Can Bards Swap Out Spells? A Comprehensive Guide for D&D Players

Yes, bards can swap out spells in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, but with specific limitations. Unlike some other spellcasting classes that can prepare spells daily, bards have a more curated approach to their magical repertoire. They learn a limited number of spells, and they can exchange them when they gain a level. This makes spell selection a crucial element of building a powerful and versatile bard character. Let’s dive deeper into how this works, and answer some common questions that many bard players may have.

Understanding Bard Spell Swapping

The core mechanic for swapping bard spells is tied to leveling up. When a bard gains a level, they have the opportunity to replace one of the spells they already know with another spell from the bard spell list. This new spell must be of a level for which they have spell slots. This system is different from “prepared spell” casters like Clerics or Wizards, who can change their spell selection after a long rest. Bards, Sorcerers, Rangers, and Warlocks, operate on a “known spell” basis, allowing for changes only upon leveling up.

The Mechanics of Spell Replacement

Here’s a breakdown of the rules:

• One-for-One Exchange: You can swap only one spell per level up. This ensures that bards don’t drastically change their entire spell list every level, maintaining the idea of a curated selection.
• Bard Spell List Only: The new spell you select must be from the bard spell list. You can’t just choose any spell from any class list (unless you are using the Magical Secrets feature which we’ll discuss later)
• Level Restriction: The new spell must be of a level for which you have spell slots. This means you can’t pick a 9th-level spell at level 5, for instance.
• No Cantrip Swaps: This spell swapping mechanism does not apply to cantrips. Once you learn a cantrip, you keep it unless the game gives specific rules for that, that isn’t part of level progression.
• No Mid-Level Changes: You can not change your spells when you want. It is linked to the level up mechanic, typically only happening every few game sessions, not daily.

Magical Secrets and Spell Swapping

The Magical Secrets feature, unique to bards, allows them to learn spells from other class lists. This opens up opportunities to enhance their spellcasting capabilities with spells that bards don’t typically have access to.

Here’s how it relates to spell swapping:

• Swappable Magical Secrets: Just like any other spell you know, spells learned through Magical Secrets can be swapped out during a level-up, following the same rules as above.
• Strategic Choices: This allows you to tailor your bard to the party’s needs and your preferred style of play. You can swap a spell you picked from the Wizard list for a cleric spell if you decide that it is more impactful.
• Long-Term Planning: This feature encourages thinking ahead and making informed choices about your spell list over the long term.

FAQs: Common Questions About Bard Spell Swapping

Here are 15 frequently asked questions, offering deeper insights into the intricacies of how bards manage their spells.

1. Can Bards Change Their Spells Every Day?

No, bards cannot change their spells every day. Bards, along with Sorcerers, Rangers, and Warlocks, operate on a “known spell” system. This means they learn a certain number of spells and can only change them when they gain a level.

2. Can Bards Switch Out Cantrips?

No, bards cannot switch out cantrips when they level up or at any other time unless the game specifies a very unusual method. Once a cantrip is learned, it’s a permanent part of their repertoire, aside from the previously mentioned very strange situations.

3. Can Bards Use Spells from Other Class Lists?

Bards can primarily use spells from the bard spell list, that is their default list. The exception is the Magical Secrets feature, which allows them to select spells from other class lists at certain levels.

4. Can a Bard Cast Two Spells in One Turn?

Generally, no. The standard rule is that you can cast only one spell with your action. However, if you cast a spell as a bonus action, you can also cast a cantrip with your action.

5. Can Bards Change Spells Learned Through Magical Secrets?

Yes, spells learned via Magical Secrets can be swapped out when leveling up, just like any other spell a bard knows.

6. What Classes Can Change Spells?

All spellcasting classes can change spells, but the methods differ. Clerics, Druids, Paladins, and Wizards can change their prepared spells daily. Other classes like Bards, Sorcerers, Rangers, and Warlocks can swap one of their known spells at each level up.

7. How Many Times Can a Bard Use a Cantrip?

Cantrips can be cast an unlimited number of times per day.

8. Why Can’t Bards Prepare Spells?

Bards don’t prepare spells because they operate on a “known spell” system. This contrasts with “prepared spell” casters like Clerics or Wizards. This system is part of their design to balance their versatility.

9. Why Do Bards Get So Few Spells?

Bards have a more limited number of known spells to balance their proficiency in multiple areas: skills, magic, and even weapons. This jack-of-all-trades approach means they excel in various aspects, but can be behind other casters in raw spell selection.

10. Are Bards Good at Counterspell?

Yes, bards are excellent at counterspelling. They get a feature called Jack of All Trades which adds half of their proficiency bonus to the ability check required when casting Counterspell. They are also a Charisma based class, that is typically the saving throw needed for Counterspell.

11. Can Bards Cast Spells Without an Instrument?

Bards can use an instrument as a spellcasting focus, but they do not have to. They can also use other types of focus like an amulet or other item. This is great as they can hide their magic easily.

12. Can Bards Get Wizard Spells?

Yes, bards can get Wizard spells through their Magical Secrets feature. This allows them to diversify their spellcasting abilities, though they can’t be a full Wizard.

13. How Often Can You Change Spells?

You can change spells during a level up. This means every level up, all casters can replace one spell they know (as applicable by their spell casting class), with another. Clerics, druids, paladins, and wizards can change their entire “prepared” list after each long rest, within the limits of their spell list.

14. Do 10th Level Spells Exist?

No, in D&D 5th Edition, 10th-level spells do not exist. The highest level of spells available is 9th. However, in earlier editions of D&D, such spells did exist.

15. What Are the Best Skill Proficiencies for Bards?

The best skill proficiencies for Bards include Performance, Persuasion, Deception, and Intimidation. These skills complement the Bard’s social and manipulative abilities.

Conclusion

Bards are a versatile and rewarding class that relies on careful spell selection. While they can’t change spells daily, they gain the flexibility to swap spells during level-ups, allowing them to adapt and grow. The Magical Secrets feature further enhances their adaptability, making them capable of learning spells from other classes. Understanding these mechanics is key to playing a successful bard and truly embracing this dynamic class. By making wise choices and thinking ahead, a bard can be a powerful force on the battlefield and in social encounters.