How Many Spells Can a Wizard Have at Level 20? A Comprehensive Guide
A level 20 wizard in Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition can potentially know a vast number of spells, but it’s crucial to distinguish between the spells they know, the spells they have prepared, and the spells they can cast. While there’s no limit to the number of spells a wizard can learn and inscribe into their spellbook, the real question focuses on their practical spellcasting abilities at max level.
So, to answer the core question directly: A level 20 wizard can learn 44 spells by leveling alone. They start with 6 spells in their spellbook and gain 2 additional spells each time they level up. That means by level 20, they have gained an additional 38 spells through leveling alone (19 levels x 2 spells) plus their initial 6 for a total of 44 spells. However, the potential total number of spells known is practically limitless. A wizard can learn more spells by finding and copying them from scrolls and other spellbooks. There is no upper limit to the number of spells they can scribe into their spellbook, meaning they can potentially know hundreds of spells if they have the opportunity to find and copy them.
However, the wizard can only prepare a fraction of these spells each day. At level 20, the number of spells a wizard can prepare is determined by their Intelligence modifier + their Wizard level. So, if a level 20 wizard has an Intelligence score of 20 (+5 modifier), they can prepare 25 spells from their spellbook each long rest (20 wizard level + 5 modifier).
The Difference Between Known, Prepared, and Cast Spells
It’s vital to understand the distinction between these terms:
- Known Spells: These are all the spells a wizard has in their spellbook, gathered over time through leveling, finding scrolls, or copying from other sources. There’s practically no limit to this number.
- Prepared Spells: These are the spells a wizard chooses from their spellbook to have ready to cast after a long rest. The number of prepared spells is limited by their Intelligence modifier + their wizard level.
- Cast Spells: These are spells a wizard actually casts in combat or other situations, expending spell slots of the appropriate level.
A wizard might have 100 spells in their spellbook (known spells), prepare 25 (prepared spells), and cast any of those 25 within the limitation of their spell slots, using their actions or bonus actions (cast spells).
Beyond Spells: Cantrips and Signature Spells
Level 20 wizards also have access to:
- Cantrips: These are simple spells that can be cast at will without using spell slots, and wizards can typically know 5 cantrips. They can swap a cantrip for another after a long rest.
- Signature Spells: At level 20, a wizard also selects two 3rd-level wizard spells from their spellbook to become their signature spells. These can be cast at their lowest level spell slot without expending any additional spell slots.
Level 20 Wizard: Spellcasting Powerhouse
A level 20 wizard is incredibly powerful. They have access to high-level spells like Wish, the most powerful spell in the game. This spell, despite its potential drawbacks, allows the wizard to shape reality. This, combined with their vast pool of known spells, their ability to prepare numerous spells, their cantrips and signature spells makes them the most overpowered class at this level for magic in 5e.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Wizard Spells
How many spells do wizards start with?
A first-level wizard starts with six spells of their choice in their spellbook.
How do wizards acquire new spells?
Wizards acquire new spells by:
- Leveling up: They gain two new spells of their choice each time they level up.
- Finding spell scrolls: They can copy spells from scrolls they find into their spellbook.
- Copying from other spellbooks: If they find another wizard’s spellbook, they can copy spells from it.
Is there a limit to the number of spells in a wizard’s spellbook?
No, there is no limit to the number of spells a wizard can have in their spellbook.
How many spells can a wizard prepare at each level?
The number of spells a wizard can prepare is equal to their wizard level + their Intelligence modifier.
What is a spell slot?
Spell slots represent the magical energy a spellcaster uses to cast spells. They are spent when a spell is cast and recover with a long rest. Higher-level spells require higher-level spell slots.
Do cantrips use spell slots?
No, cantrips do not use spell slots. They can be cast at will, an unlimited number of times.
How many cantrips can a wizard have?
A wizard can know a maximum of five cantrips. They can swap one of their known cantrips for another from their available list during a long rest.
Can a wizard cast two spells in one turn?
A wizard can cast two spells in one turn if one of them is a cantrip with a casting time of 1 action, and the other is cast as a bonus action. So if you cast a leveled spell as a bonus action you can only cast a cantrip using an action.
Can a wizard learn more cantrips?
No, wizards cannot learn more cantrips beyond their standard allocation (usually 5, unless granted by multi-classing or other perks).
How often do wizards prepare spells?
Wizards prepare spells after a long rest, choosing which spells they will have available for the day.
Can a wizard copy cantrips into their spellbook?
Typically, no, a wizard cannot copy cantrips from scrolls into their spellbook.
Can I cast a leveled spell and a cantrip in the same turn?
Yes, if you cast a spell as a bonus action, the only other spell you can cast on the same turn is a cantrip with a casting time of 1 action.
What is the best damage-dealing wizard cantrip?
Firebolt is considered one of the best damage-dealing cantrips for wizards.
Do 10th level spells exist in 5e?
No, 10th-level spells do not exist in D&D 5e. The highest spell level is 9th.
What are signature spells for a level 20 wizard?
At level 20, a wizard chooses two 3rd-level wizard spells from their spellbook as signature spells. They can cast these at their lowest level spell slot for free, meaning they do not expend a spell slot when cast at their lowest level.
Conclusion
Level 20 wizards are a force to be reckoned with. While the number of spells they can prepare each day is limited, the sheer volume of spells they can potentially learn, and the level of their most powerful spells, including Wish, make them unparalleled spellcasters. This article has explored the nuances of a wizard’s spells, from known to prepared to cast, and clarified the rules around cantrips and signature spells. Understanding these concepts is crucial for any player looking to maximize their wizard’s potential at the highest levels of play.