Compared to the 3rd-level spell Haste, Improved Haste targets a single creature, does not cause fatigue when the spell duration ends, and grants the Improved Haste effect which in part, doubles Attacks per round.
In Enhanced Edition, this spell will notably block Offensive Spin.
Description[]
| “ | The affected creature functions at double its normal movement and attack rates and receives a +2 bonus to its initiative. Thus, a creature moving at 6 and attacking once per round would move at 12 and attack twice per round. Spellcasting and spell effects are not sped up. There are three major differences between the 3rd-level wizard spell Haste and this spell: First, there is no period of fatigue following the expiration of the spell; second, this spell will only affect one creature; third, this spell actually doubles the number of attacks per round of the hasted creature. This spell also negates the effects of a Slow spell, but it is not cumulative with itself or with other similar magic. Its effects will last for the duration or until dispelled. | ” |
Gameplay[]
The caster applies this spell to one creature only, including self if desired.
When the spell cast is finished a sparkling blue projectile travels to the target and applies the spell's effect - at the same time a text is displayed reading "Hasted", and the target will have a 3D lighting effect, and a brief color fade rendered over their sprite.
A player character will see an icon (No. 110) titled "Improved Haste" on their portrait for the spell's duration.
A sound effect audibles when the spell is cast, and another when it expires.
Most detailed questions about how Haste and Improved Haste effects operate are documented on the Haste effect page.
This is one of the most useful spells available to the player in the game.
This spell is rarely used by enemies, where the normal Haste effect is typically cast by opponents or otherwise implemented instead.
The spell caps out at caster level 20, so the maximum duration available with this spell is 23 rounds.
Improved Haste is subject to Dispel Magic effects.
Improved Haste is unaffected by a Breach effect.
Where to obtain its scroll[]
Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn[]
Baldur's Gate II: Throne of Bhaal[]
Items which provide use of Improved Haste[]
The effect of this spell is also granted via charges by the following items (user only):
BG II[]
- Ring of Gaxx (3 charges per rest; each lasts for 10 seconds)
- Bracers of Blinding Strike (1 charge per rest; lasts for 20 seconds)
- Amulet of Cheetah Speed (1 charge per rest; lasts for 23 rounds; only available in late ToB)
- Improved Cloak of Protection (1 charge per rest, lasts for 23 rounds; the components to craft this cloak are available during the SoA campaign, but only Cespenar during ToB is able to craft it. (The Tweaks Anthology has a component to make this recipe available earlier, by giving Cromwell access to it as well)
Where to obtain its scroll[]
Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn[]
Baldur's Gate II: Throne of Bhaal[]
Use of the Improved Haste scroll[]
- Cespenar the Imp butler can use the scroll to create Improved Cloak of Protection (Cloak of Protection +2, Improved Haste scroll, Invisibility scroll, and 20,000 gold are needed)
Trivia[]
The Advanced Dungeons and Dragons 2nd Edition ruleset also provides an Improved Slow Wizard spell. The D&D 2nd Edition version of Improved Haste spell boosts dexterity by +4 as well.
Mod content[]
This section is about unofficial content that is only available via fan-made mods.
Spell Revisions mod has changed this arcane spell, revising its effects, area of effect, duration and description. See below:
Improved Haste
Level: 6
School: Alteration
Range: Long
Duration: 1 turn
Casting Time: 6
Area of Effect: 30’ radius
Saving Throw: None
When this spell is cast, each affected creature functions at double normal movement rate, gains a +2 bonus to attack rolls, armor class, and saving throws vs. breath, and can make one extra attack each round. Spellcasting and spell effects are not affected. There are three major differences between the third level wizard spell Haste and this spell. The first major difference is that this spell will affect all allied creatures within its area of effect. The second major difference is that there is no period of fatigue following the expiration of the spell. Third and finally, this haste spell cannot be countered by Slow.
External links[]
- Improved Haste on the Icewind Dale Wiki, a wiki for the first Icewind Dale game.
- Improved haste on the Forgotten Realms Wiki, a wiki for the Dungeons & Dragons campaign setting Forgotten Realms.
- Advanced D&D 2nd Edition Wiki - Improved Haste (Wizard Spell)