Baldur's Gate 3 Summoner Builds: Creating a Monster-Calling Master
Imagine being able to call upon an army of monstrous creatures to fight by your side in the world of Faerun. In Baldur's Gate 3, you can make this a reality with the right summoner build. However, the subclass that seems like it should be the best at summoning creatures is surprisingly outdone by its own specialization.
The Evolution of Summoning in D&D 5E
For those familiar with the old Baldur's Gate or Neverwinter Nights games, you might be surprised to find that summoning plays a relatively minor role in Baldur's Gate 3. This shift in design reflects the changes made in D&D 5E, where the emphasis on spawning multiple pets was toned down to streamline the combat system and remove the need for players to manage their own minions.
Necromancers: The Unlikely Summoning Masters
The Necromancer (School of Necromancy Wizard) takes the top spot as the best summoner in Baldur's Gate 3. With access to spells like Find Familiar and Flaming Sphere at lower levels, they also gain the powerful Animate Dead spell at level 3. This includes an exclusive trait that bolsters the strength of their summoned skeletons and allows them to call forth even more undead minions.
As they progress, Necromancers will also unlock a wide range of summoning options, including:
- Animate Dead
- Conjure Minor Elementals
- Evard's Black Tentacles
- Conjure Elemental
- Planar Binding
- Create Undead
Why Conjurers Are Not the Best Summoners
One might assume that the Conjurer (School of Conjuration Wizard) would be the most skilled summoner in the game, given their focus on conjuration magic. However, in reality, Conjurers excel more at teleportation than they do at summoning creatures from other dimensions.
Turning Gale into a Summoning Powerhouse
If you don't want to make your protagonist the party's summoner, Gale can be a fantastic alternative. Since he doesn't have a subclass when you meet him, you can mold him into the summoner you need.
With the right build, Gale can become an Animate Dead specialist, complete with:
- Bonuses to HP and damage for Animate Dead minions
- An additional summon per cast
Combine these abilities with Wizard Spells like Slow and Counterspell, and you'll be well-equipped to protect your summoned army from enemy AoE spells.
Of course, this approach comes with its own set of challenges, particularly in terms of party management. However, the payoff is well worth the extra effort.