Patch 8 for Baldur’s Gate 3 didn’t just bring us juicy class updates and new subclasses—it also added a bunch of exciting new spells that are already shaking up the meta. Whether you're into booming thunder damage, psychic sneak attacks, or banishing your foes with a glowing arrow, there's something here for every spell-slinger.
In this guide, we’re breaking down all the new spells added in Patch 8, how they work, and how best to use them.
🧙 All New Spells in BG3 Patch 8 (and What They Do)
Here’s your full list of new magical toys to play with:
🔊 Booming Blade (Cantrip)
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Class: Eldritch Knight, Arcane Trickster (via scrolls or feats), any class with Magic Initiate
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What It Does: You make a melee weapon attack. If the target willingly moves before your next turn, it takes bonus Thunder damage.
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Best Use: Lock down enemies and punish them for repositioning. Works amazingly with Sentinel.
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Pro Tip: Fighters with Polearm Master + Sentinel = hilarious battlefield control.
📚 Community Tip:
“Booming Blade makes Fighters better smiters than Paladins now. Larian, pls.”
– Reddit: r/BG3Builds
🧠 Shadow Blade (2nd-Level Spell)
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What It Does: Summons a blade of pure shadow that deals Psychic damage, has advantage in dim/dark light, and is considered a finesse weapon.
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Best Use: Sneaky Rogues and melee Sorcerers can use this to deal massive sneak or spell-enhanced damage.
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Combo: Shadow Blade + Darkness = unstoppable stealth assassin.
🧵 Deep Dive:
Check out the meta combo with the Resonance Stone on PCGamer
💀 Toll the Dead (Cantrip)
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What It Does: Deals Necrotic damage. If the enemy has already lost HP, it deals more damage.
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Best Use: A strong cantrip option for picking off wounded enemies.
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Tip: Pairs beautifully with any build that focuses on chip damage and debuffs.
💥 Bursting Sinew (1st-Level Spell)
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Class: Cleric (Death Domain), Wizard
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What It Does: Slows your enemy by reducing their movement speed and deals small damage.
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Best Use: Use it to kite, lock down enemy melees, or set up AoEs.
🧠 Tactical Suggestion:
Stack Bursting Sinew with Grease or Web for peak crowd control.
🧲 Staggering Smite (4th-Level Spell)
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Class: Paladin
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What It Does: Your melee hit deals Psychic damage and causes the target to have disadvantage on attack rolls and ability checks.
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Best Use: Ideal for boss fights or when you need to reduce enemy accuracy fast.
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Combo: Combine with Divine Smite for mega burst and crowd safety.
🏹 Arcane Shot Variants (Subclass-Specific)
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Class: Fighter (Arcane Archer)
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What’s New: Patch 8 added missing Arcane Shot options!
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New Arrows:
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Banishing Arrow – temporarily removes the target from the battlefield.
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Beguiling Arrow – charms the target.
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Best Use: Control spells in the form of stylish archery.
🗣️ Community Buzz:
“Arcane Archer is finally getting love. Those new shots are game-changers.”
– Larian Forums
🧪 How These Spells Change Builds
These spells aren’t just cool—they’re meta-defining.
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Booming Blade opens up new martial-caster hybrids.
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Shadow Blade turns stealthy classes into DPS monsters.
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Toll the Dead is now your go-to cantrip for high-HP enemies.
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Arcane Shots give Fighters more utility and flair.
Want to explore these spells inside optimized builds? Check out our subclass guides:
🔗 Hexblade Warlock Build Guide
🔗 Arcane Archer Fighter Build Guide
🔗 Shadow Magic Sorcerer Guide
💬 Community Support & Feedback
If you're experimenting with these spells and want feedback or want to troubleshoot combos, check out:
These communities are super active and love discussing builds, bugs, and best spell combos.
📸 Bonus: Screenshot Your Best Spell Combos!
Don’t forget—Patch 8 also introduced a Photo Mode! Capture your best Booming Blade explosions or psychic sneak attacks.
📸 Guide: BG3 Photo Mode Guide (Patch 8)
🎯 Final Thoughts
Patch 8's spell additions are some of the most exciting yet, offering new tactical options, stylish builds, and synergy potential across all classes. Whether you’re rerolling or respeccing (and you totally can now), these spells are well worth testing in your next campaign.
Which new spell are you loving the most? Drop a comment below!
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