Hey guys! In Baldur's Gate 3 (BG3), Intelligence is super important for certain classes like Wizards, as it directly impacts the effectiveness of their spells and abilities. If you're playing a character that relies on Intelligence, you'll definitely want to find ways to boost it. This guide will walk you through the various items and gear that can help you increase your Intelligence in BG3, making your character a magical powerhouse!

Why Intelligence Matters in BG3

Before we dive into the items, let's quickly recap why Intelligence is so crucial, especially if you're rocking a class like a Wizard, Artificer, or even some types of Fighters or Rogues:

• Spellcasting: For Wizards, Intelligence determines the number of spells you can prepare each day, as well as the difficulty class (DC) for your spells. A higher Intelligence means your spells are more likely to hit and harder for enemies to resist.
• Skills: Intelligence also affects skills like Arcana, History, Investigation, and Religion. These skills are super useful for uncovering lore, solving puzzles, and making informed decisions during your adventures.
• Dialogue Options: Sometimes, having high Intelligence can unlock unique dialogue options that can help you persuade NPCs, avoid combat, or gain valuable information.

So, yeah, if you're playing a character that relies on smarts, boosting your Intelligence is a no-brainer! Now, let's get into the juicy details of how to do it.

Items and Gear That Boost Intelligence

Alright, let's get to the good stuff! Here’s a breakdown of the items and gear you can find in BG3 that will give your Intelligence a serious boost. Remember, the availability of these items might depend on your choices in the game, your progression, and a bit of luck!

Headgear

Headgear is one of the most common slots for finding Intelligence-boosting items. Here are a couple of notable examples:

• Circlet of Intellect: This is one of the earliest and most reliable ways to boost your Intelligence. The Circlet of Intellect sets your Intelligence score to 17. This is a game-changer if you're playing a class that needs high Intelligence but didn't initially invest heavily in it. You can find this circlet in the Blighted Village. Look for it on a dead character near the alchemist's cellar. Obtaining it early in the game can significantly improve your spellcasting and skill checks. Intelligence is a cornerstone stat for spellcasters in Baldur’s Gate 3, and the Circlet of Intellect is a must-have item for those looking to optimize their characters early on. Its impact on gameplay, particularly for Wizards and other Intelligence-based classes, cannot be overstated. Securing this item should be a priority for any player aiming to maximize their spellcasting potential and overall effectiveness in combat and exploration.
• Hat of Fire Acuity: While not a direct Intelligence booster, this hat can indirectly improve your spellcasting by granting the wearer Arcane Acuity when dealing fire damage. Arcane Acuity gives a bonus to spell attack rolls and spell save DCs, effectively making your spells more likely to hit and harder to resist. The hat is particularly useful for Sorcerers and Wizards who focus on fire spells. The Hat of Fire Acuity can be acquired from defeating Gerringothe Thorm in the Reithwin Tollhouse, located in the Shadow-Cursed Lands. Equipping the Hat of Fire Acuity is a strategic choice for players who want to enhance their fire-based spells. The Arcane Acuity bonus can significantly increase the success rate of spells like Fireball, Scorching Ray, and Wall of Fire, making it a valuable asset in challenging encounters. The tactical advantage it provides is well worth the effort required to obtain it.

Amulets

Amulets can also provide some handy Intelligence boosts or other beneficial effects that synergize well with Intelligence-based characters:

• Amulet of the Harpers: In Act Three, players have the opportunity to acquire the Amulet of the Harpers, an accessory that offers a notable advantage for those aligned with the Harpers faction. Specifically, this amulet grants the wearer proficiency in Wisdom Saving Throws and Intelligence Saving Throws. This means that the character is more resistant to spells and effects that target these mental stats, making them more resilient in combat and exploration. Additionally, the Amulet of the Harpers provides the Guidance cantrip, a versatile ability that can be used to improve skill checks. Guidance grants a +1d4 bonus to any ability check, enhancing the wearer's chances of success in dialogue, exploration, and combat situations. The Amulet of the Harpers is found in the safe of Jaheira's Basement. The Amulet of the Harpers is a valuable item for those who want to enhance their character's resilience and versatility. The proficiency in Wisdom and Intelligence Saving Throws offers significant protection against a variety of threats, while the Guidance cantrip provides a useful boost to skill checks. This amulet is particularly beneficial for characters who rely on Wisdom or Intelligence, as it helps to shore up their defenses and improve their overall effectiveness.
• Periapt of Wound Closure: While the Periapt of Wound Closure doesn't directly increase Intelligence, it's incredibly useful for any character, especially those who are often in the thick of battle. This amulet automatically stabilizes you when you're downed and doubles your healing from spells and potions. For an Intelligence-based character who might be a bit squishy, this can be a lifesaver. The Periapt of Wound Closure is sold by various merchants throughout the game, including Quartermaster Talli in Last Light Inn and Dammon in the Druid Grove. The Periapt of Wound Closure is a must-have item for any character who wants to improve their survivability. The automatic stabilization effect can prevent a character from dying, while the increased healing from spells and potions can help them recover from damage more quickly. This amulet is particularly useful for front-line fighters who take a lot of damage, but it can also be beneficial for spellcasters who want to stay alive in tough encounters.

Weapons

While less common, some weapons offer effects that can indirectly boost your Intelligence or complement your abilities:

• Mourning Frost: Mourning Frost isn't just a weapon; it's a testament to strategic gameplay and resourcefulness in Baldur's Gate 3. This unique quarterstaff offers a +1 bonus to spell attack rolls and spell save DCs, significantly enhancing the effectiveness of your spells. Its special ability, Heart of Ice, inflicts 1 turn of Chilled upon hitting a creature with a cold damage spell, hindering enemy movement and opening them up to further attacks. Additionally, Mourning Frost grants resistance to cold damage, providing a crucial defensive advantage in icy environments and against cold-based enemies. To assemble Mourning Frost, you must gather three specific components: Icen metal, Icy Helve, and Icy Crystal. Icen metal is dropped by the frost gnoll at the wrecked wagon in the Risen Road area (X: 27, Y: 628). The Icy Helve is dropped by the gnoll at the cave entrance also in the Risen Road (X: 30, Y: 632). Finally, the Icy Crystal is dropped by the Hobgoblin leader in the Goblin camp (X: -34, Y: 4). Once you have acquired all three components, combine them to create the Mourning Frost quarterstaff. Its versatile bonuses and unique ability make it a valuable asset for spellcasters and melee fighters alike, offering both offensive and defensive advantages in combat. Its passive ability to inflict Chilled on enemies with cold damage spells is a game-changer in battles against tougher foes, as it provides a significant advantage by hindering their movement and making them more vulnerable to subsequent attacks. The added resistance to cold damage is just icing on the cake, making it an invaluable weapon for any player venturing into icy environments or facing cold-based enemies.

Other Notable Items

• Mirror of Loss: The Mirror of Loss in Baldur's Gate 3 presents a unique opportunity to permanently boost your character's abilities, including the potential to increase your Intelligence by 2 points. Located in the House of Grief within the Shadow-Cursed Lands, this ancient mirror requires a sacrifice of memories in exchange for its blessings. To successfully gain a permanent stat increase, you'll need to pass a challenging Wisdom saving throw (DC 25). If you succeed, you can choose to increase a stat by 2, up to the game's maximum stat cap of 20. However, failing the saving throw results in a temporary stat decrease and the loss of memories. Before attempting to use the Mirror of Loss, it is highly recommended to cast Guidance or Inspiration to improve your chances of success on the Wisdom saving throw. These buffs can provide a crucial edge, increasing your likelihood of receiving the mirror's permanent blessing without suffering negative consequences. Acquiring a permanent stat increase from the Mirror of Loss is a strategic decision that can significantly enhance your character's power and effectiveness. The potential to raise your Intelligence by 2 points can greatly benefit spellcasters, increasing their spell save DC and overall magical prowess. While the risks associated with the Wisdom saving throw are considerable, the rewards make it a worthwhile endeavor for those seeking to optimize their characters.

Tips for Maximizing Your Intelligence

Here are some extra tips to help you make the most of your Intelligence-boosting items:

• Prioritize Early Game: The Circlet of Intellect is a must-have early on. Grab it as soon as you can to make your early game much smoother.
• Combine Effects: Look for items that not only boost Intelligence but also synergize well with your class and playstyle. For example, the Hat of Fire Acuity is great for fire-based Sorcerers and Wizards.
• Consider Temporary Boosts: Don't forget about potions and spells that can temporarily boost your Intelligence for tough fights or important skill checks. Enhance Ability is a great spell for this.
• Respec if Needed: If you find a game-changing item like the Circlet of Intellect and your initial stat distribution wasn't optimal, consider respeccing your character with Withers to make the most of it.

Conclusion

Boosting your Intelligence in Baldur's Gate 3 can significantly enhance your character's effectiveness, especially if you're playing a class that relies on it. By finding and equipping the right items and gear, you can become a formidable spellcaster or a master of knowledge and skills. So, keep an eye out for these items, and may your Intelligence checks always succeed!