The creators of Path of Exile 2 continue to introduce new character classes with each update. The December 2025 update, titled The Last of the Druids, adds the Druid class, which features different animal forms that dramatically alter your combat style.
If you enjoy casting elemental magic from a distance while relying on beastly melee attacks, the Druid might be the right choice. Focused on primarily using the bear form, the Druid becomes immensely powerful by managing its mana and Rage resources effectively.
Build Overview
Pros
Cons
Large damage output and area-of-effect moves make the bear effective against boss fights and groups of enemies
Managing Fury can be challenging
Higher health pool compared to other classes
The bear form is slower for movement and attacking
Balanced magic and physical strength between forms
If you’re interested in The Last of the Druids, try the new Druid class. Those who favor magic skills and tanking will find this class appealing.
As a Druid, you can switch between multiple forms using a special talisman. This allows seamless transformation from human to bear or wolf forms. However, each form’s skills need individual upgrades as you level up, so it might be best to focus on one form early on for maximum effectiveness.
In combat, you’ll need to balance melee and ranged tactics. Your human form excels at magical attacks from afar, while the bear form excels at close-range, devastating melee attacks, though it takes time to charge up its powerful hits.
Attribute Focus and Ascendancy
By default, your highest skill attribute will be Strength, closely linked with Intelligence to enhance your close-range bear abilities and ranged spellcasting. Dexterity is the lowest, but it can be boosted through passive skills if needed. Dodging is a crucial skill due to the slow speed of large animal forms.
Given the Druid’s skill set, the best ascendancy choice is the Shaman. As a Shaman, Fury management for your bear form becomes easier since you gain more control over Fury regeneration. Using your Berserk and Rampage skills effectively makes Fury a vital resource, so selecting the Shaman path helps maximize these abilities.
Build Tips
Human Form Skills
Description
Volcano
Summons magma on the ground, burning enemies in the area
Ice Nova
Fires ice daggers around you, dealing cold damage and knocking back enemies
Time of Need
Heals your Druid and removes elemental effects
Herald of Ice
Freezes enemies and shatters them for damage
Bear Form Skills
Description
Maul
Your first skill, generating Rage on hit
Furious Slam
Slams the ground, creating shockwaves that grow with Rage
Fury of the Mountain
Pounds the ground, creating hot fissures
Savage Fury
Builds Fury over time, then unleashes a frenzy of attacks (ends if you revert to human)
Ferocious Roar
Warcry that generates Rage
Passive Tree Strategy
Starting in the bear form, allocate points towards armor and attack damage. Early nodes improve your tankiness with increased armor and health regeneration—important for surviving in tank form. As you level, adapt your passive priorities based on your dominant form: prioritize spell power upgrades if you focus more on magic in human form, or melee strength if your strategy revolves around the bear.
The passive tree is rich with elemental damage boosts and defenses that ease the slow movement of large animal forms. Enhancing your resistances and speed can dramatically improve your performance in battles, especially as you expand your skill set further.
Equipment and Gear
The best gear for a Druid depends on your preferred combat style. Since the bear form doesn’t use weapons, armor in this form notably enhances your damage and defenses. For magic-focused play, staves are ideal—they allow you to attack from a distance before closing in with the bear form for melee combat. Each staff grants access to specific skills that align with your elemental choices from the passive tree.
Always verify the skill each weapon provides. Relying on a particular skill means you’ll need to quickly adapt if you switch to a different weapon or skill set.
For gear, prioritize items that boost elemental resistance and elemental damage. Boots should enhance movement speed, especially since the bear form tends to be sluggish.
Summary
Switching forms as a Druid provides strategic versatility, combining ranged magic attacks with powerful melee assaults. Focus on upgrading your preferred form’s skills, and use your equipment to bolster defenses and elemental damage. Whether you prefer magic or brute force, the Druid offers a dynamic playstyle that leverages the strengths of both forms to dominate the battlefield.
In Baldur’s Gate 3, Druids are unique spellcasters that offer a range of powerful abilities. Unlike other classes, they start with access to all spells from their level, allowing for flexibility in choosing which spells to prepare during level-ups or outside of combat. Their Wisdom modifier adds bonus spell slots, making them formidable magic users.
What makes Druids particularly engaging is their ability to acquire additional spells based on the environments they encounter, adding complexity to their playstyle. This guide aims to help you choose the most effective spells for the Druid class.
Understanding Spells vs. Cantrips
Druids can utilize both cantrips and spells. Cantrips are basic spells that can be cast without using a spell slot, allowing you to use them freely without preparation during rests. In contrast, spells are stronger and come with higher levels. To cast a spell, you must first prepare it and then use a corresponding spell slot. Remember, a spell can only be cast using a slot of its level or higher.
Top Spells for Level 1 Druids
At level 1, you can choose two cantrips. Here are our top picks:
Shillelagh: This spell enchants your staff or club to deal 4-11 bludgeoning damage while using your spellcasting ability for attack rolls.
Thorn Whip: A ranged attack that does 1d6 piercing damage and pulls the target 10 feet closer.
With a Wisdom score of 17 (+3 modifier), you can also prepare four level 1 spells during character creation:
Ice Knife: This spell delivers 1d10 piercing damage plus 2d6 cold damage, with an explosive effect on impact.
Entangle: Creates a vine-covered area that restrains enemies for a duration of 10 turns.
Fog Cloud: Generates a thick fog that obscures vision for 10 turns.
Speak with Animals: Grants the ability to communicate with animals until your next long rest.
Level 2 Druid Spells
Upon reaching level 2, consider choosing the Circle of the Land subclass, which grants an additional cantrip:
Guidance: Provides a +1d4 bonus to an ally’s ability checks for up to 10 turns.
You can also prepare one more level 1 spell:
Healing Word: A quick way to restore 1d4 hit points to an ally.
Level 3 Spell Recommendations
At level 3, you unlock all level 2 spells and gain access to one level 2 spell slot. We recommend:
Spike Growth: Creates difficult terrain filled with spikes. Any creature moving through it takes 2d4 piercing damage and has its movement speed halved.
As a Circle of the Land Druid, you can choose a preferred biome that automatically prepares additional spells. For the Forest biome, you receive:
Barkskin: Temporarily increases a creature’s armor class up to 16.
Hold Person: Paralyses a creature, rendering it unable to move or act, while all attacks against it become critical hits within 10 feet.
Level 4 Druid Spells
Reaching level 4 lets you prepare five level 1 spells and two level 2 spells. For the next level 2 spell, consider:
Moonbeam: Deals 2d10 radiant damage to any creature starting their turn in the light, halving the damage on a successful save.
Level 5 Druid Spells
As you reach level 5, you can select another biome for two additional prepared spells. We suggest choosing Grassland for:
Daylight: Produces a shining light or dispels darkness for a duration.
Haste: Temporarily boosts you or an ally, granting extra speed, additional actions, and increased evasion, though it also leads to fatigue afterward.
Level 3 spells become available too, including:
Thunderwave: Deals 2d8 thunder damage and pushes back creatures in the vicinity.
Call Lightning: Deals 3d10 lightning damage, halving the damage on a successful save, with a chance to call lightning again in the next 10 turns.
Sleet Storm: Creates a storm that disrupts spellcasters and obscures visibility.
Level 6 Druid Spells
At level 6, you can prepare another level 2 spell:
Enhance Ability: Bestows an ally with enhanced abilities for specific checks.
Level 7 Druid Spells
Reach level 7 allows you to select another biome and grants you spells like:
Greater Invisibility: Grants invisibility for 10 turns, giving advantages on attack rolls while imposing disadvantages on foes targeting you.
Dominate Beast: Temporarily controls a beast to act on your behalf.
For level 4 spells, consider:
Conjure Woodland Beings: Summons a dryad to fight alongside you, equipped with useful abilities.
Level 8 Druid Spells
At level 8, you can choose another level 4 spell:
Freedom of Movement: Allows an ally to escape from being stunned and negates difficult terrain effects.
Level 9 Druid Spells
Upon reaching level 9, you gain access to a new biome option, opting for Grassland for:
Greater Restoration: Cures a target of debilitating effects such as charms or petrification.
Insect Plague: Calls forth a swarm of locusts that deals 4d10 piercing damage and creates difficult terrain.
With a Wisdom score of 20, you gain an additional spell slot. Higher-level spells become available too, including:
Wall of Fire: Creates a wall that inflicts 5d8 fire damage on creatures nearby.
Planar Binding: Binds an otherworldly entity to your command for 10 turns.
Level 10 Druid Spells
At level 10, you can pick an additional cantrip:
Poison Spray: Inflicts 3d12 poison damage on foes.
You can also prepare another level 5 spell. Consider replacing an existing one with Faerie Fire:
Level 11 Druid Spells
At level 11, the introduction of level 6 spells opens up new options:
Heroes’ Feast: Bestows protection against poison and fear while increasing maximum hit points.
Level 12 Druid Spells
At level 12, consider including the following level 6 spell:
Heal: Restores a significant amount of hit points (70) and removes harmful conditions.
Summary of Recommended Spells for Druids
Here’s a quick reference of the best spells and cantrips:
Best Cantrips for Druids:
Shillelagh
Thorn Whip
Guidance
Level 1 Spells:
Ice Knife
Entangle
Fog Cloud
Speak with Animals
Healing Word
Thunderwave
Faerie Fire
Level 2 Spells:
Spike Growth
Moonbeam
Hold Person
Barkskin
Enhance Ability
Level 3 Spells:
Daylight
Haste
Call Lightning
Sleet Storm
Level 4 Spells:
Greater Invisibility
Dominate Beast
Conjure Woodland Being
Freedom of Movement
Wall of Fire
Level 5 Spells:
Greater Restoration
Insect Plague
Planar Binding
Level 6 Spells:
Heroes’ Feast
Heal
This guide lays out a solid path for optimizing your Druid in Baldur’s Gate 3. Enjoy exploring nature and casting spells wisely!
The Circle of the Stars Druid is a fresh subclass in Baldur’s Gate 3, unveiled in patch 8. This formidable spellcaster wields the secrets of starry constellations, allowing them to bend celestial powers to their will. With a host of captivating abilities, this subclass promises to elevate your gameplay experience.
Equipped with three mystical star maps, you can summon a dragon, a healing chalice, or a vengeful archer to assist you in challenging encounters. In this guide, we’re going to help you create an exceptionally potent Circle of the Stars Druid that harnesses both celestial and terrestrial might.
Level 1 Choices for Circle of Stars Druid Build
At level 1, you’ll define your character’s aesthetic and attributes. Since we’re opting for a non-origin character for our Circle of the Stars Druid build, select the following:
Race: Half-Elf
Subrace: Drow Half-Elf
Class: Druid
You won’t be able to pick your subclass at this level.
As a starting Druid, you gain two cantrips:
Shillelagh: Converts your staff or club into a magical weapon, dealing 4-11 bludgeoning damage. You use your spellcasting ability for attack rolls rather than your Strength modifier.
Thorn Whip: Inflicts 1d6 piercing damage and pulls the target 10 feet closer. Note that this ability does not affect large creatures.
Once you hit level 2, your HP will rise to 17 from 10, and you can finally select your subclass.
Subclass: Circle of the Stars
Here are the subclass features you’ll receive:
Wild Shape: You gain the ability to transform into a beast as an action, usable twice per short rest, with separate HP pools for the beast form and your character.
Star Map: Utilizes a celestial map to cast Guiding Bolt.
Starry Form: Allows you to expend a Wild Shape Charge to adopt a Starry Form instead.
You’ll also learn a couple of spells:
Star Map Guiding Bolt: Deals 4d6 radiant damage to a target, granting you an advantage on your next attack roll against that enemy.
Guiding Bolt: Similar to Star Map Guiding Bolt, offering the same damage and advantage.
In Starry Form, you can unlock three unique forms:
Starry Form Archer: Enables you to cast Luminous Arrow.
Starry Form Chalice: When casting a healing spell using a spell slot, you can activate Chalice Healing.
Starry Form Dragon: Lets you use Dazzling Breath as a bonus action; if you make a Saving Throw to maintain Concentration, a roll of 9 or lower counts as a 10.
You can prepare five spells at this stage; our recommendations include:
Longstrider: Boosts movement speed by 10 feet.
Create or Destroy Water: Lets you manipulate water bodies.
Thunderwave: Inflicts 2d8 Thunder damage; half damage if save is successful.
Ice Knife: Deals 1d10 piercing and 2d6 cold damage; the knife also explodes on a save.
Healing Word: Heals a visible creature for 1d4 + 3.
Level 3 Choices for Circle of Stars Druid Build
Upon reaching level 3, your HP will increase to 24 from 17, and you’ll have the option to prepare an additional spell while gaining access to level 2 spells.
Spike Growth: Creates a terrain of spikes that slows enemies’ movement to half and inflicts 2d4 piercing damage for every 5 feet moved through.
Level 4 Choices for Circle of Stars Druid Build
At level 4, your HP will rise to 31 from 24, and you’ll earn a bonus cantrip. We suggest:
Poison Spray: Inflicts 1d12 poison damage on a target.
You can prepare one additional spell with your slots now increased to seven. We recommend:
Hold Person: This level 2 spell can paralyze a creature, preventing it from moving, acting, or replying. Any attack on them within 10 feet is a guaranteed critical hit.
Your first Feat slot also becomes available.
Feat: Ability Improvement: Spend both points on Wisdom to boost it to 18.
Level 5 Choices for Circle of Stars Druid Build
By level 5, your HP will grow to 38 from 31, and you’ll unlock a new class feature.
Wild Strike: When making an unarmed attack in Wild Shape, you gain a bonus extra attack.
Your subclass feature, Star Map, becomes available as well.
You’ll unlock level 3 spells now, so choose to prepare:
Plant Growth: Replace Spike Growth with this transmutation spell, which creates difficult terrain halving enemies’ movement speed for the next 10 turns.
Sleet Storm: Summons a storm that disrupts spellcasters’ concentration, extinguishes flames, and creates icy surfaces.
Level 6 Choices for Circle of Stars Druid Build
As you reach level 6, your HP will increase to 45 from 38, granting you a new subclass feature: Cosmic Omen.
Cosmic Omen: After a long rest, you can modify attack rolls and saves. Allies benefit from improved ability checks.
You are now able to prepare your 10th spell:
Moonbeam: Deals 2d10 radiant damage to any creature in the beam or starting its turn there; enemies take half damage on a successful save.
Level 7 Choices for Circle of Stars Druid Build
At level 7, expect your HP to climb to 52 from 45, and level 4 spells become available. You can now prepare your 11th spell.
Conjure Woodland Being: Summons a dryad to aid you in battle, capable of using Nature’s Step, ensnaring foes, or calling forth a wood woad.
Conjure Minor Elemental: Swap out the Moonbeam spell for this level 4 conjuration, bringing a minor elemental into combat.
Level 8 Choices for Circle of Stars Druid Build
Upon reaching level 8, your HP rises to 59 from 52, and you can prepare an additional spell. We suggest:
Wall of Fire: Creates a barrier of flame that inflicts 5d8 fire damage to enemies within proximity.
Your second Feat slot also opens up.
Feat: Ability Improvement: Allocate both points into Wisdom to enhance it to 20.
Level 9 Choices for Circle of Stars Druid Build
As you reach level 9, your HP will increase to 66 from 59, granting two new subclass features.
Cosmic Omen: Use it as a reaction to modify the outcome of specific rolls.
Star Map: Enables you to summon a star map to cast Guiding Bolt.
Level 5 spells are now unlocked. We recommend preparing:
Mass Cure Wounds: Heals 3d8 + 5 HP for you and nearby allies.
Conjure Elemental: Summons an elemental to fight by your side.
Level 10 Choices for Circle of Stars Druid Build
By level 10, your HP expands to 73 from 66, and you gain another class action.
Improved Wild Strike: Now, when you perform an unarmed strike in Wild Shape, you roll twice for your attack.
Your subclass feature, Twinkling Constellations: improves all your starry forms: Archer’s damage and Chalice’s healing increase by 1d8. The Dragon can now fly at a speed of 20 feet.
You also gain one more cantrip:
Produce Flame: Generates a flame in your hand, which illuminates the area and inflicts 1d8 fire damage when thrown.
Now, you can prepare 15 spells, and we recommend:
Confusion: Causes enemies to act unpredictably, wandering off or even losing their turns.
Level 11 Choices for Circle of Stars Druid Build
At level 11, your HP rises to 80 from 73, unlocking access to level 6 spells.
Heal: Provides a target with 70 HP while removing any blindness or disease.
Level 12 Choices for Circle of Stars Druid Build
As you reach the final peak of the Circle of Stars Druid build in Baldur’s Gate 3, your HP will elevate to 87 from 80. Prepare the following spell:
Wall of Thorns: Inflicts 7d8 piercing damage on enemies while entangling them.
The final Feat slot is now accessible:
Feat: Alert: Grants a +5 bonus to initiative rolls and protects you from being surprised.
With all the selections made, it’s time to focus on the optimal armor and weapon choices for your Circle of the Stars Druid.
Best Gear and Accessories for Circle of Stars Druid Build
Head: Hood of the Weave: Grants a +2 bonus to Spell Save DC and Spell Attack Rolls.
Cloak: Cloak of Protection: Provides a +1 bonus to Armor Class and Saving Throws.
Armor: Armor of Moonbasking: Grants 22 temporary hit points when casting Wild Shape, reduces incoming damage by 1 while those points are active, and offers a +2 bonus to Armor Class with advantage on Saving Throws.
Gloves: Gloves of Belligerent Skies: Inflict an additional 2 turns of reverberation on enemies when dealing thunder, lightning, or radiant damage.
Boots: Evasive Boots: Enhance your Acrobatics and Armor Class by +1.
Rings: Killer’s Sweetheart (Grants a critical hit on your next attack after a kill, usable once per long rest) and Ring of Protection (Boosts Armor Class and Saving Throws by 1).
Amulet: Amulet of Greater Health, which increases the wearer’s Constitution to 23.
Best Weapons for Circle of Stars Druid Build
For ranged combat, select the Hellrider’s Longbow: Its features include:
Deals 1d8 + 4 piercing damage.
Grants a +3 bonus to initiative rolls and an advantage on Perception checks.
+1 weapon enchantment.
Possesses a chance to apply Faerie Fire to enemies each turn.
For defense, consider the legendary Viconia’s Walking Fortress:, which boasts:
Deals 2-8 Force damage to enemies on a melee attack hit; enemies become prone unless they succeed on a Dexterity Saving Throw.
Grants advantage on saving throws against spells, with disadvantage on spell attack rolls against you.
In your main hand, utilize the legendary staff Markoheshkir:, featuring:
+2 weapon enchantment.
Deals 1d8 + 10 bludgeoning damage.
Provides a +1 bonus to Spell Save DC and Spell Attack Rolls.
Has Arcane Battery, making the next spell you cast free from a spell slot.
While exploring Tainted Grail: The Fall Of Avalon, you’ll find that the quests can be delightfully inventive. Many of them diverge from the typical themes of conflict, curses, dark magic, and wandering spirits that you might expect in such a world.
In the midst of all the turmoil, you’ll encounter an unusual character: a man who isn’t preoccupied with monsters or survival. Instead, he’s stuck in one position, arms wide open, yearning to know when he can move again. This is Lynwood, and he’s been waiting for your help.
How to Start the With Arms Wide Open Quest
To begin the With Arms Wide Open quest, you need to locate Lynwood, who is in a rather unfortunate predicament. He has been cursed to remain in one spot with his arms literally wide open and can’t change his situation.
He can be found just northwest of Cuanacht, close to Maggot’s Hut.
Once you approach him, he’ll share the story of his curse and ask for your help in finding a Druid who can lift it.
This introduces the quest where you’ll need to seek out the Druid and find a solution to free Lynwood.
How to Lift Lynwood’s Curse
The Druid Lynwood is referring to is Maggot, who resides in his hut east of Lynwood’s position.
After speaking with him, Maggot will eventually reveal that he unintentionally caused Lynwood’s predicament.
Now that he understands what happened, he will provide you with a concoction intended to enable Lynwood to move again. With the potion in hand, head back to Lynwood.
Administer the concoction to him, and soon after, Lynwood will be free to move once more.
Lynwood will be curious about how you obtained the potion and will want to know its source.
You can choose to tell him it’s not important because he can now enjoy his freedom, or you can reveal that you got it from Maggot, the same Druid who cursed him.
Regardless of your choice, the quest will be completed.
Playing a Circle of the Stars Druid in Baldur’s Gate 3
The Circle of the Stars Druid class in Baldur’s Gate 3 offers an exciting blend of healing and damage-dealing capabilities. This subclass stands out for its exceptional efficiency, maximizing every available resource to eliminate enemies and keep teammates healthy.
In this guide, we’ll explore strategies for playing a Circle of the Stars Druid, including which forms to prioritize and what to expect at various levels of the game. Get your spells ready, select your constellation, and prepare to excel as one of the most versatile Druids available.
Overview of the Circle of Stars Druid
All Druids can both heal allies and deal damage, but the Circle of the Stars Druid particularly shines in transitioning between these two roles. With only a bonus action and one Wild Shape charge, you can adapt quickly to whatever the situation demands.
By harnessing one of three Starry Forms, linked to different constellations, you can tailor your approach to combat. The Archer provides a bonus action ranged attack, the Dragon offers a short-range area attack and improved concentration, while the Chalice enhances your healing capabilities.
Recommended Starting Stats, Species, and Spells for a Circle of Stars Druid
Species
Your choice of species won’t significantly affect your stats, so feel free to choose any. That said, Halflings are particularly advantageous for maintaining concentration spells, and the Lightfoot variant offers extra sneaking benefits.
Cantrips
For cantrips, Shillelagh is a solid offensive option during the early game, while Produce Flame gives you a source of fire for creating traps. Normally, you’d select Guidance as a cantrip, but as a Circle of the Stars Druid, you’ll automatically receive it at level two.
Spells are plentiful, as you have access to them all. Experimentation is encouraged, but valuable spells include Cure Wounds, Healing Word, and Thunderwave.
Background
Druids are seen as protectors of both communities and nature, so backgrounds like Folk Hero or Outlander are fitting. The Folk Hero option is particularly beneficial due to its focus on Animal Handling.
Stats and Skills
Assuming you will always choose the Ability Score Improvement option, here’s what we suggest for your stats:
Strength: 8
Dexterity: 14
Constitution: 16
Intelligence: 10
Wisdom: 16
Charisma: 10
For skills, Animal Handling is critical, and if you selected the Folk Hero background, then consider Perception and Insight as additional choices.
Tips for Mastering a Circle of Stars Druid
You have only two Wild Shape charges, which recharge after a short rest, so it’s wise to utilize your constellations before exhausting your spell slots. You can also use Star Maps to cast Guiding Bolt without consuming a spell slot, making it a perfect tool for minor encounters.
Starry Form: Archer
This form is your go-to since it provides a bonus action attack to complement your other combat strategies. The radiant damage it inflicts is particularly effective against many foes in Act Two, who are vulnerable to this type of attack.
Starry Form: Chalice
In this form, whenever you cast a healing spell, you can use Chalice Healing for free, allowing for additional healing on yourself or others. This flexibility makes the Circle of the Stars Druid an exceptional main healer, as you can easily switch between offensive and supportive roles.
Starry Form: Dragon
The Dragon form is advantageous for its area radiant damage and for improving the concentration of your spells. At level ten, it also grants the user the ability to fly, although most advanced players will leverage the Astral-Touched Tadpole for flight access.
The Best Spells for a Circle of Stars Druid
Druids have access to a wide variety of spells, so explore them carefully and see how each complements your playstyle and party dynamics. Here’s a suggested spell list by level:
Level
Spells
Cantrip
Guidance, Shillelagh, Produce Flame
1
Cure Wounds, Healing Word, Thunderwave
2
Moonbeam, Hold Person, Spike Growth
3
Call Lightning, Sleet Storm
4
Wall of Fire, Conjure Woodland Beings
5
Insect Plague, Mass Cure Wounds
6
Heal, Sunbeam
Best Equipment for a Circle of Stars Druid
Weapons
As a spellcaster, prioritize magical implements over traditional weapons. Quarterstaves are particularly beneficial, especially since you can use Shillelagh on them early in the game. The top quarterstaff is Markoheshkir, found in Ramazith’s Tower, and it’s available early enough in Act Three to tackle major enemies.
Armor and Accessories
Choose equipment that enhances your strengths. For Circle of the Stars Druids, items like Boots of Striding and Barkskin Armor can help you concentrate better, ensuring your strong spells are more reliable.
Every Level-Up Choice for a Circle of Stars Druid
Your most significant choices will be made when preparing spells for battles, but here are some optional cantrip choices and useful feats to consider:
Level
Unlock
Choice
1
Cantrip
Choose Shillelagh and Produce Flame; Guidance is free at level 2.
4
Feat, Cantrip
Select War Caster for maintaining powerful spells and Thorn Whip.
8
Feat
Consider the Resilient feat for better Constitutions if you haven’t done so already.
10
Cantrip
Resistance is another option, although it competes with other spells needing concentration.
12
Feat
Opt for the Lucky feat if you are satisfied with your current stats.
This comprehensive approach should place you well on your journey as a Circle of the Stars Druid in Baldur’s Gate 3. Enjoy the flexibility and depth this class offers!
Understanding the Circle of the Land Druid in Dungeons & Dragons
In Dungeons & Dragons, druids are generally divided into two types: one that transforms into animals and charges into battle, and another that harnesses nature’s forces to eliminate evil. The Circle of the Land druids fall firmly into the latter category.
If your aim is to be a spellcasting druid who focuses on magic, then you should choose the Circle of the Land. These druids gain access to powerful spells based on their chosen terrain, along with a unique ability to recover spell slots during short rests, similar to wizards. Keep reading to discover how to master the role of a nature-inspired support caster by selecting the Circle of the Land.
Circle of the Land Druid Features
Opting for the Circle of the Land grants you the full spectrum of nature-infused magic. At level 2, you learn an additional cantrip and gain the Nature’s Recovery ability, enabling you to regain spell slots equal to half your druid level (rounded down) with every short rest.
Upon reaching level 3, you’ll start learning Circle Spells. The specific spells you acquire depend on the terrain type you’ve selected, as detailed in the following sections.
Terrain-Based Spell Selections
Here’s a look at the spells you can learn based on different terrains:
Arctic
Druid Level
Spells
Third Level
[Empty]
Fifth Level
[Empty]
Seventh Level
Freedom of Movement, Ice Storm
Ninth Level
Commune with Nature, Cone of Cold
Coast
Druid Level
Spells
Third Level
[Empty]
Fifth Level
Water Breathing, Water Walk
Seventh Level
Control Water, Freedom of Movement
Ninth Level
Conjure Elemental, Scrying
Desert
Druid Level
Spells
Third Level
[Empty]
Fifth Level
Create Food and Water, Protection from Energy
Seventh Level
Blight, Hallucinatory Terrain
Ninth Level
Insect Plague, Wall of Stone
Forest
Druid Level
Spells
Third Level
[Empty]
Fifth Level
Call Lightning, Plant Growth
Seventh Level
Divination, Freedom of Movement
Ninth Level
Commune With Nature, Tree Stride
Mountain
Druid Level
Spells
Third Level
Spider Climb, Spike Growth
Fifth Level
Lightning Bolt, Meld Into Stone
Seventh Level
[Empty]
Ninth Level
[Empty]
Grassland
Druid Level
Spells
Third Level
Invisibility, Pass Without Trace
Fifth Level
[Empty]
Seventh Level
Divination, Freedom of Movement
Ninth Level
[Empty]
Swamp
Druid Level
Spells
Third Level
[Empty]
Fifth Level
Water Walk, Stinking Cloud
Seventh Level
Freedom of Movement, Locate Creature
Ninth Level
[Empty]
Underdark
Druid Level
Spells
Third Level
[Empty]
Fifth Level
Gaseous Form, Stinking Cloud
Seventh Level
Greater Invisibility, Stone Shape
Ninth Level
[Empty]
As you can see, while some terrains offer fewer spells, you can switch among options depending on the needs of your adventure.
Key Features and Abilities
Upon reaching level 6, you’ll gain Land’s Stride, allowing you to traverse non-magical difficult terrains effortlessly. You won’t take damage from non-magical plants either. At level 10, Nature’s Ward grants immunity against charm and fear effects from fey and elementals, while also providing immunity to poison and diseases.
At level 14, Nature’s Sanctuary enables plants and creatures to make a Wisdom saving throw before they can attack you. If they fail, they must target someone else or miss their attack.
2024 Player’s Handbook Updates
Changes in the 2024 Handbook adjust how Circle of the Land druids engage with their chosen terrain. While spellcasting remains their primary feature, your options have become more streamlined. You can now swap your selected land during a long rest, allowing more flexibility in your spellcasting strategy.
Selecting the Best Species for Your Druid
Any D&D species can embrace the path of nature, but some provide distinct advantages for a Circle of the Land druid:
Autognome: Access to Mending without using a spell slot and poison immunity.
Elf: High-elf subclass offers access to a useful wizard cantrip like Produce Flame.
Firbolg: Receive Disguise Self and Detect Magic, plus the ability to communicate with plants and animals.
Human: Variants provide early access to a free feat, giving an edge in spellcasting.
Best Ability Scores
To maximize your potential as a Circle of the Land druid, focus on Wisdom (for spellcasting) and Constitution (to maintain concentration and improve hit points). Ideally, your score distribution might look like this when using the point buy method:
Strength
Dexterity
Constitution
Intelligence
Wisdom
Charisma
8(-1)
14(+2)
16(+3)
10(0)
17(+3)
8(-1)
Starting Equipment Recommendations
Your equipment choices should primarily support your spellcasting goals. Opt for a wooden shield over a weapon, along with either a quarterstaff or a sling for cantrip use. For armor, leather armor, an explorer’s pack, and a druidic focus will set you up nicely for your adventures.
Ideal Spells for Your Circle of the Land Druid
Given the importance of spells to your role, here are some solid choices across different levels:
By choosing your spells wisely, you can optimize your spellcasting prowess and make a significant impact in-game, embodying the full essence of nature in your adventures.
