Some items in Baldur's Gate 3 grant the characters the chance to stack Lightning Charges —tiers of energy that provide attack bonuses — while others consume Lightning Charges to grant a spell or specific feature. So here is a guide on how to create a synergetic build with Lightning Charges.
Best use of Lightning Charges in Baldur's Gate 3
Lightning Charges are streams of energy that course through your character's body and can stack up to 5; however, each turn, one Charge is dissipated and lost.
Each Charge adds +1 to your Attack Rolls and adds 1 point of extra Lightning damage to your attacks. Once you stack five Charges, they are all consumed to deal 1d8 extra Lightning damage.
How to use Lightning Charges with Spellcasters in BG3
For a Lightning Charged Spellcaster, I recommend a human or half-elf Wizard because they get the Civil Militia trait and can wield Shields.
Since this build aims to deal most of its damage through Cantrips, I chose an Evocation Wizard. The Potent Cantrip feature makes enemies take half of the damage against your Cantrips that require Saving Throws, and Empowered Evocation adds your Intelligence modifier to the damage dealt with Evocation Cantrips and Spells.
A Conjuration Wizard is also a good choice since you can cast Create Water without spending a spell slot. That creates a surface you can electrify and stand on to gain Lightning Charges.
Best Lightning Charges Items for Spellcasters in BG3
| Slot | Name | Item | Effect | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head | The Lifebringer | Helmet | When you gain Lightning Charges, you also gain 3 Temporary Hit Points. | Sold by merchant Blurg in the Myconid Village. |
| Armour | The Protecty Sparkswall | Robe (10AC) | +1 to Spell Save DC. As long as you have Lightning Charges, you also have +1 to AC and Saving Throws. | Inside a chest at Grymforge (X: -645, Y: 363). |
| Boots | The Watersparkers | Light Armour | Gain 3 Charges when the wearer starts a turn on an Electrified Surface. | Inside a chest next to Minthara (Shattered Sanctum). |
| Melee Weapon | The Spellsparkler | Staff | Gain 2 Charges when the wielder deals damage with a Cantrip or Spell. | Given as a Reward for the quest Rescue the Grand Duke. |
| Off-hand | The Real Sparky Sparkwall | Shield | Consume 4 Lightning Charges to create a Lightning Aura that damages nearby enemies. | Inside chest at Grymforge (X:-692 Y:420). |
| Amulet | The Blast Pendant | Amulet | As a Bonus Action, your next lightning spell or cantrip deals additional Lightning damage equal to your remaining Lightning Charges. On a hit, all Lightning Charges are consumed. | Dropped by Dhourn in the Underdark. |
Related: Tavern Brawler Monk BG3 build guide
How to use Lightning Charges with Martial Classes in BG3
To get the most out of this build, I chose a Fighter and multiclassed three levels into Rogue. Then, I took the Thief subclass to get an extra bonus action and be able to use two Dashes per turn (for the The Speedy Lightfeet boots).
Optional: you can go for a ranged build by choosing The Joltshooter instead of The Sparky Points as a reward for the quest Rescue The Grand Duke. This bow also grants 2 Charges every time you hit with it.
Take the Ranger class, choose Hunter subclass, and the Horde Breaker feature to have an extra attack when two enemies are close to each other. This will allow you to collect 4 Charges in one attack.
Best Lightning Charges Items for Martial Classes in BG3
| Slot | Name | Type | Effect | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head | The Lifebringer | Helmet | When you gain Lightning Charges, you also gain 3 Temporary Hit Points. | Sold by merchant Blurg in the Myconid Village. |
| Armour | The Jolty Vest | Medium Armour (14AC) | You take 1 less Slashing Damage. When you take damage while being imbued with Charges, the Attacker has to succeed a Saving Throw or become Shocked. | Help the Zhentharim during Missing Shipment and the trader Brem at the Zhentharim Hideout will have it. |
| Boots | The Speedy Lightfeet | Medium Armour | Gain 3 Charges when Dashing in combat. | Inside a heavy chest under the mill in The Blighted Village. |
| Gloves | The Sparkle Hands | Medium Armour | On a hit with an unarmed attack, gain 2 Charges. While imbued with Charges, attacks against metal constructs or enemies wearing metal armour have Advantage. | At the Putrid Bog inside a chest (X:95 Y:210). |
| Melee Weapon | The Sparky Points | Trident | Gain 2 Charges when the wielder deals damage with this weapon. | Given as a Reward for the quest Rescue the Grand Duke. |
| Off-hand | The Real Sparky Sparkwall | Shield | Consume 4 Lightning Charges to create a Lightning Aura that damages nearby enemies. | Inside chest at Grymforge (X:-692 Y:420). |
For more on Baldur's Gate 3, check out Best Backgrounds in BG3 or Eldritch Knight BG3 build guide here on Pro Game Guides
Published: Nov 11, 2023 05:48 pm