireball, but this build will only use these on rare occasions.

1 Hexblade

There are only a handful of features that are relevant for this build, but quite important for damage maximization:

• Warlock Spellslots that reset on short rest.
• Hex Warrior​ with bonus proficiencies in Medium Armor and Shields. 
• Hexblade's Curse​ - excellent action early in the game to improve damage and gain some survivability

Synergy with other builds

To be fair, this build has minimal synergies with other builds. Not that it is bad, and it can work with almost everything, - a wizard can learn most of the spells in the game.

However, as the main spell is Magic Missile,​ which deals force damage, this has minimal synergies with other setups and is self-sufficient on its own. So I would not worry too much about what party composition you run and concentrate only on whether you will be able to get all the gear.

Another caveat is that many of the items may overlap with Cleric. So, if you want the full potential of the Magic Missile Build, your cleric will have to lose some of those items.

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.

Level	Class	Selection
1	Warlock 1	Cantrips: Minor Illusion, Friends​
		Subclass: Hexblade
		Spells: Shield, Expeditious Retreat​
		Abilities: STR - 8, DEX - 16 (15+1), CON - 14, INT - 17 (15+2), WIS - 10, CHA - 8
		Skills: Arcana, History, Investigation, Deception, Intimidation
2	Wizard 1	Cantrips: Fire Bolt, Toll the Dead, Mage Hand​
		Spells: Magic Missile​, Mage Armour​, Longstrider​, Enhance Leap​, Chromatic Orb​, Feather Fall​
3	Wizard 2	Subclass: Evocation School
		Spells: any
4	Wizard 3	Spells: Cloud of Daggers, Misty Step​
5	Wizard 4	Cantrips: Light​
		Spells: Blindness, Hold Person​
		Feat: Dual Wielder, Ability Improvement +2 Intelligence
6	Wizard 5	Spells: Counterspell, Lightning Bolt​
7	Wizard 6	Spells: Glyph of Warding, Haste​
8	Wizard 7	Spells: Ice Storm, Confusion​
9	Wizard 8	Spells: Dimension Door, any
		Feat: Ability Improvement +2 Intelligence or Dual Wielder​​
10	Wizard 9	Spells: Hold Monster, Cone of Cold​
11	Wizard 10	Cantrips: any
		Spells: Conjure Elemental, any
12	Wizard 11	Spells: Chain Lightning, Globe of Invulnerability​

Starting the Game - Level 1

This section covers the creation screen and what would go into the best Races, Abilities, and Skills for the Magic Missile build. Some of these choices are impactful as you cannot respec them.

Races

Picking a race provides various benefits - abilities, dialogue options, looks, etc. Also, keep in mind whether your picked race has Shield proficiency as this can improve survivability, especially in the early game.

Race	Features	Description
Halfling	Halfling Luck​ Brave​	The Halfling Luck​ benefits almost all game interactions with dice rerolls in case it is 1.
Zariel Tiefling	Darkvision​ Hellish Resistance​ Thaumaturgy​	I love this race for its Thaumaturgy​ feature. This makes it an excellent main character, which has lots of dialogue without any negatives.
High Half-Elf	Civil Militia Darkvision​ Fey Ancestry	You can pick an additional cantrip for free; in case it is a combat one, it will scale well as your main ability is Intelligence.
High Elf	Elven Weapon Training​ Darkvision​ Fey Ancestry

Class

The build starts with Warlock, which does seem counterintuitive. However, this does simplify the progression and proves to be very valuable early on, when you have limited spell slots. The level 10 feature, Empowered Evocation,​ gets delayed to level 11. But I think that is not a big problem, as this will be late in the game, and it's better to optimize on what is coming next.

Overview
Warlock
Features
Warlock Spell Slots	These spell slots can be used to cast spells and refill each Short Rest.

Cantrips

You can only take two, and non-offensive ones, as your main ability is still Intelligence:

Cantrip	Description
Minor Illusion​	The cantrip can be ridiculously powerful as it can be used outside of combat to group or lure enemies to a specific place.
Friends​	This is a somewhat optional cantrip. It can be extremely useful in dialogue checks. However, be careful not to cancel it near the affected NPC, as they can start attacking you.

Subclass

Overview
The Hexblade
Features
Bind Hexed Weapon​	This action allows you to bind any melee weapon and makes you proficient in it. This also results in using Charisma modifier instead of Strength or Dexterity. It also has a 20% chance to apply Hexblade's Curse​ without activating it.
Hexblade's Curse​	This is the most important feature that the Magic Missile build needs. The bonus damage gets applied to each Magic Missile, greatly improving its damage.
Hex Warrior​	This passive is responsible for the multiple bonuses you get, specifically armor and shield proficiencies.

Spells

Spell	Description
Shield​	Extremely valuable spell early in the game. Albeit with limited warlock spell slots, this becomes expensive to use in later levels. So I would only use it for the early game, or if you are in a pinch.
Expeditious Retreat​	The spell is nothing fancy, but can later be used to improve damage with Boots of Arcane Bolstering.

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. I recommend taking those that are Charisma and Intelligence-based:

Abilities

Now, let's take a look at the abilities of the Hexblade 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
Strength	8	This build does not need strength.
Dexterity	16 (15+1)	This plays an important role in improving armor class and increasing initiative. Going early will allow you to land damage or control spells.
Constitution	14	Enough Constitution for better survivability and spell concentration hold.
Intelligence	17 (15+2) - With Auntie Ethel Hair 16 (14+2) - No Hair	The main ability of a Wizard that determines spell success chance. It will also benefit your skills related to Arcana, Religion, etc.
Wisdom	10 - with Auntie Ethel Hair 12 - no hair	Additional Wisdom to avoid any negative modifiers, as many spells target this ability.
Charisma	8	Sadly, there are not many ability points left to spend here. For the main character, this could be disappointing.

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 or relevant to the main character:

• Arcana
• Deception
• History
• Intimidation
• Investigation
• Nature
• Religion

Leveling Progression - Levels 2-12

Here is the detailed progression for the Magic Missile 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.

Wizard Mechanics Disclaimer

As this build will heavily rely on Wizard, there are a few special mechanics to know before using it.

Scribing spells

One important aspect is that any spell scrolls you find can be learned. This consumes a scroll and some additional gold. As a result, the spell is added to the spellbook:

This means that you get those spells that you do not learn by leveling. Just wanted to tell you so that you would not be surprised in case the spells are talked about, and I did not suggest taking it.

Preparing Spells

The second stage, after you learn or scribe spells, is that you can then "prepare" them. This means that you 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.

Level 2 - Wizard Lv 1

By this time, you should have landed in the Wilderness area already. The level up will go straight to Wizard, which you will take for the rest of the game.

Multiclass into Wizard

During the level up screen, select the multiclass button, and then pick Wizard:

Class

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.

Cantrips

Cantrip	Description
Fire Bolt​	An effective fire spell, that you can also use to create explosions with fire wine or oil barrels.
Toll the Dead​	Deals good damage, especially on enemies with less than maximum HP. It should be used when the enemy has low Wisdom to increase the chance of landing it.
Mage Hand​	Can be used in world exploration or to throw items that you drop.

Level 1 Spells for Leveling and Scribing

As a Wizard, you can obtain spells in a few ways, so it is hard to recommend the progression:

• Picking them in the leveling screen
• Scribing from the scrolls that you find or buy in the game.

Based on what you need or lack in the combat, you can prioritize these for different uses

Spell	Description
Magic Missile​	Right from the start this spell is awesome. Although it does not deal huge damage, you can easily kill enemies with low HP in case you don't wish to miss it. This spell will get better as higher-tier spell slots are unlocked.
Mage Armour​	Amazing spell that you can use on yourself but also on party members. This will set the Armour Class to 13 if not wearing light or heavier armor. With high dexterity and a shield, this will easily reach 18.
Longstrider​	I recommend adding this spell, in case no one in your group has it. Outside combat it is free to cast and greatly improves the mobility of the whole group.
Enhance Leap​	Almost mandatory exploration spell, which enables you to jump very long distances.
Feather Fall​	Useful in some exploration scenarios, to remove the damage from high falls.
Chromatic Orb​	It is a very popular spell that can hit with different elements. This way, you can double-damage wet targets or pick different elements based on the situation.
Ice Knife​	Creates an ice surface, which can make enemies prone. Good spell early on, but loses potential at later levels.

Level 3 - Wizard Lv 2

This level allows to choose a subclass.

Subclass

Overview
Evocation
Features
Sculpt Spells​	You avoid targeting allies with friendly fire when using area spells.
Evocation Savant	Evocation spells are cheaper.

Spells

Add 2 more spells from the recommended list

Prepared Spells

Continue using the same or add new ones.

Level 4 - Wizard Lv 3

Finally, you get access to level 2 spells.

Level 2 Spells for Leveling and Scribing

As a Wizard, you can obtain spells in a few ways, so it is hard to recommend the progression:

• Picking them in the leveling screen
• Scribing from the scrolls that you find or buy in the game.

Based on what you need or lack in the combat, you can prioritize these for different uses.

Spells	Description
Misty Step​	Gives a boost to mobility and allows you to move around the battlefield with a bonus action.
Cloud of Daggers​	The biggest damage spell at level 2. It damages twice - first when you cast, and second after it is the enemy's turn. You could also use this as a replacement for any spells you do not use.
Web​​	Excellent spell that gives crowd control capabilities, just be sure that your allies don't step on it.
Blindness​	A control spell that makes ranged foes useless, and it does not use a Concentration slot.
Hold Person​	This can be especially useful if you have characters that can utilize the 100% critical hit chance in close range - melee martial, ranged, throwers, etc.
See Invisibility​	A great spell to have in certain encounters.

Prepared Spells

I would prioritize Misty Step​ and Cloud of Daggers​ to be included.

Level 5 - Wizard Lv 4

Now, you get some other great choice picks - the first feat is unlocked.

Cantrips

There are a few good choices here, so pick based on your preference:

Cantrip	Description
Light​	The cantrip will be particularly useful in Act 2, given the numerous dark areas.

Spells

Pick an additional 2 spells from the recommended list

Feat

Feat	Description
Dual Wielder​	My first recommendation is Dual Wielder​, but only if you can wear Melf's First Staff/Phalar Aluve + The Spellsparkler. Otherwise, there are no good weapon options in Act 1, and I would go for the second choice.
Ability Improvement - +2 Intelligence	Improves the main spellcasting stat of the Wizard. For now, it has no direct impact on Magic Missile, but it works with other spells.

Prepared Spells

Adjust any of the spells as needed

Level 6 - Wizard Lv 5

Level 3 spells are unlocked, meaning your Magic Missile​ will become stronger. Also, you get some nice new spells, which can be very powerful if used correctly.

Level 3 Spells for Leveling and Scribing

So, these spells I would say are game changers in terms of power play. Some of them can single-handedly change the encounter to your side, disable a group of foes, or instantly delete them.

Core Spells:

Spell	Description
Counterspell​	This spell is good on the Balanced and Tactician difficulties and mandatory on Honour Mode. It can save your run from a deadly enemy spell by fully cancelling it.
Lightning Bolt​	The lightning element spells are always mandatory in my spell arsenal. If enemies align perfectly and you have Wet​ applied on them, this will deal double damage. More or less, most of the non-boss enemies will be evaporated instantly.
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.

Additional Spells:

Spell	Description
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.
Glyph of Warding​	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.
Fireball​	Very popular spell with straightforward effect - large radius fire damage. I do recommend it, if you have a slot for it, but I think Lightning Bolt​ does a better job.
Slow​	This spell can be useful in some boss fights later down the road. It lowers their number of actions, reduces AC giving, so needed bonuses for longer fights.
Fear​	Another powerful control spell that is especially effective against foes that use weapons. This leaves them outright defenseless and makes them flee.

Prepare Spells

With access to new spells, make sure to include Counterspell​ in the spellbook

Level 7 - Wizard Lv 6

Further progression with Wizard levels:

Cantrip	Description
Potent Cantrip​	As you rarely use cantrips with this build, I would say the feature's effect is negligible.

Spells

Take 2 levels from the recommended spell list of the previous level

Prepare Spell

Adjust based on your needs

Level 8 - Wizard Lv 7

Level 4 spells are unlocked:

Level 4 Spells for Leveling and Scribing

There are a few situationally good spells; otherwise, pick the ones that may look relevant to you

Spell	Description
Ice Storm​	I have a soft spot for this spell. It deals two types of damage, creates ice fields, applies control - everything that you need for many Act 2 encounters.
Confusion​	My favourite spell in the game with how it functions. It can disable large groups of enemies, but it does not target allies.
Dimension Door​	A very valuable spell to have on hand. It can help you and a companion move a long distance and reach targets or escape them.
Wall of Fire​	A somewhat good spell that can hit multiple times per turn, if enemies are forced to pass through it.
Greater Invisibility​	Mainly mentioning it here, as I don't think it is valuable alone. However, if you have something like a Gloomstalker Assassin build it can allow it to kill enemies even without entering combat.
Conjure Minor Elemental​	The spell can prove useful in some encounters, especially the Apostle of Myrkul fight late in Act 2, where every bit of support helps.

Prepared Spells

Perfect time to add those new level 4 spells and try them out.

Level 9 - Wizard Lv 8

Learn more level 4 spells, and obtain an additional feat:

Spells

Learn any additional spells that you find relevant or useful.

Prepare Spells

Do any prepared spell changes that are needed.

Feat

There are a few relevant picks here:

Feat	Description
Ability Improvement - +2 Intelligence	Take this if your previously had not done that, the bonus intelligence will come in useful at level 11 once you get Empowered Evocation.
Dual Wielder​	Take this if you have not done that already; it will allow wearing a few great weapon options in both hands in Act 3.
Alert​	The feat can be useful, especially if no one in the party can take it. Having one member always going first and avoiding Surprised​ can mean a successful versus failed Honour Mode run.

Level 10 - Wizard Lv 9

A plethora of new level 5 spells can be learned.

There is one optimization that you could make, but I don't recommend it. Respec to 10 levels of wizard. Then at the next level - level 11, respec again, and do 1 Hexblade -> 10 Evocation Wizard. What's the benefit here? You get Empowered Evocation​ 1 level earlier, which is okay optimization, but might be too much of a hassle. That's why I leave it out and leave it for you to decide if you want it.

Level 5 Spells for Leveling and Scribing

Good spell options are introduced. Learn them via leveling or through Scroll scribing.

Core Spells:

Additional Spells:

Spell	Description
Hold Monster​	This spell is an alternative to Hold Person​ against monsters. Making it very easy to land critical hits in close range and have full control of them
Cone of Cold​	If you have been using Wet​ + cold/lightning spell combos to any degree, this is an excellent addition to the spell list. It deals good damage and targets multiple foes.
Conjure Elemental​	These are good summons that can both cause real damage and act as distractions for enemies. The really powerful one is Conjure Elemental: Water Elemental,​ which applies Chilled,​ allowing for double cold damage, like Cone of Cold. When upcast to level 6, additional Myrmidons are unlocked.
Telekinesis​	The spell can be cast multiple times and can be a source of control. Sadly, it only targets a single enemy, but you can throw them into chasms or water.

Prepare Spells

Add any of the newly learned spells.

Level 11 - Wizard Lv 10

As Evocation Wizard, you get the main feature we need to make the Magic Missile deal significantly more damage:

Feature	Description
Empowered Evocation​	Your evocation spells get a damage bonus from the spellcasting modifier, which is Intelligence. With Magic Missile,​ you can stack this up for big numbers.

Accessing Artistry of War

Curriculum of Strategy: Artistry of War​ is an upgraded version of Magic Missile, which only the Wizard can learn. It is accessed through Sorcerous Sundries in Lower City, Act 3.

Once there, go to the second floor, unlock the locked door, and look for Clasped Book. Interacting with it will open a portal. You will need to enter the secret Vault, where you obtain Red Knight's Final Stratagem. After reading it, you will get Scroll of Artistry of War. Do not use it, but scribe it with Wizard.

Spells

Take any of the spells that you still find relevant

Prepare Spells

Add the spells, if needed, to the spellbook. Be sure to add Curriculum of Strategy: Artistry of War.

Level 12 - Wizard Lv 11

The last level, which unlocks the level 6 spell slot, and the most powerful spells.

Level 6 Spells for Leveling and Scribing

There are a lot of good spells but for now, pick two. The rest can be learned via scribing.

Spells	Description
Globe of Invulnerability​	This one spell can make you invincible during its effect. It's excellent against numerous game bosses, where you can safely turtle away and chip them with your characters. After that, return to the globe.
Chain Lightning​	The strongest spell in the game in terms of damage. It hits 4 times, and with Wet​ this damage is doubled.
Wall of Ice​	It can be perfect to hit a well-stacked group of enemies with the wall effect and the ice particles. The problem is that it uses Concentration, limiting your other control spells.
Otto's Irresistible Dance​	The initial effect cannot be resisted. Enemies can only try to avoid it on the next turn via a Saving Throw.

Prepared Spells

I would urge you to add Globe of Invulnerability​ the moment you get it, as it's one of the best spells for the endgame encounters.

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.

1. Act 1 - Auntie Ethel Hair - you will want to get +1 Intelligence if you pick this choice.
2. Feat - Ability Improvement - +2 Intelligence.
3. Act 3 - Mirror of Loss - pick +2 Intelligence.

This will allow you to reach 22 natural Intelligence, and result in a +6 ability modifier on your spells and rolls.

Potions, Elixirs, and Consumables

Let's take a look at what consumables we 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	An alternative to Haste​ that does not use the concentration slot, but does have a shorter duration. 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 Animal Speaking	Enables you to speak with animals, which unlocks a few interesting dialogue lines.
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.

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	You gain additional action by killing an enemy. This is one of the best options that you can use. Magic Missile​ can easily guarantee you a kill, which you can follow up with more spells.
Elixir of Battlemage's Power	Gain 3 stacks of Arcane Acuity. I would say this should be the most used Wizard elixir for higher spell success.
Elixir of Peerless Focus	Another good choice that allows for better maintenance of spell Concentration.
Superior Elixir of Arcane Cultivation	Grant's a single level 3 spell slot. It could be useful in case you are preparing for a longer encounter.
Supreme Elixir of Arcane Cultivation	Grant's a single level 4 spell slot. It could be useful in case you are preparing for a longer encounter.
Elixir 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​ this becomes redundant.

Illithid Powers

This special mechanic in Baldur's Gate 3 allows you to consume tadpoles and unlock special Illithid Powers. These range from somewhat useful, to extremely deadly. I would like to leave a few recommendations:

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.
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.

Equipment Recommendations

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

Act 1

For the game to begin, you will want to obtain The Spellsparkler, as it will give a big boost to Magic Missile​ damage. This can be done easily at level 3.

Slot	Item	Description
Melee (One - Handed)	The Spellsparkler	This is the best stave that you can use, will activate Lightning Charges​ on each Magic Missile​ projectile.
	Phalar Aluve	Either have someone else equip this weapon or use Dual Wielder​ to wield it. With Phalar Aluve: Shriek,​ each of the missiles will deal an additional 1d4 thunder damage.
	Melf's First Staff	Another weapon option that you should use Dual Wielder​ with The Spellsparkler. This will improve your Spell Save DC, making it easy to land other spells besides Magic Missile.
Ranged	Bow of Awareness	Gives bonus initiative, allowing one to go earlier in combat
	Hand Crossbow +1	Equip two of these so that you can attack with your bonus action. This is an amazing weapon as you can use bonus action to break water bottles to apply wet.
Shield	Adamantine Shield	It provides a substantial defensive boost by reducing critical hit damage.
	Safeguard Shield	Gives a bonus to saving throws, easily accessible early in the game.
Head	The Shadespell Circlet	The best headwear in Act 1. Just be sure to be at least Lightly Obscured​ if you can.
Armor	The Protecty Sparkswall	Best clothing for caster in Act 1, will synergize well with The Spellsparkler.
	Luminous Armour	Make sure to get this armor as later it can be synergized with one ring, for Radiating Orb​ spam.
Gloves	Gloves of Belligerent Skies	These gloves work very well with Lightning Charges​ from The Spellsparkler. Later on, you will get another ring that will give even more Reverberation​ stacks.
	Bracers of Defence	Decent early-game gloves that give good armor class, in case you do not have Shield proficiency.
Boots	Boots of Stormy Clamour	These are not the best boots, but they are good, especially if you use other spells that apply conditions besides Magic Missile.
	The Watersparkers	Very effective boots that allow you to have 3 Lightning Charges​, before you initiate combat. Just drop Water, use Off-Hand Attack (Ranged)​ to break it. It will electrify water and you can deal more damage from the get-go.
Amulet	Psychic Spark	The best amulet for Magic Missile Build until Act 3. It gives additional missiles, and you can cast a level 1 spell, to save some slots for each long rest.
	Pearl of Power Amulet	Restore up to a level 3 spell slot. Can be unequipped after use.
	Amulet of Misty Step	Gives mobility improvement thanks to the Misty Step​ spell.
Rings	Ring of Absolute Force	This ring works very well with Reverberation​ as it will improve its Thunder damage.
	Ring of Protection	The best option for Act 1. The bonus Armour Class is a great boost for survivability.

Act 2 - mid-game

Slot	Item	Description
Melee (One-handed)	-	Use weapons from Act 1.
Ranged	Ne'er Misser	This crossbow will give you a free cast of Level 3 Magic Missile. If you equip it be sure to use it with Hand Crossbow +1 in the offhand.
Shield	Ketheric's Shield	The best shield there is for a caster.
	Adamantine Shield	It provides a substantial defensive boost by reducing critical hit damage.
Head	Fistbreaker Helm	Improves spell success chance and increases the likelihood of going first.
Cloak	Thunderskin Cloak	As you will be constantly applying Reverbation, this cloak is amazing and allows Dazing enemies who dare to attack you.
	Cloak of Protection	Improves survivability and Saving Throw success.
Armor	The Protecty Sparkswall	Still continues to be one of the best choices
	Luminous Armour	In Act 2, you can obtain Callous Glow Ring. Wearing it enables to activation of Radiating Shockwave​ and the application of multiple Radiating Orb. To be fair, this is not mandatory, especially if you have cleric in the party as they are better suited for this armor.
	Robe of Exquisite Focus	Another robe that gives +1 Spell Save DC.
Gloves	Gloves of Belligerent Skies	In Act 2, these will also work extremely well with Callous Glow Ring.
Boots	Boots of Stormy Clamour	Can apply Reverberation​ with spells, causing conditions.
	Boots of Arcane Bolstering	These boots can give a huge damage boost. However, this will require some preparation and getting close to enemies to receive Threatened​ status. Check the combat section below for how to utilize it. If you want to avoid complicated setups, take other boots.
Amulet	Psychic Spark	Still, the best amulet to use for optimal Magic Missile​ damage.
Rings	Callous Glow Ring	Amazing ring, that works well with this build. You will get bonus Reverbation stacks while wearing Gloves of Belligerent Skies. Moreover, be sure to cast illumination spells like Light​ or Daylight​ on yourself or your enemies so that they will be illuminated. Or have someone with an illuminated weapon close.
	Ring of Absolute Force	This ring will be even more powerful as you can apply Reverberation​ stacks faster with the Callous Glow Ring.
	Coruscation Ring	Inflict Radiating Orb​ with spell damage.
	Ring of Mental Inhibition	As you will still cast spells, enemies that fail against them will incur Mental Fatigue.
	Ring of Spiteful Thunder	Applies Dazed​ on creatures with Reverberation​.

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.

Now, for the other equipment:

Slot	Item	Description
Melee (One - Handed)	Markoheshkir (BiS)	The best caster staff in the game (well, almost the best). This fits the build extremely well and you can use Kereska's Favour​ to activate Bolts of Doom​. This enables you to generate Lightning Charges​ so you can take off The Spellsparkler. Moreover, you gain access to Chain Lightning​ and Lightning Bolt​ each short rest.
	Rhapsody	The second-best weapon for Magic Missile build. It requires you to kill 3 enemies (this can be done by taking out some guards) which buffs up each Missile with a flat 3 damage bonus. Moreover, it improves Spell Save DC for other spells.
	-	Weapons from previous acts
Ranged	Hellrider Longbow (BiS)	Gives a big boost to the initiative, guaranteeing that you can go first.
Head	Hat of the Sharp Caster	If you want to maximize the damage of Magic Missile,​ this hat helps to reroll damage dice.
	Hood of the Weave	The hood gives solid +2 Spell Save DC, greatly improving spell success chance.
Cloak	Cloak of The Weave	Improve Spell Save DC by one, the best option for a direct increase in build effectiveness.
	Cloak of Displacement	Improves the chances of attacks missing the wearer until they get hit for that turn.
	Thunderskin Cloak	As you will be constantly applying Reverberation, this cloak is amazing and applies Dazed​ to enemies who dare to attack you.
Armor	Armour of Landfall	I would say Luminous Armour is the best pick in terms of the Radiating Orb​ debuffs. However, as it is better suited for a Cleric in my opinion, the other armor options are just as good. I would rank Armour of Landfall above the Robe of the Weave due to the Advantage on Constitution saving throws.
	Robe of the Weave
	Luminous Armour
Gloves	Gloves of Belligerent Skies	Use this to stack Reverberation​ from lightning, thunder, and radiant damage.
	Gauntlet of the Tyrant	Another option in Act 3, also gives a level 3 Command​ spell for each Long Rest. The gloves provide +1 Spell Save DC,
Boots	Boots of Arcane Bolstering	Still the best boots, if you are not lazy about doing all the setups.
	Boots of Stormy Clamour	Can apply Reverberation​ with spells, causing conditions.
Amulet	Amulet of Elemental Torment (BiS)	Although this would be best in a slot amulet, it can be irritating to activate. You will need Fire surfaces to utilize the bonus damage.
	Psychic Spark	I would say still a relevant amulet, even in Act 3.
	Amulet of The Devout	The +2 Spell Save DC is a huge boost, giving a large success improvement for spells.
	Spellcrux Amulet	Restores up to level 6 spell slots. After using it, you can unequip it for another amulet.
Rings	Callous Glow Ring	The ring still stands on top for improved damage and applying Reverbation stacks.
	Ring of Absolute Force	Improves burst damage from Reverberation​ stacks by 1.
	Coruscation Ring	If you are more keen on debuffing enemy attack rolls, use this one.

Build Mechanics

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

Important Mechanics and Combos

The build is very versatile, allowing one to take full control of enemy actions.

Wet + Lightning and Cold Spells

I think this is the most important mechanic to learn in Baldur's Gate 3 for caster. It is very easy to set up and can guarantee you easy wins for most encounters.

The first step is to apply water here are some options for how to do that:

• Have a Cleric or Druid Cast Create or Destroy Water​
• Storm Sorcerer gets access to Create or Destroy Water​ at level 6
• Throw Water bottle
• The easiest, drop the water bottle on the ground and destroy it with an attack (Off-Hand Attack (Ranged)​ with bonus action is perfect for that)

Once the enemy is wet, they will become vulnerable to Ice and Lightning damage. This means you deal double the amount. After this, follow up with your favorite spell - Chain Lightning, Lightning Bolt, Cone of Cold, etc.

Expeditious Retreat bonus damage

With the Boots of Arcane Bolstering, you can further boost your magic Magic Missile​ damage. This is, in a sense, somewhat easy and hard. It's easy because you only need to activate one level 1 spell and use a bonus action to Dash.

The hard part becomes remembering this and not forgetting to cast another spell to break the concentration. Overall, if you can do this setup, the damage boost is amazing.

What you need to do:

1. Cast Expeditious Retreat​ before combat.
2. During combat, activate a special Dash​ from the side hotbar that uses a bonus action.
3. Make sure the enemy is Threatened​, this can be easily achieved by moving your ally close to them.
4. Release the Magic Missile​ for a damage boost.

This is somewhat tedious, and I did not use it much myself. Of course, if I knew a difficult encounter was coming, I would do this.

Phalar Aluve bonus damage

Want to take damage even further? Then you can utilize your group members, usually clerics to go close to the enemies and activate Phalar Aluve: Shriek. Each Magic Missile​ will deal a bonus 1d4 thunder damage, increasing damage output even further.

Elemental Torment

This is the last improvement to do to maximize your Magic Missile​ damage. In Act 3 you can obtain Amulet of Elemental Torment. With it, you can further add 1d4 fire damage to each missile.

The setup can be done in multiple ways:

• Walk on a fire surface from a spell like Fireball​ or some explosive grease.
• Use Alchemist's Fire consumable. First, drop it on the ground and then destroy it with Off-Hand Attack (Ranged)​.

If you are not lazy with this setup, this is another 2.5 average damage bonus on each missile.

Maximum Possible Damage

So with all of these mechanics, how can you reach the maximum damage?

• Psychic Spark for an additional missile
• Lightning Charges​ - +1 damage and +1d8 after 5 stacks. Enabled with The Spellsparkler and Markoheshkir + Bolts of Doom​ later in Act 3
• Hexblade's Curse​ - +2-4 bonus damage is based on proficiency bonus with each missile
• Callous Glow Ring - 2 radiant damage on each missile
• Reverberation​ 5 stacks - 1d4 thunder from Gloves of Belligerent Skies + Callous Glow Ring.
• Ring of Absolute Force - additional 1 thunder damage on Reverberation​ 5 stacks.
• Phalar Aluve - 1d4 thunder damage with its Phalar Aluve: Shriek.
• Arcane Charge - +2 damage on Threatened​ status enemies.
• Amulet of Elemental Torment - 1d4 fire damage on fire surface.
• Rhapsody - +3 damage with Scarlet Remittance​ effect.

Early Game Combat

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

• Very early in the game, you will not have many big damage-dealing spells. Sleep​ is an effective option for dealing with single targets. Use this until level 4-5.
• Remember to cast Mage Armour​ after a Long rest, it's a big survivability boost for a caster.
• Magic Missile​ becomes very effective after obtaining The Spellsparkler. Overall, you should use it if you want a guaranteed finish of the enemy or multiple enemies with a few HP. They will also get greatly empowered with Gloves of Belligerent Skies in terms of damage.
• To further boost Magic Missile​ damage, make sure to apply Hexblade's Curse; this way, each missile will deal additional damage based on proficiency bonus. The bonus increases as your level rises.
• Cloud of Daggers​ is a very effective damage spell at level 3. Use it to hit multiple enemies multiple times.
• Wet status from Create Water​ or Water Bottle + Lightning Bolt​ almost guarantees a win in the encounter. You can do this from level 5.
• Glyph of Warding​ can be used to put multiple enemies to Sleeping. This is especially effective if you know that your other area of effect spells will not be enough to effectively damage targets.
• Hold Person​ is a great spell, but I only recommend using it if you have an 80% success chance; otherwise, it is not worth risking the whole action point.

Late Game Combat

The Magic Missile Build comes online at about level 10-11. This is when you get Empowered Evocation. As a Wizard, you can cast various damage and control spells, but I will mainly emphasize Magic Missile​ usage:

1. Check the Combo section on how to maximize the Magic Missile​ and Curriculum of Strategy: Artistry of War​ damage. The latter is an upgraded version, and I recommend using it on stronger enemies that have at least 100 HP.
2. For good damage, Gloves of Belligerent Skies, Markoheshkir, Callous Glow Ring already ensure that you deal high damage. With further optimizations, you can reach some big numbers.
3. Make sure you have a Light​ spell on yourself or ally with a shining weapon to illuminate enemies. This way you will deal a bonus 2 Radiant damage from Callous Glow Ring.
4. Before combat, I recommend activating Expeditious Retreat​ so that you can use a bonus action in combat to activate Arcane Synergy for bonus damage.
5. And you are ready to launch your missiles!

Here are some other tips that I think are helpful in general for the Wizard.

• Sleet Storm​ is an amazing spell; if you have a Warlock or a Bard, use it together with Hunger of Hadar​ to disable a large group of enemies.
• Ice Storm​ is a great spell to create ice surfaces and does not require concentration.
• If you are fighting a boss first time, I recommend Globe of Invulnerability. This will greatly reduce risks and allow you to evaluate the encounter before jumping into offensive combat.
• Confusion​ is an amazing spell that can be cast on the first turn. I recommend using it if you see multiple enemies bunched up together. This way, all of them get affected, and they can start fighting each other.
• Use Hexblade's Curse​ against targets where you need maximum damage, like bosses.

Build Variations

There are a few variations that the build could be changed about. I think it is more for advanced players who are likely doing some deeper optimizations.

Setup	Description
2 Lv Cleric 10 Lv Wizard	This can be an extremely strong setup, especially if you take Tempest Domain Cleric. It can maximize Chain Lightning​ damage, using Destructive Wrath​. Apply Wet, and you will see damage of up to 200 per target. You also gain heavy armor and shield proficiency, but this is optional in the late game.
12 Lv Wizard	This is what I covered in the build, and it gives access to the third Feat.

Conclusion

Thank you for reading the Magic Missile build for Baldur's Gate 3. It is a unique setup that exploits two spells, similar to homing missiles, which never miss. The build uses the Wizard class due to Empowered Evocation. The post should help you with the correct leveling setup and gear pickups.

Cheers!