Can Bards Change Spells on Level Up? A Comprehensive Guide

Yes, absolutely! Bards, those charismatic masters of song and spell, can change spells whenever they gain a level in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (5e). This is a core mechanic that allows bards to adapt their spell selection to better suit their party’s needs, their personal playstyle, or the challenges presented by the campaign. It’s one of the things that makes them such a versatile and powerful class.

Understanding Bard Spellcasting

Before diving deeper, let’s establish some fundamentals about bard spellcasting. Bards are spellcasters who use Charisma as their primary spellcasting ability. Unlike some other classes, bards don’t prepare spells from a larger list each day. Instead, they have a set number of spells known. This means that they only have access to the spells they’ve actively chosen to learn.

This might seem restrictive at first, but the ability to swap out spells on level up provides crucial flexibility. It prevents you from being stuck with spells that aren’t working well or that have become less useful as you’ve progressed.

The Level Up Spell Swap: How It Works

When you level up your bard, you can choose one of the bard spells you currently know and replace it with another spell from the bard spell list. There are a few crucial limitations:

• Spell Level: The new spell must be of a level for which you have spell slots. You can’t learn a 5th-level spell until you have 5th-level spell slots.
• Bard Spell List: The new spell must be from the official bard spell list. This is the standard rule, but there’s an exception through the Magical Secrets feature.
• Magical Secrets Exception: At certain levels (typically 6th, 10th, 14th, and 18th), bards gain the Magical Secrets feature. This allows you to learn spells from any class’s spell list. Importantly, spells learned through Magical Secrets are treated as bard spells for you. This means you can swap out a Magical Secrets spell for another spell from any class’s spell list (as long as you meet the level requirements).

This mechanic is invaluable. It lets you correct early mistakes in spell selection, adapt to changing campaign needs, and even experiment with different builds without permanently locking yourself into a suboptimal choice.

Strategy and Spell Selection

Choosing which spell to swap can be a strategic decision. Consider these factors:

• Party Composition: What roles are already covered by your party members? Do you need more healing, damage, control, or utility?
• Campaign Setting: Are you fighting primarily undead? Then spells that target undead will be more valuable. Is it a social-heavy campaign? Then illusion and enchantment spells will be particularly useful.
• Your Playstyle: Do you prefer to be a blaster, a buffer, a controller, or a healer? Choose spells that align with your preferred style of play.
• Spell Effectiveness: Is a particular spell consistently underperforming? Is there a better option for a similar effect?

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Here are a few common pitfalls to avoid when swapping spells:

• Don’t be afraid to experiment: The swap mechanic is there for a reason. Try out different spells and see what works best for you.
• Don’t hoard spells: Some players are hesitant to swap out spells because they’re afraid they might need them later. But holding onto a spell you rarely use is a waste of a valuable spell slot.
• Read the spell descriptions carefully: Make sure you fully understand how a spell works before you learn it.
• Consider the long-term: Think about how useful a spell will be at higher levels. Some spells scale well, while others become less effective.

Conclusion: The Adaptable Bard

The ability to change spells on level up is a crucial aspect of the bard class. It allows you to be an adaptable and effective spellcaster, capable of meeting any challenge. Use this mechanic wisely, and you’ll be a valuable asset to any adventuring party.

Bards are excellent at problem solving and the Games Learning Society encourages innovative thinking in gameplay.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Bard Spell Swapping

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about how bards can change spells, providing even more detailed information:

Can bards change Cantrips?

No, the rule for swapping spells on level up specifically applies to spells of 1st level and higher. Cantrips are considered 0-level spells, and therefore cannot be replaced using this mechanic. You are stuck with your cantrip choices unless your DM makes an exception.

What happens when you level up as a bard in 5e?

When you level up as a bard, you gain several benefits, including increased hit points, new class features, and access to higher-level spell slots. You also learn a new bard spell and can swap out one of your existing bard spells for a new one from the bard spell list, as long as you have spell slots for the new spell’s level.

Which classes can change spells on a daily basis?

Clerics, Druids, and Paladins (and Artificers) can change their prepared spells daily. They choose from their entire class spell list, preparing a selection of spells each day after a long rest. Bards don’t have this ability.

Can bards change spells every long rest?

No, bards cannot change their spells every long rest. They are limited to changing one spell each time they level up. This contrasts with classes like Clerics and Druids, who can prepare a new selection of spells each day.

Can a wizard change spells on level up?

Yes, wizards can change spells on level up, and also gain 2 new spells in their spellbook each level. Additionally, because Wizards prepare spells each day, they can change their prepared spells from their spellbook on a long rest.

Can I change my spells when I level up as a Warlock?

Yes, Warlocks have the same mechanic as Bards and Sorcerers: When you gain a level, you can choose one of the warlock spells you know and replace it with another spell from the warlock spell list, provided you have spell slots for the new spell’s level.

What is a level 20 bard ability?

At level 20, bards gain two significant abilities:

• Superior Inspiration: If you roll initiative and have no uses of Bardic Inspiration left, you regain one use.
• Superior Rest: Whenever you or a creature you can see within 30 feet of you rolls a die of Bardic Inspiration you gave them or for a Song of Rest you are performing, they may re-roll it and use either outcome.

What do bards get at level 6?

At 6th level, bards gain several important features, including:

• Extra Attack: You can attack twice, instead of once, whenever you take the Attack action on your turn.
• Countercharm: You gain the ability to use your performance to protect your allies from fear and charm effects.
• Magical Secrets: You learn two spells of your choice from any class. These spells count as bard spells for you.

Are bards good for combat?

Yes, Bards are capable in combat, especially as support or control casters. Their versatility allows them to fill many roles. While not typically the primary damage dealers, they can contribute significantly with spells like shatter, thunderwave, and spells learned from the Magical Secrets feature. They can buff allies, debuff enemies, and control the battlefield.

Do bards know spells at level 1?

Yes, bards know four 1st-level spells of their choice from the bard spell list at level 1.

How many spells can a bard prepare at level 1?

Bards don’t “prepare” spells in the same way that Clerics or Wizards do. Instead, they know a certain number of spells. At level 1, a bard knows four 1st-level spells, and has two 1st-level spell slots to cast them with.

Is bard a weak class?

No, bards are generally considered a strong and versatile class in 5e. They excel at support, control, and social interaction, and can contribute effectively in combat as well. Their access to Magical Secrets gives them unparalleled flexibility in spell selection.

How often can bards change spells?

Bards can change one spell each time they gain a level.

When can bards learn new spells?

Bards learn new spells whenever they gain a level, as indicated in the “Spells Known” column of the Bard class table. At the same time, they can also swap out one of their existing spells for a new one.

Which classes can change spells on a long rest?

Artificers, Clerics, Druids, and Paladins can change their prepared spells on a long rest. Bards cannot.

Hopefully, these FAQs have clarified any remaining questions about bards and their ability to change spells on level up. It is one of the features that makes playing a bard so enjoyable and rewarding. Good luck adventuring, and may your songs always be in tune!

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