How Strong is a Level 20 Wizard?
A level 20 wizard in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition is arguably one of the most powerful and versatile characters a player can create. They possess an arsenal of potent spells, unparalleled flexibility, and the ability to warp reality itself. While not necessarily the most durable or the highest damage-per-round character, the level 20 wizard’s true strength lies in their ability to control the battlefield, manipulate situations, and solve virtually any problem through the sheer breadth of their magical capabilities. They are not just powerful; they are, in many ways, a force of nature, capable of reshaping the world around them with a thought and a gesture.
Unlocking the Pinnacle of Arcane Power
At level 20, a wizard’s progression is capped, representing the culmination of years of study and practice in the arcane arts. This isn’t merely about hitting harder; it’s about accessing unique features and an exceptional mastery of spells that transform them into a truly formidable force. Here’s a breakdown of what makes a level 20 wizard so potent:
Signature Spells
One of the most significant features of a level 20 wizard is their mastery of two signature spells. They can choose any two 3rd-level wizard spells from their spellbook and cast them without expending spell slots. This ability provides consistent and readily available powerful spells that can be used every encounter, bolstering their power and efficiency. Imagine having a free and reliable Counterspell or Fireball available whenever you need it!
A Vast Spellbook
By 20th level, a wizard has accumulated a massive spellbook. Starting with 6 spells at level 1 and adding two each level, a level 20 wizard will have a total of 44 spells in their repertoire. This incredible selection means they have spells for virtually any situation: offense, defense, utility, mobility, and more. Their ability to choose the right spell for the right moment makes them incredibly adaptable and dangerous.
Spell Slots Galore
Level 20 wizards have access to an abundance of spell slots, including high-level slots that can unleash the most devastating spells in the game. They have slots for 9th-level spells, the peak of magical power in D&D 5e, allowing them to cast spells like Wish or Meteor Swarm. With so many available spell slots across various levels, a wizard can consistently maintain their magical presence throughout a prolonged adventure.
The Power of Wish
Perhaps the most iconic spell at the wizard’s disposal, Wish is a 9th-level spell that allows them to reshape reality at the discretion of the Dungeon Master. Wish offers the potential to duplicate almost any other spell of 8th level or lower, create nearly any object, or even alter the nature of the world itself. While it comes with potential risks and unforeseen consequences dictated by the DM, the versatility and sheer power of the Wish spell makes the level 20 wizard incredibly unpredictable and potent.
High Intelligence and Prepared Spells
A wizard’s power is further amplified by their high Intelligence score. A level 20 wizard with an Intelligence of 20 can prepare up to 25 spells each day from their spellbook, selecting the optimal mix of magic for whatever challenges they expect to face. This allows them to curate a repertoire that is tailored to their particular needs and allows them to adapt their spells day-by-day based on the adventure ahead.
How This Translates to Practical Power
So, what does this all mean in practical terms? Here’s a glimpse of what a level 20 wizard can do:
- Control the Battlefield: With spells like Wall of Force, Telekinesis, and powerful area-of-effect spells, a level 20 wizard can easily manipulate the battlefield, separating enemies, creating barriers, and setting up the perfect scenario for their allies to strike.
- Deal Devastating Damage: While not focused on raw damage output like some other classes, spells like Meteor Swarm and Disintegrate can melt enemies into nothingness. They also have access to a myriad of elemental spells and damage-over-time effects that make them powerful offensive casters.
- Solve Any Problem: With spells like Teleport, Scrying, and Wish, a level 20 wizard can navigate almost any challenge, from travel to information gathering and reality-altering situations.
- Influence and Dominate: Spells like Dominate Person and Mass Suggestion allow a wizard to sway individuals and groups, making them a force to be reckoned with both in combat and social scenarios.
- Resist Magic: Through the School of Abjuration, Wizards are able to actively defend themselves against magic, resisting it and even turning it back upon their foes.
The Wizard: A Force to Be Reckoned With
In conclusion, a level 20 wizard isn’t just “strong;” they’re a powerhouse of arcane knowledge and raw magical might. While they may not possess the pure physical might of a barbarian or fighter, their ability to manipulate reality, control the battlefield, and solve problems with magic makes them arguably the most influential and powerful character class at this tier of play. Their power is limited only by their imagination and the boundaries of the game’s mechanics, making them an exciting and potentially devastating force to encounter in any D&D campaign.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the CR of a level 20 wizard?
A level 20 wizard is roughly equivalent to an Archmage, a high-end monster found in the Monster Manual. This places them at a high Challenge Rating (CR), capable of taking on a large array of enemies, even those of very high CR.
2. How many spells can a level 20 wizard learn?
At level 20, a wizard learns a total of 44 spells. They start with six at level 1 and gain two more every time they level up. This substantial selection gives them access to a wide array of magical abilities.
3. How many spells can a level 20 wizard prepare?
A level 20 wizard with an Intelligence score of 20 can prepare 25 spells from their spellbook each day. This flexibility allows them to adapt their magical abilities to each day’s challenges.
4. What is the most powerful spell a level 20 wizard can cast?
The Wish spell is arguably the most powerful spell available to a level 20 wizard. However, it’s highly dependent on DM discretion and can come with unintended consequences. Another powerful contender is Meteor Swarm, which deals massive damage over a large area.
5. How much damage can a level 20 wizard do?
While not primarily focused on raw damage, a level 20 wizard can achieve upwards of 400-600 damage per spell with optimized builds. Spells like Meteor Swarm and Disintegrate, when used strategically and amplified by metamagic, can be extremely devastating.
6. What are signature spells for a level 20 wizard?
Signature spells are two 3rd-level wizard spells that the wizard chooses from their spellbook at 20th level. These can be cast without expending spell slots, making them consistently reliable options for offense, defense, or utility.
7. Can a level 20 wizard beat a Tarrasque?
Yes, a level 20 wizard in a well-balanced party can defeat a Tarrasque. While the Tarrasque is a formidable foe, a level 20 party has the tools and abilities needed to overcome it.
8. What is the difference between a level 20 wizard and a level 20 warlock?
Both classes are powerful spellcasters, but the wizard is generally more focused on flexibility and breadth of spells, while the warlock focuses on consistency and potent, recurring abilities. The level 20 wizard also has signature spells while the warlock can regenerate their spell slots outside of combat.
9. How does a level 20 wizard compare to a level 20 fighter?
A level 20 fighter focuses on physical combat, dealing consistent and high damage with melee and ranged attacks. A wizard is a master of magic, controlling the battlefield and using spells to solve problems. Both are powerful, but they approach combat and encounters in vastly different ways.
10. Are level 20 wizards the most overpowered class in 5e?
Many players and critics consider wizards to be among the most overpowered classes at high levels, thanks to their sheer versatility, the power of Wish, and the ability to control any given situation.
11. What makes a level 20 wizard so versatile?
Their broad spell list, numerous spell slots, signature spells, and the ability to prepare spells daily allows them to adapt to virtually any challenge. They have a tool for any situation, unlike other classes which are more fixed in their roles.
12. Can a level 20 wizard learn more cantrips?
A wizard’s cantrip choices are fixed, and they cannot learn additional cantrips beyond their class progression. However, through multi-classing, or racial feats they may learn more.
13. Is “Mage Armor” a useful spell for a level 20 wizard?
Yes, Mage Armor is a useful spell. Wizards are not proficient with most armor. Mage Armor provides a significant Armor Class boost, making the wizard more durable. It is especially useful if a wizard doesn’t have other ways to increase their AC.
14. How does a level 20 wizard deal with physical threats?
While lacking in hit points, wizards employ a range of spells to deal with physical threats. These include spells like Telekinesis, Wall of Force, and other control spells to mitigate damage, while offensive spells can damage and eliminate these threats.
15. What can a level 20 wizard accomplish that a lower-level wizard cannot?
A level 20 wizard has access to 9th-level spells, signature spells and a much higher number of high-level spells, which exponentially increase their power. They are significantly more capable at controlling the battlefield, dealing damage, and manipulating reality than a lower-level counterpart.