In Baldur’s Gate 3, the spell Conjure Elemental provides spellcasters with the incredible ability to summon powerful elemental allies during combat. These summoned creatures can dramatically shift the tide of battle, bringing both raw power and tactical utility to the battlefield. However, not all elementals are created equal. Knowing which conjuration to choose in different situations is essential for any player looking to optimize their spellcasting potential. With different elemental types available and each offering unique traits, understanding the best Conjure Elemental options in BG3 is crucial to building a strong and versatile strategy.
Understanding Conjure Elemental in Baldur’s Gate 3
Spell Overview
Conjure Elemental is a level 5 conjuration spell available to certain spellcasting classes, including Druids, Wizards, and Sorcerers. When cast, it allows the player to summon an elemental creature that fights alongside their party. The elemental remains active for up to 10 turns or until it is killed, the caster loses concentration, or combat ends.
Elemental Options
Players can choose from four core elemental types:
- Air Elemental
- Earth Elemental
- Fire Elemental
- Water Elemental
Each one has different combat abilities, resistances, and utility options. Choosing the best conjure elemental in BG3 depends on the scenario, party composition, and enemies faced.
Air Elemental: Speed and Disruption
Advantages
Air Elementals are known for their high mobility and evasive combat style. They have resistance to non-magical damage and can easily move across the battlefield with their flight capabilities. Their primary strength lies in crowd control and disruption rather than raw damage.
Combat Features
- Whirlwind Attack: Pushes enemies away, potentially causing fall damage.
- Flight: Can reach elevated areas easily or bypass hazards.
- Immunity: Resistant to many physical attacks.
When to Use
The Air Elemental is best used when dealing with enemies that rely on positioning or need to be separated. Its crowd control capabilities make it ideal for maps with cliffs or environmental hazards. While it may not deal the most damage, its battlefield manipulation is highly valuable.
Earth Elemental: Tank and Crowd Control
Advantages
Earth Elementals are the most durable option among the conjured creatures. They have high hit points and excellent damage resistances, making them ideal for tanking enemy hits. Their area-of-effect attacks can also deal significant damage to tightly grouped enemies.
Combat Features
- Slam Attacks: Deals high bludgeoning damage to enemies.
- Stone Form: High resistances and great survivability.
- Wide Base: Can block narrow passages and protect squishy party members.
When to Use
Earth Elementals shine in battles where frontline pressure is needed. They are excellent meat shields and can pin enemies in place, absorbing hits while your party casts spells or attacks from range. This is the best conjure elemental choice when survivability is a priority.
Fire Elemental: Raw Damage and Area Denial
Advantages
The Fire Elemental is arguably the best choice for dealing pure damage. Its attacks cause fire damage, and it has the added benefit of setting enemies and the environment ablaze. In chaotic or tightly-packed fights, its ability to cause chain reactions can be devastating.
Combat Features
- Flame Aura: Burns nearby enemies every turn.
- Fire Slam: Powerful melee attacks with fire effects.
- Explosion on Death: Damages enemies when defeated.
When to Use
Choose a Fire Elemental when facing enemies vulnerable to fire or when you want to control enemy positioning by turning parts of the battlefield into burning zones. Be cautious, though its fire effects can also harm allies if not carefully positioned.
Water Elemental: Versatility and Utility
Advantages
Water Elementals offer a balance between offense and support. They can control enemies with their slowing attacks and provide some battlefield utility by extinguishing fires or controlling environmental hazards. They are particularly strong in fights involving fire-based enemies or terrain effects.
Combat Features
- Drench: Puts out fires and weakens fire-based enemies.
- Ice Slam: Deals damage and can slow or freeze enemies.
- Environmental Synergy: Useful in dynamic battlefields.
When to Use
Water Elementals are best when you need a utility summon that adapts to the flow of combat. They can support your party by removing flames or weakening fiery opponents. In multi-elemental fights, they offer crucial versatility.
Best Situational Elemental Picks
Dungeon Encounters
In confined spaces or dungeon crawls, Earth Elementals are usually the best option. Their ability to absorb damage and block narrow pathways gives your party breathing room while fighting in tight quarters.
Outdoor or Cliffside Battles
Air Elementals excel in vertical terrain, where they can use their flight and whirlwind attacks to knock enemies off ledges. They are ideal for creating chaos and repositioning foes.
Enemy Spellcasters
Fire Elementals are great for rushing down squishy enemy mages. Their damage-over-time effects force spellcasters to reposition or lose concentration. However, be wary of friendly fire.
Fire-Rich Maps
Water Elementals can control flames and cool down fire-heavy areas. If you’re up against fire wizards or battling near lava or explosive barrels, the Water Elemental can protect allies and counter enemy fire attacks.
Optimizing Your Elemental Strategy
Maintain Concentration
As Conjure Elemental is a concentration spell, the caster must avoid losing it. Keep your spellcaster at the backline or protected behind cover. Use items or spells like Mirror Image or Blur to reduce incoming damage and prevent losing the summon.
Combo with Party Spells
- Grease + Fire Elemental: Turn slippery floors into burning traps.
- Entangle + Earth Elemental: Trap enemies and smash them easily.
- Create or Destroy Water + Water Elemental: Expand their utility with environmental control.
Summon Positioning
Always place your summoned elemental thoughtfully. Earth and Fire Elementals should be on the front line, absorbing hits. Air and Water Elementals can function mid-range or on flanks. Avoid blocking party movement or exposing your squishiest members.
Choosing the best conjure elemental in BG3 depends heavily on the battlefield situation, enemy types, and your party’s role distribution. Fire Elementals are top-tier for damage, Earth Elementals shine as tanks, Air Elementals control space, and Water Elementals provide flexible utility. Mastering the usage of these summons will elevate your gameplay, giving you the upper hand in both planned encounters and unexpected ambushes. Understanding when and how to use each elemental summon ensures your spell slot never goes to waste and helps you dominate combat in Baldur’s Gate 3.