Spells and Cantrips in Baldur’s Gate 3 – How to use and all differences, explained

There are many players who probably don’t know about D&D before playing Baldur’s Gate 3. Larian Studios’ RPG video game is based off of the Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition rules and world. Many mechanics from the beloved TTRPG are available in the latest Baldur’s Gate title. If you’re playing Baldur’s Gate 3, and are confused about all the differences between Spells vs Cantrips, we explain everything you need to know.

What is the difference between Spells and Cantrips in Baldur’s Gate 3?

Many classes in Baldur’s Gate 3 give you access to dozens of spellcasting abilities. Most of the rules about magic from D&D carry over to this game. We’ll explain all the differences between Spells vs Cantrips in Baldur’s Gate 3 in more detail below, but essentially, Spells cost a spell slot, and Cantrips don’t.

If you were to explain the main difference between the two in one sentence, that would be it. Depending on your class and what level you are, you have different amounts of leveled spell slots. They start from level one, and can go up to level five. There’s sort of one level below level one, and that’s a Cantrip.

Screenshot via Larian Studios

Between short and long rests, your character can expend a spell slot by casting a spell. Depending on their class, they’ll be able to regain spell slots through short or long rests. Typically it’s a long rest. If you run out of spell slots, you can’t cast anymore spells at that level until you rest.

Luckily, Cantrips are like free Spells, and they don’t cost any slots. For example, Clerics like Shadowheart can cast the Guidance Cantrip as many times as she pleases. This Cantrip will give you an extra 1d4 (one four-sided die) to add to your skill check. It’s quite helpful when you’re trying to beat a high DC (difficulty class, the number to beat for success) and need that extra boost. Or, if you’re in a fight with no spell slots left, there are certain Cantrips that deal decent damage.

There are quite a few Cantrips available, so choose the right ones for your characters. Many Cantrips are quite underrated, and are great for in and out of combat. You don’t just have to use Cantrips when you run out of spell slots either. Make sure you balance how many spell slots you’re expending by casting some Cantrips during turn-based combat.

Baldur’s Gate 3 is available on Steam.