I am but a stripling level 4 sorcerer in Baldur's Gate 3, still learning to distinguish my Magic Missiles from my Chromatic Orbs, my Cantrips from my Colour Sprays (or at least, restore my memories of these concepts from my long-ago Baldur's Gate 2 playthrough). I've just discovered the finer applications of Mage Hands, which are a great antidote to goblin archers - simply spawn one behind the offender, use it to hurl them from the cliff they're standing on, and chuck a nearby crate after them for good measure. Magical indeed! Or so I thought, before I read about the real spells that lurk at the top of the level-up ladder in the D&D player handbook.
These feats of wizardry make Mage Handing seem about as otherworldly as setting an alarm clock. Take Wish, a ninth level conjuration that allows you to "alter the very foundations of reality in accord with your desires", up to and including generating pricey equipment from nothing and rewinding time. Or how about Prismatic Wall, which spawns an ephemeral barrier 90-feet long, made up of seven layers that inflict a different effect on any creature passing through, from poison to petrification? Spicy enough for you, goblin archers? Sadly, it doesn't sound like either of these spells is hidden away anywhere in Baldur's Gate 3, which caps progression at level 12. And it's far from certain that they'll be added in the shape of an expansion pack. There's a good reason for this: higher level D&D spells and abilities are so potent it's hard to include them without turning Baldur's Gate 3 characters into gods.
Where do you get a shovel Baldur's Gate 3? As you explore Faerun, your party will sometimes roll a Survival check. If any one of your members are successful, it'll reveal a dirt mound that you can dig up. And if they're not, you'll have to reload a previous save or move on. Usually, this mound will contain a treasure chest, which may contain anything from gold, powerful items, or magical scrolls. However, you'll need a shovel as no one in your party wants to get their hands dirty.
Do you have questions about other mechanics in Baldur's Gate 3? One of the most difficult choices you'll have to make is the best class to play, though luckily our comprehensive guide has you covered. Or maybe you have specific questions about the many difficult quests in the game. If so, our quest overview is for you. That out of the way, read on to find out where to find and use a shovel as you journey through Faerun.
RELATED LINKS:
Baldur's Gate 3 Astarion companion guide
Baldur's Gate 3 Karlach companion guide
Best Baldur's Gate 3 companions
What are the Baldur's Gate 3 difficulty differences? There are currently three difficulty options in Baldur's Gate 3: explorer, balanced, and tactician. Each offers its own way to play the game, and no choice is the wrong one. Do you want a steep challenge every time you have to fight even the most docile enemies, or would you rather enjoy the story without having to reload when a pack of goblins kills Gale and knocks out Laezel? What about something in the middle? It's completely up to how you want to enjoy your adventures through Faerun.
To make the most of the higher difficulties, our other Baldur's Gate 3 guides will come in handy, including our overview of the best classes, as a balanced party is a necessity. Furthermore, as our review mentions, you'll also want to get an idea of the right race to choose for your playthrough. With all that information under your belt, read on to find out which BG3 difficulty level is for you.
RELATED LINKS:
Baldur's Gate 3 Astarion companion guide
Baldur's Gate 3 Karlach companion guide
Best Baldur's Gate 3 companions