Can Wizards Pick Spells From Any School?

Yes, Wizards Can Pick Spells From Any School!

The short and definitive answer is yes, wizards in 5th Edition Dungeons and Dragons can absolutely pick spells from any school of magic. There are no restrictions preventing a wizard from learning or preparing spells based on their school. While specializing in a particular school does grant certain advantages, it does not limit the spells a wizard can learn. This is a key difference from some previous editions of the game, where schools of magic were more restrictive.

In 5e, a wizard’s chosen school of magic primarily impacts the cost and ease of copying spells of that specific school into their spellbook. It also grants specific abilities related to that school, like Abjuration wizards being better at mitigating damage or Conjuration wizards being better at summoning creatures. However, these benefits are separate from the actual spells the wizard can learn.

The primary limitation on spell selection for a wizard is whether a spell is on the wizard spell list and whether the wizard has discovered a way to learn that spell, such as finding it in a spellbook or on a scroll. This means that your wizard can learn spells from Evocation, Transmutation, Enchantment, Illusion, Divination, Necromancy, and Conjuration, regardless of what school they specialize in.

This flexibility allows for a wide range of character builds and tactical options. You might see a powerful Evoker wielding a few Necromancy spells or an Illusionist using battlefield-controlling spells typically associated with Transmutation. The wizard’s ability to learn spells from any school makes them a highly versatile and adaptable class.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wizard Spells

Here are some frequently asked questions about wizard spell selection and mechanics to help further clarify how they work.

Can Wizards Learn Spells From Other Casters?

Yes, wizards can learn spells from other casters, but within limits. For example, a Cleric doesn’t use a spellbook and would need to create a scroll for the wizard to copy. However, a Tome Warlock or another Wizard can simply copy spells from each other’s spellbooks. The key here is that the spell must be on the wizard’s spell list.

Can Wizards Prepare Any Spell?

No, unlike some other spellcasting classes, wizards do not prepare spells from their entire spell list. Instead, wizards prepare spells directly from the spells they have recorded in their spellbook. The spellbook is an integral part of being a wizard.

Can Wizards Learn Any Spell From Scrolls?

Absolutely, a wizard can learn a spell from a scroll created by another class, such as a cleric, as long as that spell is also on the wizard’s spell list. Scrolls are not class-specific when it comes to learning spells.

Can Spell Scrolls Be Used By Any Class?

This depends. There are two types of scrolls: spell scrolls and “other” scrolls. Anyone can use “other” scrolls unless otherwise specified. Spell scrolls, however, can only be used by a class that has that spell on its spell list. A trickster rogue or Eldritch Knight can also use wizard scrolls.

Can Wizards Copy Any Spell?

Not quite. A crucial limiter is that a wizard must be able to cast the spell in order to copy it into their spellbook. This means they must be of high enough level to learn and cast the spell first.

Do Cantrips Count As Spells?

Yes, cantrips are a type of spell. They are, however, unique in that they can be cast at will, without using a spell slot or needing to be prepared.

Can a Wizard Know Every Spell?

Yes, a wizard can potentially learn every spell on the wizard spell list. This is a significant distinction of the class, making them incredibly powerful and versatile arcane spellcasters.

Can Wizards Do Wandless Magic?

In 5th Edition D&D, the magic system is not as rigid about requiring a wand, as in some other fantasy settings. There aren’t explicit rules that require a wand for specific spells. While a wand can be beneficial, most spells can be cast by a wizard without a wand if they are proficient in the magic.

Can a Wizard Learn Eldritch Blast?

The base wizard class does not have access to the Eldritch Blast cantrip. The only way a wizard can get Eldritch Blast is by taking feats like Magic Initiate or Spell Sniper, usually sacrificing an Ability Score Improvement in the process, and making them weaker in their primary class.

Can Wizards Cast 2 Spells?

In a single turn, a wizard can cast only one spell with a casting time of 1 action. They can also cast a cantrip with a casting time of 1 bonus action and a spell with an action or vice versa. However, you can not cast two spells with a casting time of 1 action on the same turn.

Can You Infinitely Use Cantrips?

Yes, any character can cast cantrips they know an unlimited number of times, unless the feature that grants the cantrip specifically states otherwise. Cantrips are designed to be used reliably without resources.

Can You Cast 2 Cantrips in One Turn?

Yes, you can cast two cantrips in one turn if one of them is cast with a bonus action and the other with an action. This is useful for characters that have access to bonus action spells or cantrips.

Are Cantrips Worth It?

Absolutely, cantrips are incredibly valuable. They provide reliable damage and utility without expending spell slots, making them an indispensable part of any spellcaster’s arsenal.

Do Wizards Have a Spell Limit?

Wizards do have a practical limit. While there is no limit to the number of spells they can learn in a lifetime, spellbooks have a limit on how many spells they can hold. By default, a spellbook has 100 pages, and each spell takes up a number of pages equal to its level.

Can a Wizard Switch Spells?

Yes, a wizard can change the list of prepared spells when they finish a long rest. This means that after a long rest, they can look through their spellbook and prepare a new selection of spells to utilize for the day. This flexibility is vital in D&D, where the challenges faced each day can vary wildly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, wizards in 5e D&D are not limited by their chosen school when it comes to learning spells. They have the versatility to learn any spell on the wizard spell list, allowing them to craft truly unique and powerful characters. The flexibility and depth of the wizard class make it a favorite among many D&D players. By understanding how their spellcasting works, you can fully leverage their potential and unleash the arcane power they possess.