How to Change Spells in Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3)

Managing your spells in Baldur’s Gate 3 can be tricky, especially if you’re controlling multiple spellcasters. The game follows Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition rules, meaning spell preparation and selection varies by class. This guide will walk you through preparing, changing, and respeccing spells so you can maximize your combat efficiency.

1. How Spellcasting Works by Class

The ability to change your spells depends on your class:

Classes that can prepare spells anytime (except in combat):

• Cleric
• Druid
• Paladin
• Wizard

Classes that can only change spells when leveling up or respeccing:

• Bard
• Fighter (Eldritch Knight subclass)
• Ranger
• Rogue (Arcane Trickster subclass)
• Sorcerer
• Warlock

Note: Spells gained from your race are permanent and cannot be changed.

2. Preparing Spells (Clerics, Druids, Paladins, Wizards)

These classes always “know” all their class spells but can only prepare a limited number at a time.

Steps to prepare spells:

1. Open your Spellbook:
   • Keyboard: Press I (Inventory & Equipment), then click the Spellbook icon.
   • Controller: Press Right Trigger (RT), select Spellbook in the radial menu.
2. View your Prepared Spells row.
3. To change a spell:
   • Click a spell you want to remove.
   • Click a spell you want to add.
   • Spells are listed by level (I, II, III, etc.).

Important Notes:

• Cantrips can only be changed on level-up.
• Wizards must learn spells from scrolls or leveling up.
• Clerics, Druids, and Paladins automatically know all their class spells.
• You must take a long rest to replenish spell slots after use.

3. Changing Spells on Level-Up

For bards, fighters, rangers, rogues, sorcerers, and warlocks, spell changes are only possible during level-up.

Steps:

1. Click the arrow icon on your character portrait to level up.
2. Go to the Spells heading to choose new spells. They appear at the bottom of the window.
3. To replace spells, click Change under the Out box, select a spell to remove, then click Change under the In box to add a new one.
4. Click Accept to finish.

4. Changing Spells by Respeccing

If you want to completely change your spell loadout for classes that can’t prepare on the fly:

1. Locate Withers in the game world.
2. Use Withers to respec your character, allowing you to redistribute all abilities, spells, and stats.

Check out our full guide: How to Respec in Baldur’s Gate 3 for detailed instructions.

Tips for Managing Your Spells in BG3

• Adapt to encounters: Classes that prepare spells can swap them based on anticipated challenges.
• Use long rests strategically: Replenish spell slots and adjust prepared spells for upcoming fights.
• Track level-up spells: Keep a mental note of new spells gained when leveling.

Conclusion

Changing and preparing spells in Baldur’s Gate 3 depends heavily on your class. Whether swapping spells before a fight, selecting new spells at level-up, or respeccing with Withers, knowing how and when to adjust your spell loadout is crucial to mastering your spellcaster.

Master these techniques to optimize your strategy, dominate combat, and enjoy the full BG3 spellcasting experience.