Baldur's Gate 3: Wild Shape Forms Explained

Trying to figure out how Wild Shape forms work in Baldur's Gate 3? We've got you covered!

While Baldur's Gate 3 is based off of the Dungeons & Dragons rules and lore, you don't need to be a fan of Tabletop Games to enjoy this RPG. With its diverse classes, tactical combat, and meaningful choices, there is something for any kind of gamer.

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However, it can be tricky to understand some of the mechanics in the game without being familiar with the system they are derived from. One of these mechanics is the Druid's Wild Shape. Keep reading for an explanation of this ability, all the Wild Shapes available in Baldur's Gate 3, and which one is the best.

Wild Shape is the most recognizable class ability of the Druid. With it, your character can transform into a variety of animals up to twice per short rest. While in Wild Shape, Druids cannot talk or cast spells, but they can continue to concentrate on a previously cast spell. During dialogue sequences, your character will automatically be transformed into their humanoid form and then back again once it is over. Thankfully, this does not consume another Wild Shape charge.

Even though it is such a core ability of the class, you won't see it until level 2. Additionally, most druids do not use Wild Shape in combat - instead, they use it during the exploration phase of the game. The exception to this rule is Circle of the Moon which gets an ability called Combat Wild Shape to make during initiative transformations more tantalizing. Some subclasses such as the Circle of Spores even consume Wild Shape charges to power other abilities and don't usually become animals at all.

Each Wild Shape will have its own Ability Scores, Hit Points, and abilities. These (physical) Ability Scores override your characters, possibly giving you an advantage in Strength or Dexterity. However, if you take damage and reach 0 Hit Points, you will lose your animal form and become Humanoid again. Any damage past your animal form's current Hit Points will carry over to your Humanoid form.

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To match the variety of animals found in the natural world, Druids get access to several options for Wild Shape forms. Most are available from early levels, but some will only appear later on in the game. The currently known Wild Shapes and their uses are in the following table.

Animal

Level

How To Use

Cat

2

This animal is too squishy for most combat, but is small enough to fit into Burrow Holes and Crevices. It can also Meow to draw enemies to a location, thus helping a sneaking party squeeze past vision.

Badger

2

The Badger is a crowd control machine, knocking enemies prone with its attacks. Outside of combat, it can burrow under walls, which can help you get behind locked doors.

Bear

2

The bear is the Moon Druid's bread and butter combat Wild Shape. This is due to its multi attack it can perform once per battle, and its beefy 30 Hit Points.

Spider

2

The Spider can create difficult terrain and gum up enemies with webbing, however another lesser known benefit of this Wild Shape is its Stealthing capability. This even those druids in medium armor to shed their disadvantage and roll with a great modifier.

Wolf

2

The wolf is an excellent combat Wild Shape if you have several melee fighters. This is because the wolf provides a speed buff to allies, and deals increased Critical Strike Damage to Threatened Targets.

Dire Raven

4

While the raven's attacks can blind an enemy, it is too squishy to be combat useful in most situations. However, this animal can fly - allowing you to reach difficult places with ease.

Deep Rothé

4

The Deep Rothé is intended to act as an upgrade compared to the Badger form in the mid-game. This form has a charge to knock enemies prone, can light up an area with Dancing Lights, and has the Hit Points to stay in combat for multiple rounds.

Panther

6

This beast is a sneaky, assassin Wild Shape. Use it to catch prey unawares for big damage in the first round. However, once the enemy sees you its' not nearly as powerful.

Owlbear

6

The Owlbear, like the Deep Rothé, is a direct upgrade to the Bear form Moon Druids favor at lower levels. It is a tanky beast that can heal allies and deal devastating damage to enemies.

Displacer Beast

?

Unlike the other Wild Shapes on this list, you will not automatically unlock the Displacer Beast as you level. Instead, it requires points in the Illithid Skill Tree. Once unlocked however, you can create copies of yourself on the battlefield and attack enemies from range with your tentacles.

Intellect Devourer

?

This requires investing heavily into the Illithid Skill Tree. Your Intellect Devourer form can reduce the targets' intelligence by one each time it attacks, and deal significant damage. Basically, this is a wizard's worst nightmare.

Sabre-Toothed Tiger

8

If you're struggling to hit enemies with high defense, then the Sabre-Toothed Tiger is the answer to your troubles. When attacking, this predator shreds the enemies armor. Additionally, it has Regen to help you stay in Wild Shape for longer.

Related: Baldur's Gate 3: Spells & Cantrips, Explained

There are many Druid Wild Shapes, but which ones are worth your limited Wild Shape uses? This largely depends on the situation.

You are never going to regret becoming a cat during exploration. With its decent Perception and small size, the cat can get into every nook and cranny of a location. Additionally, most enemies won't attack the cat outright if it is spotted. The runner-up is of course the Dire Raven with the flight capability, but its larger size will keep you out of many locations.

If your goal is to make combat easier for your friends, then the Wolf or Deep Rothé are the best Wild Shapes to use. These animals can reliably give your allies advantage while not immediately getting taken to 0 Hit Points.

If you want to be the star of the fight then the Bear, Owlbear, or Sabre-Toothed Tiger should be your go-tos. Usually, the best choice out of the three will be whichever is the highest level one you currently have unlocked. The reason these three tend to be the best for combat is due to their high HP and Damage Output relative to the level at which you can use them. Combined with the Moon Druids' innate healing, these beasts can easily last the entire fight.

Next: Baldur's Gate 3: Best Druid Build

Abigail is a research-focused writer with a Bachelor's Degree in History from Westminster College and several years of experience as a Content Writer. Teaching people how to do things is her passion, which naturally includes one of her favorite hobbies - gaming. Abigail considers herself a completionist who enjoys finding every spawn location, collectible, and lore note in the games she plays. Favorite games: Final Fantasy XIV, Lost Ark, Stardew Valley, and Slime Rancher