BG3 Warding Bond is a crucial spell for any player looking to protect their party. This defensive buff can make a high-value ally much harder to take down. However, Warding Bond does come with some major drawbacks. This guide will teach you everything you need to master Warding Bond in Baldur’s Gate 3.
Key Takeaways
- Warding Bond grants resistance to all damage and a +1 bonus to AC and saves
- The caster shares any damage taken by the bonded target
- Use Warding Bond to protect squishy damage dealers or healers
- Keep the caster and target within 60 feet to maintain the bond
- Dispel magic can break the bond prematurely
- Warding Bond does not stack with other resistances
What is Warding Bond in Baldur’s Gate 3?
Warding Bond is a 2nd level abjuration spell in BG3. When cast, it forms a magical tether between the caster and an ally. This tether provides several benefits:
- The target gains resistance to all damage types
- The target receives a +1 bonus to AC and all saving throws
- The caster takes the same amount of damage the target takes, up to half the caster’s max HP
Warding Bond lasts for 8 hours or until dispelled. The caster must maintain concentration, and the spell ends if the caster or target drops to 0 HP. It has a range of 60 feet.
Related: Baldur’s Gate 3 Imposter Guide
Ideal Uses for Warding Bond in BG3
Since Warding Bond splits incoming damage, it works best on allies that draw a lot of attacks. Use Warding Bond on high priority targets like damage dealers or healers. Enemies will still target these threats, but your ally will have extra durability.
Tanks and frontliners can also benefit, but they already have high HP and AC. It’s often better to protect glass cannon allies instead.
You can also use Warding Bond preemptively if you expect a target to take damage soon. Cast it on allies before combat or when facing AoEs.
Drawbacks of Warding Bond
Warding Bond is not without risks. The caster shares any damage dealt to the target, so you can take heavy damage if your ally is focused fired. Staying within 60 feet of the target is crucial as well.
Warding Bond also requires concentration. Taking damage will force concentration checks. Furthermore, enemy dispel magic will instantly end the bond, so stay aware of enemy spellcasters.
Finally, the resistance effect does not stack with other resistances. Don’t overlap Warding Bond with spells like Protection from Energy.
Who Makes a Good Warding Bond Target?
When picking an ally for Warding Bond, look for:
- Squishy damage dealers: Protect glass cannons like rangers and wizards
- Primary healers: Keep your Cleric or Druid alive
- Characters with critical skills/buffs: Save allies providing Guidance, Bless, etc.
- Tanks drawing aggro: Bolster frontliners under heavy fire
Avoid casting Warding Bond on:
- Allies already resistant to the expected damage types
- Allies who will be too far away or out of sight
- Allies likely to act recklessly or draw even more attacks
Warding Bond Combos
While Warding Bond does not stack with other resistances, it combos well with other defensive buffs:
- Death Ward prevents dropping to 0 HP, maintaining Warding Bond
- Shield blocks hits that would damage both you and your ally
- Healing Word restores HP lost from shared damage
- Inspiring Leader grants temp HP, absorbing shared damage
Cast these spells before or after Warding Bond to mitigate its drawbacks.
Related: Baldur’s Gate 3 Secret Chamber Guide
Casting Warding Bond in Combat
When casting Warding Bond mid-combat, follow these steps:
- Identify the ally most in need of protection. Pick a target getting swarmed or focused fired.
- Move within 60 feet of your chosen ally if needed. You must be able to maintain proximity.
- Cast Warding Bond as an action, selecting your target. Both of you gain the benefits.
- Focus on protecting your bonded ally through control spells, healing, etc.
- If you or your ally takes damage, note how much is shared through the bond.
- Keep your ally within 60 feet and beware enemy dispel magic. The bond breaks if either condition occurs.
Warding Bond on Clerics/Druids
As a Cleric or Druid, you can Warding Bond yourself before combat. The resistance and AC boosts improve your tanking and durability as you draw enemy aggression.
You can also Warding Bond your primary damage dealer. Keep them alive and fighting with your heals while improving their resistances. This works well for glass cannons.
If you bond with an ally, cast healing spells like Healing Word on them rather than yourself. That way you heal their damage without spending spell slots on your shared damage.
Warding Bond on Wizards
As a Wizard, Warding Bond helps you support allies in close quarters rather than solely relying on range. Choose a frontline fighter or Rogue as your target.
Stay behind your ally or hide using illusions. When bonded, you can selectively absorb damage headed their way. But be careful not to expose yourself.
Don’t be afraid to break concentration on Warding Bond if you need to cast an emergency spell like Misty Step or Shield. Just recast it when you’re safe again.
Warding Bond on Rogues
Rogues have few spells, but Warding Bond remains useful. Bond with your tankiest ally before sneaking forward. The resistance will reduce AoEs if you’re detected.
You can also cast Warding Bond on your party’s Ranger or spellcaster before scouting ahead. Move back within 60 feet once combat starts. Your ally will be tougher against ambushes.
Dispelling an Enemy’s Warding Bond
If an enemy has cast Warding Bond, Dispel Magic or Counterspell can remove it. Target the caster when possible so further Warding Bonds cannot be cast. Removing this defensive buff evens the playing field.
Dispelling Warding Bond mid-combat gives your party an advantage. The former target loses resistances and AC, while the caster loses their damage reduction. Focus fire on the previously protected target.
FAQ – August 23, 2023
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Warding Bond in Baldur’s Gate 3:
What is the range of Warding Bond?
Warding Bond has a range of 60 feet. The caster and target must remain within 60 feet of each other or the spell ends.
Who can I cast Warding Bond on?
You can cast it on any willing living creature. Undead and constructs cannot be targeted.
What happens if the caster or target drops to 0 HP?
If either the caster or target drops to 0 HP, Warding Bond immediately ends.
Can Warding Bond be dispelled?
Yes, Warding Bond can be dispelled by an enemy using Dispel Magic or Counterspell. This ends the bond.
Does Warding Bond stack with other resistances?
No. The damage resistance granted by Warding Bond does not stack with other resistances.
Can you cast Warding Bond on an animal companion?
Yes, as long as the animal is willing, per the spell’s description. This can protect a Ranger’s pet.
How long does Warding Bond last?
Warding Bond lasts for 8 hours or until dispelled. The caster must maintain concentration.
Conclusion
Warding Bond is one of the most powerful low-level buffs in Baldur’s Gate 3. Properly used, it can greatly augment an ally’s survivability against the toughest foes. Just be cautious with your spell slot usage, positioning, and concentration to avoid potential disasters.
Choose your bonded target wisely, stick close to them, and combo Warding Bond with other protective magic to get the most mileage. This spell alone could mean the difference between a teammate living or dying in Baldur’s Gate 3’s most harrowing battles.
