Best Wizard Spells for Scaling With Level

[KaptainKrunch]

I'm sure that this has been asked before, so if anyone just has a link to a thread that's already had this discussion, I'll be grateful for that.

I'm kind of looking at spells to use for my Spell Specialization - I think the feat is great.

However, my DM is only using Pathfinder material (Anything that's not third party on the Pathfinder d20PFSRD site) and the lists are a little long to keep looking for spells that would either benefit immensely from +2 levels at early levels, or that don't have a level cap at all.

I know Blast Spells get a significant boost for the level, but that would require me to put my Spell Focus in Evocation - which I don't think is all-around a good use of a feat.

I'm a Conjurer, and I'm picking up Spell Focus: Conjuration to get Augment Summoning anyway - so I prefer conjuration spells - but I know that Spell Focus: Transmutation and Spell Focus: Necromancy wouldn't be bad choices if there is a specific spell that benefits from a boosted level.

Black Tentacles is the first one I've discovered that scales up with level really well, since the CMB is completely level based, Spell Specialization gives a +2 to that CMB, as well as the duration.
When I get Spell Perfection later on, if I chose Black Tentacles, I'm basically doubling the strength bonus to match the 3.5 version.

I've also thought about specializing in Spiked Pit before I reached level 7 just to get an extra 10' tacked on to it... But that's a pretty minor effect considering it doesn't boost the saving throw to avoid the pit in the first place at all.

What other spells have infinite scaling, or benefit from your caster level to get the greatest effect from Spell Specialization?

[KaptainKrunch]

Wow, this must be a hard one to answer...

Guess my search continues...

[Mike Schneider]

Scorching Ray, just because its powerful and yet low enough level that you can easily Empower or Maximize it for more oompf. Keep it on-deck for any situation in which you're next after the BDF in the party just klonked something for a massive amount, and it's usually lights-out for that assailant.

And besides, who doesn't enjoy cackling maniacally while dumping 18d6 on the table?

-- Find a way to alter the fire-type to other elements, and you're in heaven.

[Ctuchik]

Grease is an amazing spell even later in game. Even if you can't get the foe to drop his weapon or fall, the square/item/person is flammable for several round afterward.

Alot of your generic utility spells like fogs are also nice as they maintain their function.

Also anything that can give negative effects like Ray of Exhaustion. Exhausted is still exhausted even at lvl 20.

Most of the wall spells also fall into this category. Being able to spring up walls of iron/wind/etc. and dividing the battlefield to your advantage is huge. Pits are much the same way, but you've already mentioned spike pit.

[Jaygo Lightfoot]

As a level 12 Conjuror whom enjoys the benefit of Augmented Summoning every time I cast Summon Monster VI I will say that Scorching Ray is one spell I wouldnt be without. It does very favourable damage compared to other evocation spells. [3 rays at 4d6 each, versus 12d6 cone of cold].

Black Tentacles is a great spell but is highly situational, it can be the fight winner or it can end up just creating another obstacle for the party, so be careful with that one.

Also, something my cleric always carries is a mass resist energy spell or two. This combined with a Wall of Fire has saved our bacon more than a few times.