When Can a Druid Shapeshift? A Comprehensive Guide to Wild Shape
A Druid’s ability to shapeshift, known as Wild Shape, is one of the most iconic and versatile features in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (5e). This ability allows druids to magically transform into various creatures, opening up a world of tactical possibilities and unique roleplaying opportunities. The core answer to the question, “When can a druid shapeshift?” is straightforward: a druid can begin shapeshifting at 2nd level. However, the nuances of this ability extend far beyond this simple answer, with numerous factors influencing what, when, and how a druid can transform.
Understanding the Basics of Wild Shape
Starting at Level 2
The ability to use Wild Shape is granted to all druids starting at 2nd level. At this point, the druid can use an action to magically assume the shape of a beast they have seen before. Initially, a druid has two uses of this ability, which are regained upon finishing a short or long rest.
The Limitations of Initial Wild Shape
While this ability opens doors for a druid, it is crucial to note the initial limitations. At 2nd level, a druid can only transform into a beast. This excludes other creature types like elementals, monstrosities, or celestials. Furthermore, there are restrictions on the Challenge Rating (CR) of the beasts they can transform into; early on, druids are limited to beasts of CR 1 or lower, meaning no large or overly powerful creatures initially.
Duration and Frequency
The duration for which a druid can stay in a beast shape is determined by their druid level. Specifically, a druid can remain wild shaped for a number of hours equal to half their druid level, rounded down. For example, a 4th-level druid can stay transformed for 2 hours, while a 10th-level druid can maintain their shape for 5 hours. As stated, the uses are limited to two and are regained at the end of short or long rests.
Advanced Wild Shape Options
As the druid gains levels, the capabilities of their Wild Shape improve significantly, opening up a range of new possibilities.
Circle of the Moon Enhancements
Druids who join the Circle of the Moon subclass gain additional benefits to their Wild Shape at 2nd level. These druids gain the ability to transform into beasts with a CR of 1 at level 2, making them able to transform into more powerful forms from the start. Later, at 6th level, a Circle of the Moon druid can transform into beasts with a CR as high as their druid level divided by 3, rounded down. This allows access to higher-CR creatures earlier than other druids, making them more formidable in combat.
Elemental Transformation
At 10th level, all druids gain the ability to spend two uses of Wild Shape to transform into an elemental. This opens up new tactical options, allowing for the shape of an air, earth, fire, or water elemental with their unique abilities, resistances, and immunities. Note that this does not allow transformation into any creature with the elemental type – specifically limited to the four listed elements.
Beyond Wild Shape: Shapechange
While Wild Shape has limitations, there are other shapeshifting options available to druids at much higher levels. Most notably, at 17th level, druids gain access to the shapechange spell. This incredibly powerful spell allows a druid to transform into any creature they have seen before, regardless of type, opening up the potential to become more powerful monstrosities or even a dragon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Druid Shapeshifting
1. Can a druid turn into a bear?
Yes, a druid can transform into a bear at 2nd level using their Wild Shape ability, provided they have seen a bear before and it falls within the limitations of being a beast with a CR of 1 or lower.
2. Can a druid turn into anything?
No, druids cannot turn into anything. Wild Shape is primarily limited to beasts at lower levels, though later elementals and more creature types are available via other spells. Specifically, they can’t turn into monstrosities (like Owlbears via Wild Shape), celestials, fiends, or constructs.
3. When can druids turn into elementals?
Druids can transform into elementals (air, earth, fire, or water) at 10th level by expending two uses of their Wild Shape ability.
4. How long can a druid shapeshift?
The duration a druid can remain shapeshifted is equal to half their druid level, rounded down.
5. Can a druid turn into an owlbear?
Not through Wild Shape. Owlbears are categorized as monstrosities, not beasts. However, at higher levels, a druid can turn into an owlbear using the Shapechange spell.
6. What can a moon druid turn into?
Circle of the Moon druids can transform into beasts with a CR of 1 at 2nd level and, at 6th level, into beasts with a CR as high as their druid level divided by 3, rounded down.
7. Can a druid turn into a spider?
Yes, a druid can turn into a spider at 2nd level using their Wild Shape, provided they have seen one and it meets the CR requirement.
8. What can druids NOT turn into?
Druids cannot turn into monstrosities (via Wild Shape), celestials, fiends, undead, or creatures with a CR exceeding their limits, and are also limited to the four listed elements when transforming into elementals. They can not turn into anything with the elemental type via Wild Shape.
9. Can a druid turn into a Wendigo?
No, a druid cannot turn into a Wendigo. Wendigos are not beasts, and transformation into one is not a standard feature of the druid class. The example listed in the article is more of a cursed item effect.
10. What is the most powerful druid wild shape?
The “best” Wild Shape depends on the situation and level of the druid. Some of the best options, based on the article, include creatures like Mammoths, Fire Elementals, and Water Elementals.
11. Can a druid turn into a dragon?
A druid cannot turn into a dragon via Wild Shape. However, they can transform into a dragon using the Shapechange spell, which is a level 9 spell.
12. Can a druid turn into a wolf?
Yes, a druid can turn into a wolf at 2nd level if they have seen one and the wolf meets the CR restriction.
13. What happens if a druid touches metal?
Nothing. There is no prohibition against touching metal, although in older editions of D&D, there were penalties for using metal armor or weapons.
14. Can a druid turn into an undead?
While there is a template for druids turning undead, it doesn’t add a standard wild shape option. If an undead druid had the ability to use wild shape, it would retain it but can assume only the form of creatures that cannot fly.
15. Can a druid turn into a bird and fly?
Yes, starting at 8th level, a druid can transform into a bird and fly, provided they meet the requirements for the creature transformation.
Conclusion
The druid’s ability to shapeshift through Wild Shape is a core feature of the class, offering flexibility, utility, and unique combat potential. While there are limitations on the types of creatures, duration, and frequency of these transformations, druids become increasingly powerful shapeshifters as they level up. The combination of Wild Shape and later spells like Shapechange makes the druid a versatile and formidable force in any campaign. Knowing when and how a druid can shapeshift is crucial for playing the class effectively and fully embracing its potential.