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Can Bards Change Spells on Rest? A Comprehensive Guide for D&D 5e Players

The short answer is a resounding no. Unlike some other spellcasting classes in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, Bards cannot change their known spells during a long rest. This is a key difference that distinguishes them from classes like Clerics, Druids, and Paladins who prepare spells daily. Bards follow the “spells known” casting mechanic, meaning they have a fixed repertoire of spells they can cast. The spell list is adjusted during a level-up. This can feel restrictive compared to the flexibility enjoyed by preparation-based casters. However, it’s a balancing factor that contributes to the Bard’s unique identity as a versatile and charismatic performer.

Understanding the Bard’s Spellcasting

The Bard’s magic is tied to their Charisma and expressed through music, poetry, oratory, and other forms of artistic expression. This connection to the Weave of Magic through performance influences how they learn and utilize spells. Rather than drawing from a vast divine or scholarly well, Bards curate a specific selection of spells that resonate with their personal style and adventuring needs.

Spells Known vs. Prepared Spells

The core difference lies in the spellcasting mechanic. Classes like Clerics, Druids, and Paladins prepare spells from their entire class spell list after each long rest. They can choose which spells to make available for the day, tailoring their magic to the expected challenges. Wizards have a spellbook containing many spells and they prepare from that selection.

Bards, on the other hand, use the “spells known” mechanic. They learn a limited number of spells as they level up and are generally stuck with those choices. While they do have some opportunities to swap spells, it is a much less frequent occurence than the daily preparation of the other classes. This forces Bards to carefully consider their spell choices, creating a consistent magical identity.

Bardic Versatility: The Trade-off

This limitation isn’t necessarily a weakness. It reflects the Bard’s versatility. They are proficient in a wide range of skills, can support their party with Bardic Inspiration, and can even fill a martial role with certain subclasses. Limiting their spellcasting flexibility helps balance their other strengths, preventing them from being overpowered. This also promotes tactical thinking and creative use of the spells they do have.

How Bards Can Change Spells

While Bards can’t change spells on a long rest, they aren’t completely locked into their choices. Here’s how they can modify their spell selection:

Leveling Up: The primary way Bards change spells is when they gain a level. The Bard class description states that when you gain a level, you can choose one of the spells you know and replace it with another spell from the Bard spell list. This is the most common and reliable way to adjust your spell selection.
Magical Secrets: At certain levels (10th, 14th, and 18th), Bards gain the Magical Secrets feature. This allows them to learn spells from any class’s spell list, greatly expanding their magical repertoire. These choices are permanent unless swapped during level-up.
Subclass Features: Some Bard subclasses (Colleges) may grant access to additional spells. These spells typically cannot be swapped out, further defining the subclass’s theme and playstyle.
Multiclassing: While not directly related to the Bard class, multiclassing into a class with prepared spells could be an option to gain greater spellcasting flexibility. However, this comes at the cost of delaying Bard class features.

Strategic Spell Selection for Bards

Given the limited ability to change spells, strategic spell selection is crucial for Bards. Consider the following when choosing your spells:

Party Composition: What roles does your party need filled? Choose spells that complement your party’s strengths and cover their weaknesses.
Campaign Setting: Are you exploring ancient ruins, navigating treacherous political landscapes, or battling hordes of monsters? Tailor your spells to the expected challenges.
Personal Playstyle: Do you prefer to focus on support, damage, control, or utility? Select spells that align with your preferred approach to combat and exploration.
Scalability: Choose spells that remain effective at higher levels. Some spells become less useful as you gain levels, so prioritize spells that scale well or have versatile applications.
Rituals: Consider learning ritual spells, as these can be cast without expending a spell slot if you have the time. This can significantly increase your utility outside of combat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about Bards and spell selection:

1. Can Bards change Cantrips?

No, generally Bards cannot change their cantrips after they are initially chosen. Once selected, a cantrip remains a permanent part of their repertoire unless a specific rule (such as a feat or optional class feature) allows otherwise.

2. How often can Bards swap spells?

Bards can typically swap one spell whenever they gain a level. This is their primary means of adjusting their spell list.

3. Why do Bards get so few spells?

Bards are designed as jack-of-all-trades classes. They excel at skills, support, and even combat, in addition to spellcasting. Limiting their spell selection helps balance their overall power.

4. Do Bards get anything on a short rest?

Yes, Bards regain uses of their Bardic Inspiration on a short rest at 5th level and higher. They also benefit from any healing or other short rest-based abilities of their party members.

5. How many spells can a Bard cast per day?

The number of spells a Bard can cast per day depends on their level and spell slots. A 1st-level Bard, for example, has two 1st-level spell slots. They can also cast their known cantrips “at will.”

6. Which classes can change spells daily?

Artificers, Clerics, Druids, and Paladins can change their prepared spells after a long rest, drawing from their entire class spell list (excluding cantrips and subclass-granted spells). Wizards must prepare spells, but only have access to the spells in their spell book.

7. How do you replace spells in Bard 5e?

When you gain a level in the Bard class, you can choose one spell you know and replace it with another spell from the Bard spell list.

8. Which classes can change spells?

Clerics, Druids, and Paladins can change prepared spells daily. Wizards can also prepare spells from their spellbook. All other classes, including Bards, typically only change spells when leveling up.

9. When can Bards learn new spells?

Bards learn new spells when they gain a level. They can also learn spells from other classes’ spell lists through the Magical Secrets feature at levels 10, 14, and 18.

10. Are Bards stronger than Wizards?

It depends on your playstyle and party needs. Bards are more versatile, offering support, skills, and social interaction abilities. Wizards have a larger spell list and focus on raw magical power.

11. Do Bards suffer arcane spell failure?

No, Bards can cast bard spells while wearing light armor and using a shield without incurring arcane spell failure chance.

12. Can you do 2 cantrips in one turn?

Yes, you can cast two cantrips in one turn if you have the actions available. If you cast a spell (including a cantrip) as a bonus action, you can still cast a cantrip as your action.

13. Can I twin spell cantrips?

Yes, if you are a Sorcerer with the Twinned Spell metamagic option, you can twin a cantrip, provided you have enough sorcery points and the cantrip targets only one creature.

14. Do you regain spells on short rest 5e?

In general, all spell slots recharge on a long rest. Some classes have abilities (like Arcane Recovery) that allow some or all of their spell slots to recharge on a short rest.

15. Can I change my spells on a short rest?

No, Bards cannot change their spells on a short rest. This is a key distinction between them and preparation-based casters.

Conclusion

While the Bard’s inability to change spells on a long rest might seem like a disadvantage, it’s a crucial element of their design. It encourages careful spell selection, promotes creative problem-solving, and balances their versatility. By understanding the Bard’s spellcasting mechanics and strategic spell selection, you can unlock the full potential of this charismatic and adaptable class.

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Can Bards change spells on rest?