The Danse Macabre spell in BG3 allows players to summon a group of undead allies to aid them in battle. This powerful 5th-level Necromancy spell can turn the tide when used properly. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to utilize Danse Macabre effectively.
How to Get Danse Macabre in BG3
Danse Macabre is not available by default – it must be obtained via the Necromancy of Thay book. This book can be found in various locations in the game. Once obtained, the book must be read to learn the Danse Macabre spell.
Alternatively, the Necromancy of Thay book can be destroyed instead of read if you do not wish to allow the Danse Macabre spell to be learned.
Once learned from the book, Danse Macabre must be prepared like any other spell in order to be cast.
Using Danse Macabre in Combat
To use Danse Macabre:
- Ensure the caster has the spell prepared.
- When combat begins, select the caster and choose the Danse Macabre icon.
- Click the desired target location to summon the ghouls.
Up to six ghouls will be summoned within a 20 foot radius of the target location. The ghouls will appear around corners or behind cover if appropriate for the location.
The ghouls will act immediately after being summoned and on the caster’s turn thereafter. They will attack nearby enemies determined automatically by the game AI.
Drawbacks
Danse Macabre has a long cast time of 1 action, preventing its use in the midst of heated combat. The spell is best used at the start of combat or prior to engaging enemies.
In addition, the spell can only be used once per long rest. Use it wisely!
Tactical Uses
Danse Macabre is best used to strategically alter the battlefield to your advantage. Here are some potential uses:
- Distract Powerful Enemies: The ghouls can occupy dangerous foes while your party focuses attacks elsewhere.
- Block Passages: Station ghouls in narrow corridors or doorways to prevent enemies from advancing.
- Protect Allies: Position ghouls near ranged allies to intercept incoming arrows or spells.
- Flank Enemies: Place ghouls on opposite sides of enemies to enable sneak attacks.
- Draw Enemies Away: Put ghouls behind enemy lines to pull foes out of formation.
- Overwhelm Weak Enemies: Send all six ghouls to quickly dispatch vulnerable targets.
- Combo with Other Spells: Use ghouls in combination with buffs, debuffs, or environmental effects.
Get creative with Danse Macabre! The spell provides a flexible tool to strategically shift combat to your favor.
Synergies with Other Spells
While Danse Macabre itself deals no damage, the summoned ghouls benefit from spells and abilities that enhance their strength:
- Haste– Doubles ghoul speed and provides an extra attack.
- Bless– Improves ghoul attack rolls and saving throws.
- Hold Person– Immobilizes enemies, allowing ghouls to attack with advantage.
- Grease– Knocks enemies prone, granting ghouls advantage and enabling sneak attack.
- Web– Restrains enemies, giving ghouls automatic critical hits.
Combining Danse Macabre with spells that disable, hinder, or buff enemies can make the ghouls far more deadly. Coordinate with allies to take advantage of these potential synergies.
Best Targets for Danse Macabre
When using Danse Macabre, assess the battlefield to determine the optimal placement for maximum impact:
- Swarm Weaker Enemies: Ghouls can quickly overwhelm foes with low AC and HP.
- Distract Damage Dealers: Draw attacks away from your party’s main damage dealers.
- Block Chokepoints: Stop enemies from funneling through narrow passages.
- Flank Tanks: Ghoul positioning can enable sneak attacks against heavily armored foes.
- Pull Enemies from Cover: Force ranged enemies out of protective cover.
- Protect Squishies: Have ghouls intercept enemies trying to attack low HP allies.
Choose targets and positioning to best support your overall battle strategy.
Countering Danse Macabre
While potent, Danse Macabre can be countered if the ghouls are dealt with properly:
- Focus Fire Ghouls– Their low HP and AC make them vulnerable to concentrated attacks.
- Use AoEs– Area of effect spells damage multiple ghouls at once.
- Radiant Damage– Undead take extra damage from radiant energy.
- Stunning Effects– Incapacitate ghouls to prevent their attacks.
- Control Undead– Turn ghouls against their summoner!
- Dispel Magic– Removes a ghoul if focused on a single target.
- Prevent Casting– Abilities like Silence and Counterspell stop Danse Macabre’s use.
Do not ignore the ghouls once summoned! Quickly dismantle them before they overwhelm your party.
Preventing Danse Macabre
To avoid being overwhelmed by a Danse Macabre cast:
- Destroy the Tome– Stop the spell from being obtained by destroying Necromancy of Thay.
- Counterspell– Interrupt the caster before Danse Macabre finishes.
- Dispel Magic– Remove the spell effect after ghouls appear.
- Turn Undead– Like Control Undead, make ghouls fight their summoner!
- Attack the Caster– Break concentration to dismiss the ghouls.
- Healing Spells– Cure Wounds and Healing Word restore lost HP.
- Protection Spells– Shield, Blur, or similar spells mitigate ghoul damage.
- Engage After It’s Used– The spell can only be cast once per long rest.
With foresight and preparation, Danse Macabre can be mitigated. Do not let the ghouls take your party by surprise!
Conclusion – September 4, 2023
Danse Macabre provides Baldur’s Gate 3 players with a unique way to strategically shift combat to their favor. Summoned ghouls can protect allies, flank enemies, block passages, and draw attacks. While deadly, the ghouls can be countered with smart positioning, focused fire, and spell combinations. Use Danse Macabre wisely, and it may just save your adventuring party from danger!
