Best Abjuration Wizard build - Ultimate Tank - Baldur's Gate 3 (BG3)

The best Abjuration Wizard Build - Ultimate Tank for Baldur's Gate 3. It is the most unique Wizard subclass, giving a lot of defensive options. The Abjuration School provides a unique Arcane Ward​ effect to reduce damage both for yourself and your allies. Moreover, as a Wizard, you can still cast various damage and control spells.

Abjuration Wizard Build - Ultimate Tank

This subclass's main draw is its Arcane Ward​ effect. You will be able to easily stack it by casting Abjuration spells. With various buffs, this can ensure that you negate large amounts of damage both for yourself and your allies.

With big defense covered, there is another side of the coin - reflective damage. Here it will get ridiculous, where enemies, just for attacking you, will inflict 100+ damage to themselves, but you will get 0. This is thanks to a few items and spells like Armour of Agathys​ and Fire Shield.

The Wizard is also capable of learning and casting all the amazing offensive spells like Lightning Bolt, Fireball, etc. To empower this Ultimate Tank Build, I also recommend multiclassing into  Sorcerer and Cleric. They will bring amazing synergies that you can exploit for an even more powerful version of the build.

Class Contribution

10 Abjuration 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.
• Arcane Ward​ - the main highlight of this subclass, allowing you to soak damage depending on the number of Arcane Ward​ stacks.
• Projected Ward​ - a defensive reaction, to soak damage for an ally using your own Arcane Ward​ stacks.
• Excellent quality of life improvement with Improved Abjuration,​ where it's easier to maintain a high amount of Arcane Ward​ stacks via short resting.

1 Tempest Cleric

• Proficiencies with shields and medium armor, allowing for more equipment options
• Can apply Wet​ status for other casters with Create or Destroy Water, to empower your Lightning/cold spells.
• Access to Guidance,​ which is a great all-around cantrip for exploration and dialogue part of the game.
• Wrath of the Storm​ reaction for additional damage when getting hit with damage..

1 Draconic Sorcerer

• Constitution saving throw proficiency for better maintainability of spells during combat
• Defensive spell Shield​ to improve survivability from enemy normal attacks.
• Access to additional cantrips like Friends, Booming Blade, etc.

Synergy with other builds

This build does have a few options that make the Abjuration wizard shine as an excellent member.

Lightning/Cold themed

So the build revolves around two key aspects dealing cold damage with reflects like Armour of Agathys​ and doubling its damage using Wet. So anything that applies the status or deals cold/lightning damage is an excellent synergy option, and there are many:

• Generally, any standard Cleric build will work as they can cast Create Water. However, for maximum efficiency, Tempest Cleric is the best pick. They get Call Lightning​ and more theme-related spells.
• Druids are also a good choice as they come with Create Water​ and some lightning spells. The main highlight would be Land Druid. A very popular variation of it is Thundersnow Herald, which comes with both Cold and Lightning spells for total annihilation.
• Sorcadin with access to Lightning Bolt.
• And.... Many of the Sorcerer variations - Storm Sorcerer, Talos Dragonling Build, etc.

Damage Resistances

Another aspect that the Abjuration Wizard needs is to resist damage so that their temporary HP is not reduced while having Armour of Agathys. With this in mind, your goal is to get Warding Bond. Almost any cleric can do this, but there is one specific build that I can recommend, which specializes in damage absorption - Life Cleric.

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	Sorcerer	Skills: Arcana, History, Investigation, Nature
		Cantrips: Friends, Light, Mage Hand, Minor Illusion​
		Spells: Magic Missile, Shield​
		Subclass: Draconic Bloodline
		Dragon Ancestor: Draconic Ancestry: White (Cold)​
		Abilities: STR - 8, DEX - 14, CON - 16, INT - 17, WIS - 10, CHA - 8
2	Cleric	Subclass: Tempest Domain
		Cantrips: Blade Ward, Thaumaturgy, Resistance​
		Prepared Spells: Create or Destroy Water​
3	Wizard	Spells: Chromatic Orb, Thunderwave, anything else
		Cantrips: Fire Bolt, Shocking Grasp, Ray of Frost​​
		Scribe Spells: Cloud of Daggers​
4	Wizard	Subclass: Abjuration
		Spells: Thunderwave, anything
5	Wizard	Spells: Cloud of Daggers, Web​
		Scribe Spells: Glyph of Warding, Fireball, Lightning Bolt​
6	Wizard	Cantrips: any
		Spells: Scorching Ray, Misty Step​
		Feat: Ability Improvement - +2 Intelligence or Heavy Armour Master​
7	Wizard	Spells: Counterspell, Glyph of Warding​
		Scribe Spells: Fire Shield, Confusion​
8	Wizard	Spells: Lightning Bolt, Fireball​
9	Wizard	Spells: Any, make sure you have - Fire Shield
		Scribe Spells: Conjure Elemental, Cone of Cold
10	Wizard	Spells: Ice Storm, Confusion​
		Feat Level 8: Ability Improvement +2 Intelligence.
11	Wizard	Spells: Conjure Elemental, Cone of Cold​
		Scribing Spells: Chain Lightning, Globe of Invulnerability​
12	Wizard	Cantrips: anything
		Spells: anything

Starting the Game - Level 1

This section covers the creation screen and what would go into the best Races, Abilities, and Skills for the Abjuration Wizard 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
Wood Half-Elf	Civil Militia​ Darkvision​ Fey Ancestry​ Fleet of Foot - your movement speed is increased by 1.5m.	Amazing choice, thanks to its increased movement speed. Moreover, it gets Shield proficiency and boosts Armour Class.
Human	Civil Militia​ Human Versatility​	This is one of the rare cases where I recommend this race. It helps this build to maintain a solid Armour Class by giving Shield Proficiency.
Wood Elf	Darkvision​ Elven Weapon Training​ Fey Ancestry​ Fleet of Foot - your movement speed is increased by 1.5m.	The bonus movement speed is amazing, everything is very similar to Wood Half-Elf.
Githyanki	Martial Prodigy​	Get's some amazing bonus features - Misty Step, Astral Knowledge, etc.
Halfling	Halfling Luck​ Brave​	Any subrace will work. What matters is the Halfling Luck​ that will improve role-playing aspects with high roll success chances. Moreover, these will also work well later, if you will plan on using some attack roll spells.

Class

The first thing, that may be counterintuitive is that you will start with Sorcerer. The main reasons are:

• Get proficiency in Constitution Saving Throws. This is important as it allows you to sustain Concentration on spells with a higher chance.
• Have the correct spellcasting modifier, which depends on the last level 1 class taken via multiclassing (it will be Wizard).
• You will get some Abjuration spells, which will save Wizard Prepared spell slots.
• Obtain Armour of Agathys​ - the main pillar of the build.

Overview
Sorcerer
Features
Spell Slots	These can be used to cast spells and are restored each long rest.

Cantrips

Take only those cantrips that are utility or support, and avoid damaged ones. The reason is that they will use the Charisma spellcasting modifier, but we only care about Intelligence. So you will get them from the Wizard.

Cantrips	Description
Friends​	If you are the main character and do most of the dialogue, this is mandatory as it gives an advantage on dialogue rolls.
Light​	Light dark areas. For now, it is nothing spectacular, but later this spell will play a big role.
Booming Blade​	Later, once you get Mourning Frost, it will be useful to use melee attacks and land effects like Chilled​ or Encrusted with Frost.
Minor Illusion​	Use this to attract NPCs or enemies to one point. It needs to be used outside of combat for the effect to be worth it.

Spells

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.
Shield​	This spell is awesome as it will increase your Arcane Ward, but also give a huge boost to survivability. However, for now, don't use it too much as you will be left without spell slots.

Subclass

Overview
Draconic Bloodline
Features
Draconic Resilience​	This negates the need for Mage Armour.
Draconic Resilience: Hit Points	Just a bonus 1 HP for this build, so nothing fancy.

Dragon Ancestor

Ancestor	Description
Draconic Ancestry: White (Cold)​	The build relies on the Armour of Agathys​ spell, which is received from this subclass of Sorcerer. This will be a game changer, check for the combat section on how to use this correctly.

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 of Intelligence.

Abilities

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

Ability	Value	Description
Strength	8	The build only requires strength if you will use Booming Blade​ attacks. However, to improve hit chance, you can just chug Elixir of Hill Giant Strength.
Dexterity	14	This plays an important role in improving armor class and increasing initiative. Going early will allow you to land damage or control spells. If you have plenty of experience with the game, you might switch this with Constitution to get better initiative and stay with lower HP.
Constitution	16 (15+1)	The Constitution plays a very important role in this build, at least until Act 3. It will improve your survivability in case Arcane Ward​ gets destroyed. Moreover, this will help maintain spell concentration.
Intelligence	17 (15+2) - With Auntie Ethel Hair +1 Intelligence  16 (14+2) - No Hair	The main spellcasting modifier of the build, which will improve spell success chance. It also
Wisdom	10 - with Auntie Ethel Hair 12 - no hair	Additional Wisdom to avoid any negative modifiers, as many spells target this ability.
Charisma	8	If you want a few points here, you could subtract them from Wisdom; otherwise, I would rely on bonuses from Guidance, Friends, etc.

Skills and Expertise

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

• Arcana
• History
• Investigation
• Nature
• Religion

Leveling Progression - Levels 2-12

Here is the detailed progression for the Abjuration Wizard 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

Sadly, you will not take Wizard yet, and instead multiclass into Cleric, which will give some more benefits that will be needed later in the playthrough.

Level 2 - multiclass into Cleric Lv 1

By this time, you should have landed on the Ravaged beach already. First step is to multiclass into cleric, which can be done in the level up screen:

Why do we do this? Here are a few benefits:

• You obtain Shield and Heavy armor proficiency, which helps in early and late games with survivability.
• Obtain Create or Destroy Water​ to improve Lightning and Ice spell damage.
• Obtain Wrath of the Storm​ for bonus damage via reactions

Class

Overview
Cleric
Features
Domain Spells​	These bonus spells save some slots.
Spell Slots	These can be used to cast spells and are restored each long rest.

Cantrips

Here, only take those cantrips that are support or utility, do not take the damage ones.

Cantrip	Description
Blade Ward​	Generally, I do not recommend this perk. However, the build benefits a lot from the reduced damage later on. For now, it is good to have.
Thaumaturgy​	Gives a higher chance of succeeding in intimidation dialogues.
Resistance​	It can be useful in some encounters; otherwise, use it before combat.
Guidance​	One of the best cantrips in terms of out-of-combat utility, helping with dialogue or any other rolls.

Subclass

Overview
Tempest Domain
Features
Wrath of the Storm​	This will be useful together with Create or Destroy Water​ to double lightning damage using Reaction.

Deity

Pick anything based on roleplay or other choices.

Prepare Spells

Pick one of these options:

• Create or Destroy Water​ - this one is mandatory as it will give a huge improvement once you start using Armour of Agathys​ a lot.
• Sanctuary​ - great spell for those "oh shit" moments, where you can instantly protect yourself.

Level 3 - Wizard Lv 1

Finally, this is the first level that we will be multiclassing into Wizard. Because you now have both level 1 and level 2 spell slots, there are a lot of spell-scribing opportunities.

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

Here you can now finally take damage cantrips, as they will scale off Intelligence:

Cantrip	Description
Fire Bolt​	Although the build will go more into Lightning and Frost, having a fire cantrip can be useful to light up surfaces or exploding barrels.
Shocking Grasp​	This is a melee range spell, that also disables enemy reactions.
Ray of Frost​	Long-range spell, that deals double damage on wet enemies.

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
Thunderwave​	Situationally useful spell, that can instantly kill targets if they are thrown off the ledge.
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 2 Spells for Leveling and Scribing

Because you already have level 2 spell slots, this means that you can start scribing these spells already (although you cannot learn them via the leveling screen).

• 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.

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 4 - Wizard Lv 2

You will now get access to the Wizard subclass.

Subclass

Overview
Abjuration
Features
Arcane Ward​	The protective ward is very powerful once you can have multiple stacks in later levels. For now, it is a slight boost to survivability.
Abjuration Savant	Abjuration spells are cheaper to learn.

Spells

Pick two spells from the recommended list on the previous level.

Level 5 - Wizard Lv 3

You can learn level 2 spells, and scribe level 3 spells, which unlocks huge combat potential.

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 6 - Wizard Lv 4

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

Cantrips

Spells

Pick an additional 2 spells from the recommended lists

Feat

Feat	Description
Dual Wielder​	My go-to recommendation if you would like to use Mourning Frost with Phalar Aluve, for the best damage reflection setup at this stage.
Ability Improvement - +2 Intelligence	The safe pick, which improves Spell Save DC for a better spell success chance.

Level 7 - Wizard Lv 5

I would say this is the level where the Abjuration Wizard can start its main rotations with full throttle. You have plenty of spell slots, access to level 3 and level 4 spells, and decent gear.

Spells

Be sure to learn Counterspell​ as it is the only way to get it.

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
Fire Shield	The main spell to take from level 4 spells. Fire Shield: Chill​ is what you want and will greatly improve the reflective damage.
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

Fire Shield​ is mandatory to add once you scribe it.

Level 8 - Wizard Lv 6

This level gives an awesome feature, that will improve survivability not just for yourself but for your allies.

Features	Description
Projected Ward​	This is a lifesaver as you can help your allies and reduce the damage they take with your reaction.

Spells

Add any of the spells that I have already recommended

Prepared Spells

Adjust based on your needs

Level 9 - Wizard Lv 7

This level allows scribing level 5 spells, and you can start picking additional level 4 spells that you have not yet learned.

Level 5 Spells for Leveling and Scribing

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

Spell	Description
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.
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

Prepared Spells

Add any of the relevant spells.

Level 10 - Wizard Lv 8

The Wizard Tank build gets access to the second feat

Spells

Pick any of the spells that I have recommended previously.

Prepare Spells

Add any relevant spells

Feat

There are multiple good feats to pick from. Here are a few favorites of mine:

Feat	Description
Ability Improvement - +2 Intelligence	The safe pick, which improves Spell Save DC for better spellcasting
Magic Initiate: Druid​	This option gives access to Shillelagh,​ which is a useful option if you would like to use Ironvine Shield for its damage reflection properties.
Heavy Armour Master​	I would take this option only if you are using Armour of Persistence or any other heavy armor.
Lucky​	Great feat for improving your success chance of Saving Throws against incoming enemy spells. Moreover, if enemies are using ranged attacks, you could use this to avoid those and save Arcane Ward​ stacks.

Level 11 - Wizard Lv 9

Now you can also learn any level 5 spells that you skipped and start scribing those Level 6 spells - and they are powerful.

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.

Level 12 - Wizard Lv 10

And the Abjuration Wizard build the last level. This is a huge improvement on what has already been done, but the main highlight is:

Feature	Description
Improved Abjuration​	Thanks to this, it will be much easier to maintain Arcane Ward​ stacks and will save a lot of spell slots.

Cantrips

To be honest, by now you can take anything as all the things the build needs are already covered.

Spells

Pick any of the previously recommended spells

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.

Intelligence

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

This will allow you to reach 20 natural Intelligence, and result in a +5 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 Flying	Gives very high mobility, which improves the moved distance. Especially useful for this build to tag more enemies. Best if you pop it before combat.
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.
Elixir of Universal Resistance	Provides resistance to all damage types for 10 turns. It is an alternative to Blade Ward​ or Warding Bond​ effect if you don't have access to these, particularly the latter one.
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.
Potion of Angelic Reprieve	An easy way to restore level 1-2 spell slots. These are mainly used for Divine Smite.
Potion of Angelic Slumber	Fully restores all spell slots, making it a very powerful consumable without needing a long rest.
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 Hill Giant Strength	Boost the strength to empower your attack rolls for those Booming Blade​ attacks. I do recommend this for Acts 1 and 2.
Elixir of Bloodlust	Not that relevant option, unless you are spellcasting offensive spells. The reflective damage kills will not activate this.
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.
Psionic Overload​	Base	Casting this improves your reflective damage. However, it can additionally eat through your Arcane Ward​ stacks as you take damage every turn.
Shield of Thralls​	Base	Amazing spell that can help with survivability in case your temporary HP gets destroyed. If this happens, you can make nearby enemies Stunned,​ giving a huge opportunity.
Cull the Weak​	Base	It can help to kill an enemy faster if it is left with a few HP. The problem is that some of the item effects will not activate, like the Elixir of Bloodlust. You can disable the Cull the Weak​ in the passives tab of the hotbar.
Psionic Backlash​​​	Base	Deals additional damage with a reaction against enemies that use spells. This is an inferior version of Psionic Dominance,​ which you can obtain later.
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	This can help deal with enemy spells that are lower level, especially if you want to save Counterspell​ use or don't have access to it.
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 Best Abjuration Wizard Build. Items are especially important as they take the build to the next level thanks to their unique effects.

Act 1

So, for the majority of Act 1, you will be a standard caster build. The build only becomes reasonably effective from level 6. So, I would like to split the gear recommendation into two parts:

Pre level 6 - caster equipment

Slot	Item	Description
Melee (One-Handed)	The Spellsparkler	When used with Magic Missile,​ you can generate multiple Lightning Charges and drastically improve the damage output of the spell.
	Melf's First Staff	Gives +1 to spell attack rolls or DC. An alternative to The Spellsparkler in case it is used by someone else.
	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.
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. This is important as you may not have used for bonus action if your Sorcery points have been expended, so this will allow some bonus damage.
Shield	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	Increases Spell Save Difficulty Counter, while obscured. Very easy to activate, use Shift, to see the sun icon, it should be half or full empty.
	The Lifebringer	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.
Gloves	Gloves of Belligerent Skies	Applies Reverbation when dealing thunder or lightning damage. With 5 stacks, this will deal a bonus 1d4 damage and can make enemies Prone. This can be easily achieved once you have The Spellsparkler.
	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	Excellent shoes for applying Reverbation. However, if you have a Cleric or other Spirit Guardians​ user I would save these on them.
	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 Striding	Gives additional protection against being Prone.
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. This way you could get additional sorcery points.
	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.
	Fetish of Callarduran Smoothhands	Allows Casting invisibility for free once per long rest.
	Ring of Absolute Force	Bonus thunder damage to thunder spells works with 5 Reverbation stacks from Boots of Stormy Clamour.

Level 6 - reflective damage setup

Slot	Item	Description
Melee (One-Handed)	Mourning Frost	This is a great staff, both for hitting to apply Chilled​ and bonus cold damage, which will apply to Armour of Agathys.
	Phalar Aluve	If you don't have a cleric who can use this sword, I would then equip it using Dual Wielder​ feat. The Phalar Aluve: Shriek​ can get some ridiculous damage riders on reflection damage.
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 a bonus action to break water bottles to apply wet.
Shield	Adamantine Shield	The goal here is to remove any critical hit chances so that you have better survivability.
Head	Haste Helm	Improves movement speed, which means that you can provoke more Attacks of Opportunity.
	Holy Lance Helm	This helmet works the other way around; it reflects damage when enemies miss you. So it's not the best pick, and better used on a full-fledged cleric.
Armor	The Oak Father's Embrace	In terms of damage reflection, this armor is the simplest pick and works against two enemy types that you meet in Act 1 and Act 2.
	Infernal Robe	I would say this is the best robe in Act 1. Once you are level 6-7, you can start reflecting damage as an Abjuration Wizard, and this armor allows using Fire Shield: Warm, for bonus damage together with Armour of Agathys. It does have a very unpopular decision requirement....
	Adamantine Splint Armour	Reduces incoming damage, but does come with high Armour Class, which would reduce the enemy's hit chances.
Gloves	Winter's Clutches	I love these gloves as they pair well with Mourning Frost to apply the Encrusted with Frost​ effect.
	Gloves of Baneful Striking	If you do melee attacks with your weapon, these gloves are excellent for that, as they will debuff your targets.
Boots	Disintegrating Night Walkers	All of these boots will help you walk freely on Ice. The Disintegrating Night Walkers are especially powerful as they allow walking on almost any difficult surface.
	Hoarfrost Boots
	Boots of Striding
	The Watersparkers	These can be a great boot choice, especially as you will use Create Water​ during combat.
Amulet	Periapt of Wound Closure	In case you reach Downed​ state, this amulet will help you get up.
	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	Crusher's Ring	Amazing ring that allows moving longer distances.
	The Sparkswall	Reduces lightning damage received, especially useful to combo with The Watersparkers.

Act 2 - mid-game

Slot	Item	Description
Melee (One-handed)	-	Weapons from the previous Act.
Ranged	Darkfire Shortbow	Amazing bow that allows to precast Haste​ before combat. This may not seem big as you can use Potion of Speed, but sometimes its short duration is not enough. Otherwise, stay with bows from the previous act.
Shield	Absolute's Protector	This gives you Fire Shield: Chill, which further generates ice damage.
	Ketheric's Shield	Gives bonus Spell Save DC, which is amazing for better success when casting spells.
	Ironvine Shield	To effectively use this shield, you need to get Shillelagh. The only way to obtain this cantrip is to get Magic Initiate: Druid​ and pick it there. However, I found its damage reflection not to work that good, so I skipped the shield.
Head	Fistbreaker Helm	If you are more inclined for spellcasting maybe using scrolls, I would go with this, as it improves spell success chance.
	Coldbrim Hat	This hat can apply additional Encrusted with Frost​ when attacking using Booming Blade.
Cloak	Fleshmelter Cloak	The best cloak in terms of damage reflection
Armor	The Oak Father's Embrace	For Act 2, this is hands down the best armor for reflection damage. There are plenty of undead enemies that will gladly enjoy this reflected damage.
	Rippling Force Mail	Another option for armour to stack Force Conduit​ and reduce incoming damage.
Gloves	Gloves of Battlemage's Power	As you are a caster at the core, you can use melee attacks with Booming Blade​ to build up Arcane Acuity.
	Winter's Clutches	With Mourning Frost equipped you have an easy source of cold damage to apply Encrusted with Frost​.
Boots	-	The Act 1 boots that give Prone​ resistance are my picks.
Amulet	Amulet of Misty Step	Gives mobility improvement thanks to the Misty Step​ spell.
	Spellcrux Amulet	Can be used to restore spell slots, and unequip after that.
Rings	Callous Glow Ring	This ring can do nice reflection damage as it procs on Armour of Agathys​ and Fleshmelter Cloak.
	True Love's Caress	Equip this ring and allow a party member to cast Warding Bond​ on you while wearing True Love's Embrace. This will give you resistance to all the damage, greatly improving survivability.
	Crusher's Ring	Still a good ring for better movement distance.
	Snowburst Ring	An option for creating ice fields. This does give some control options, but enemies that are Prone​ will not attack you, reducing the reflection damage.
	Ring of Twilight	While obscured (which happens when standing in shadows) you get a bonus armor class for survivability.

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.

Here you have a few weapon setup options:

• Main hand weapon - Markoheshkir, Phalar Aluve, etc. with a shield in the offhand
• Dual wielding with Dual Wielder​ feat - Markoheshkir + Phalar Aluve or Phalar Aluve + Rhapsody, etc.

Slot	Item	Description
Melee (One-Handed)	Markoheshkir (BiS)	The best staff for a spellcaster. Even though the build maximizes reflective damage, you are still a full spellcaster wizard, which can utilize spells like Cone of Cold​ or Chain Lightning. So activate Kereska's Favour​ and pick either Bolts of Doom​ or Frost of Dark Winter.
	Staff of Spell Power	Another spellcaster weapon alternative with Spell Save DC boost and access to Arcane Battery.
	Phalar Aluve	This can be worn both as Dual Wielder​ option or in the main hand. The Phalar Aluve: Shriek​ gives multiple damage riders on reflective damage. Still, if you have another caster like a cleric who can activate Phalar Aluve, then go for the other weapon option.
	Mourning Frost	The Act 1 staff is still relevant. In case you do occasional Booming Blade, otherwise I would go for other options.
Melee (Off-Hand)	Rhapsody	Offhand weapon with Scarlet Remittance​ effect for substantial spellcasting boost.
Shield	Swires' Sledboard	Allows stacking Force Conduit,​ which reduces incoming damage.
Ranged	Hellrider Longbow (BiS)	Gives a big boost to the initiative, guaranteeing that you can go first. However, you will need to get Longbow proficiency from race.
Head	Helm of Balduran	You can use the helmet together with The Reviving Hands to always activate Blade Ward.
	Hood of the Weave	The hood gives solid +2 Spell Save DC, greatly improving spell success chance.
Cloak	Fleshmelter Cloak	Easy source of reflective damage, which will also proc some other damage riders like Callous Glow Ring.
Armor	Bonespike Garb	The best reflective armor
	Armour of Persistence	While using this armour, you have a source of Blade Ward​ reducing the incoming damage, and needing to use The Reviving Hands.
	Robe of the Weave	Just a pure caster alternative to better land those spells.
Gloves	The Reviving Hands	These can work together with Helm of Balduran or Ring of Regeneration to activate Blade Ward​ and greatly reduce incoming 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,
	Helldusk Gloves	Very good gloves, but might be contested by other builds, specifically martial ones.
Boots	Helldusk Boots (BiS)	Gives better movement mobility and ignores various surface effects.
	Disintegrating Night Walkers	Continues to be one of the best boot options.
Amulet	Amulet of Greater Health	This amulet not only improves your survivability but also makes it easier to concentrate on spells. Another underlying reason is Bonespike Garb, which uses the constitution modifier for damage reflection.
	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 best ring in terms of damage. It stacks multiple times with various reflection effects.
	Ring of Feywild Sparks	This is the only ring that gives a bonus Spell Save DC. This may be a bug that might be patched in the future.
	Ring of Regeneration	Can be used to activate The Reviving Hands if you don't have Warding Bond​ or a support caster to apply Blade Ward.
	Ring of Protection	The ring is still a solid choice to maintain optimal Armour Class.
	True Love's Caress	Equip this ring and allow a party member to cast Warding Bond​ on you while wearing True Love's Embrace. This will give you resistance to all the damage, greatly improving survivability, without the need to increase armor.

Build Mechanics

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

Important Mechanics and Combos

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

Effectiveness of Arcane Ward

The main selling point of the Abjuration Wizard is its Arcane Ward. You can easily stack it up, by casting Abjuration spells:

• Shield​ - sadly, this doesn't give Arcane Ward,​ but maybe in the future it will be fixed.
• Arcane Lock​ - a perfect spell to build up stacks via locking nearby containers.
• Protection from Evil and Good​
• Armour of Agathys​
• Glyph of Warding​
• Counterspell​
• etc.

The level of the spell you cast will determine how many stacks you get. The stack amount cannot go above twice your wizard level. So you can obtain stacks naturally throughout the combat, or prepare yourself in the camp. You can also use scrolls like Scroll of Arcane Lock, Scroll of Glyph of Warding, etc., to save spell slots. Probably you will collect plenty of these, so that's a great way to use them.

Now, how does this all work? Imagine you have 5 stacks of Arcane Ward. The enemy hits you for 7 damage. The damage is reduced 7-5=2. And you also lose 1 stack. Now you receive only 2 damage and have 4 stacks left. Pretty neat?

Understanding Damage Reflection

The build is tanky in itself, due to the Arcane Ward​ mechanic. However, another major selling point is its ability to reflect damage. This can get to very high numbers, while you only receive 0 damage.

Here are the main sources of improving reflective damage:

• Armour of Agathys​ - the main source that you will use. It will also help stack Arcane Ward​ stacks. Always cast the highest spell slot. Damage is 30 or 60 if the enemy is Wet​ with a level 6 spell slot.
• Fleshmelter Cloak - reflects acid damage for 1d4
• Fire Shield,​ any version, will reflect damage, but you want the Fire Shield: Chill​ - 2d8 ice damage, which gets doubled with Wet.
• The Oak Father's Embrace - excellent Act 1 and 2, armor option against undeads and monstrosities with 1d6 radiant damage
• Bonespike Garb - uses constitution modifier as the damage basis that you reflect.

So all of these are damage sources from reflection. You can take this a step further, and apply even more damage to each of these sources:

• Callous Glow Ring - 2 radiant damage
• Phalar Aluve - the Phalar Aluve: Shriek​ effect gives the 1d4 thunder rider

As you can see, the results speak for themselves... and this is just from the attack of opportunity

Ranged attack problem

So the main problem with this build is that Ranged enemies can chip away your Arcane Ward​ stacks. Sadly, the damage does not get reflected, and ranged enemies still attack even if the damage will be 0.

The main solution I found is either to let your allies take care of them or move in close to those ranged enemies. They will be forced to move, which will allow you to proc Attack of Opportunity.

Another option is to use control spells like Glyph of Warding: Sleep​ or Hypnotic Pattern​ to disable them.

Baiting enemies with an Attack of Opportunity

The main problem this build has is that enemies might not attack you even if you are a perfect target. For example, if you have very high Arcane Ward​ stacks, they will usually just skip their turns instead of receiving damage from Armour of Agathys​ reflect.

Of course, you still want to maintain some Concentration spell if you are with a group. This way you are still an attractive target, but again, most likely, enemies will go for other targets.

How to solve this? Well, Attack of Opportunity can be used to provoke enemies to attack you on your turn. This means that if there are 4 enemies, each of them can hit you at least once (2 if dual-wielding).

After this, the enemy starts attacking you, and you will reflect damage with all the reflective damage bonuses you have

Maintain a low Armour Class

So once you start using the reflective damage setup at about level 6, your goal is to maintain pretty low Armour Class. The main reason is that you want to be an attractive target for foes and they would not need high rolls to hit you.

My recommendation:

• Act 1 - 13-15 Armour Class
• Act 2 - 14-16 Armour Class
• Act 3 - 15-18 Armour Class

These are my recommendations. You still want to have it somewhat decent, as there are enemy archers, and they could just chip away at your Arcane Ward​ if all attacks land.

Although your goal is to get hit you can cast Spells

This abjuration Wizard build objective is to get hit so that you would reflect Cold damage from Armour of Agathys. However, this should not stop you from preparing and casting spells.

As a Wizard, you have access to some really powerful spells that can just mop the floor with enemy bodies. You will already be applying Wet​ for damage reflection, so following up with Lightning Bolt​ or Cone of Cold​ can obliterate groups of enemies.

Getting damage Resistance

So even though you have Arcane Ward​ to remove damage, some of it can pass through, and this means it will eat away your temporary HP used for Armour of Agathys. This is a problem, and you want to reduce the chances of any damage passing to HP. Here are the main ways of getting resistance:

• Warding Bond​ from another cleric
• True Love's Caress + True Love's Embrace for Warding Bond​ if you don't have a cleric
• Blade Ward​ either cast it yourself or from an ally
• The Reviving Hands + Helm of Balduran/Ring of Regeneration/healing potions
• Force Conduit​ from Swires' Sledboard.

All of these will give some damage resistance, which will further improve your survivability and how long you can sustain your Temporary HP.

Wet + Lightning and Cold Spells

I think this is the most important mechanic to learn in Baldur's Gate 3 for a 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, Druid, or yourself cast Create or Destroy Water​
• Throw Water or drop it and have it destroyed by the enemy's feet.
• Have Conjure Elemental: Water Elemental​ to hit with its main attack and apply Chilled​ for cold vulnerability.

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.

Early Game Combat - before Reflect setup

This covers how to play before you get at least 4 levels of Abjuration Wizard for Arcane Ward​ stacking and damage reduction

• 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. 
• 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.

Reflect Setup and Combat

The Abjuration Wizard's full effectiveness comes online at about levels 6+. This is when you can maintain a good amount of Arcane Ward​ to reduce incoming damage and reflect back

• At the start of the day, cast Armour of Agathys​ to build Arcane Ward​ stacks and enable the damage reflection.
• You should precast Fire Shield: Chill​ before combat, as this will save an action point.
• I would also cast Light​ on myself so that Callous Glow Ring would easily proc.
• Apply Create Water​ on enemies so that your reflected cold damage would be doubled.
• If the encounter seems to be overwhelming, with lots of enemies, use Sleet Storm​ to disable groups of foes.
• You can still use melee attacks, especially in Act 2. Use Booming Blade​ + Elixir of Hill Giant Strength, which will inflict decent damage if you want to save spell slots for spellcasting.
• Use Phalar Aluve and apply Phalar Aluve: Shriek​ for more damage, both yourself and your allies.
• Go in and provoke enemies for Attacks of Opportunity, until you are out of movement speed.
• Once all of them have been provoked, you can use spells like Lightning Bolt​ or Cone of Cold​ to finish them off or inflict more damage.
• Conjure Elemental: Water Elemental​ is pretty good and can apply Chilled,​ which doubles cold damage from both spells and Armour of Agathys.

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 Warlock 1 Cleric 9 Wizard	This setup is useful if you plan on using "bugged" Armour of Shadows​ invocation from Warlock. With it, you can infinitely cast the Mage Armour, and then equip heavier armor, which cancels it. After that, equip clothing and cast the spell again. Rinse and repeat. You can forgo the cleric if you have someone to apply Wet​.
1 Sorcerer 11 Wizard	This setup is good if you do not need to Create or Destroy Water. For example, you will have separate Cleric, Druid, or Storm Sorcerer to apply for wet status. This is also an option in the late game when you get Conjure Elemental​ and summon Conjure Elemental: Water Elemental.

Conclusion

Thank you for reading the Abjuration Wizard build - Ultimate Tank for Baldur's Gate 3. This guide will help to make this Ice wizard effective in combat and cover all the needed mechanics for the build to work.

Cheers!