Do Clerics Know All Cantrips? A Comprehensive Guide to Cleric Magic
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The short answer is no, clerics do not know all cantrips. Unlike spells, where clerics have access to their entire spell list and must choose what to prepare daily, cantrips are a more curated selection. Clerics choose a limited number of cantrips at the beginning of their journey and gain a few more as they level up. These choices are permanent, and clerics cannot swap out their cantrips daily like their leveled spells. This article delves into the specifics of cleric cantrips, explaining exactly how they work and answering some common questions.
Understanding Cleric Cantrips
Cantrips vs. Spells: Key Differences
It’s crucial to understand the difference between cantrips and other spells in D&D 5th Edition. Cantrips, sometimes called 0-level spells, are minor magical effects that can be cast at will without using spell slots. Think of them as basic magical tools that a cleric can use repeatedly throughout the day. Spells, on the other hand, require a spell slot to cast and are often more powerful or have more significant effects. Clerics know all the spells from the cleric spell list of an appropriate level, but must prepare a number of them each day equal to their Wisdom modifier plus their cleric level.
How Many Cantrips Do Clerics Know?
At 1st level, a cleric knows three cantrips of their choice from the cleric spell list. This number doesn’t fluctuate based on a cleric’s Wisdom modifier or other stats. Instead, the number of cantrips they know increases as they level up. The specific progression of cantrips is detailed in the Cleric class table in the Player’s Handbook. This number is fixed for each level and cannot be changed.
Choosing Cantrips
When creating a cleric, or upon gaining a new level, you select your cantrips from the cleric spell list. This is a crucial choice, as these cantrips are generally permanent. Unlike spells that are prepared daily, clerics cannot change their cantrips after a long rest. The spells that a cleric prepares each day are different than the spells that are known.
Cantrip Versatility
While clerics don’t have an extensive arsenal of cantrips like some other spellcasting classes, their cantrips are powerful and versatile. They’re designed to be used consistently and frequently, providing utility both in and out of combat. Each cantrip has its own specific function, allowing the cleric to contribute in a variety of ways.
Cantrip Selection Strategy
Choosing the right cantrips for your cleric is important for effective gameplay. Here are some points to keep in mind when making your selection:
- Damage: Cantrips like Sacred Flame and Toll the Dead offer reliable sources of damage. Choose one or two that fit your playstyle and desired damage type.
- Utility: Guidance and Mending are essential cantrips to take to help your party through skill checks, or repairing items.
- Support: Cantrips like Light provide illumination, and Spare the Dying can keep allies from dying until they can be properly healed.
- Action Economy: The ability to cast a bonus action spell, and follow it with a cantrip means you have a lot of options when taking your turn.
- Party Composition: Choose cantrips that complement the abilities of your fellow party members and help cover gaps in the party’s capabilities.
- Your Playstyle: Some players prefer to use cantrips to focus on offense, while others might prioritize support and utility.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cleric Cantrips
Here are 15 common questions about cleric cantrips, providing you with a deeper understanding of how they work in D&D 5th Edition:
1. Can clerics change their cantrips after a long rest?
No, unlike prepared spells, cleric cantrips are permanent choices and cannot be changed after a long rest. They are selected at character creation and upon leveling up.
2. How many cantrips do clerics know at level 1?
Clerics know three cantrips at 1st level.
3. Do cantrips use spell slots?
No, cantrips do not require spell slots to cast and can be used an unlimited number of times. This makes them invaluable for consistent use.
4. Do cantrips scale with character level?
Yes, the damage and effects of many cantrips increase as your character level rises. For example, a cantrip that deals 1d8 damage at low levels might deal 2d8 or 3d8 at higher levels. This scaling ensures they remain useful throughout the game.
5. What are some of the best cleric cantrips?
Popular cleric cantrips include: Sacred Flame, Toll the Dead, Guidance, Light, Mending, Spare the Dying, and Word of Radiance. These offer a mix of offense, utility, and support.
6. Can clerics cast two cantrips in the same turn?
Yes, if one of them is cast as a bonus action. However, if you cast any leveled spell as a bonus action, the other spell cast on your turn must be a cantrip.
7. Do clerics know all cleric spells?
Yes, clerics have access to the full cleric spell list of an appropriate level, but must prepare a limited number of those spells daily.
8. Can a cleric learn cantrips from other classes?
Generally, no. A cleric typically can only learn cantrips from the cleric spell list. However, feats like Magic Initiate can allow a cleric to learn cantrips from other classes.
9. Do domain spells affect cantrips?
No. Domain spells are always prepared, do not count against a cleric’s daily prepared spells, and are entirely separate from their cantrips.
10. Can a cleric use cantrips in heavy armor?
Yes, clerics can use their cantrips while wearing any armor they are proficient with without any restrictions.
11. Does proficiency bonus apply to cantrip attack rolls?
Yes. Your proficiency bonus is added to attack rolls made when casting cantrips that require an attack roll, like Sacred Flame.
12. What’s the difference between “knowing” a spell and “preparing” a spell?
Knowing a spell means it’s on your class’s spell list. Preparing a spell means selecting specific spells that are available for you to cast using spell slots after each long rest. Cantrips are always known and available for casting, while spells must be prepared each day.
13. How does “spell attack bonus” relate to cantrips?
Your spell attack bonus, which is your proficiency bonus plus your spellcasting ability modifier (Wisdom for clerics), is added to attack rolls when you use a cantrip that requires you to roll to hit an enemy.
14. Is a cleric with only cantrips a good idea?
Yes. Cantrips are a reliable source of damage and utility. A cleric who uses their prepared spells along with their cantrips effectively can still be a very effective and powerful member of their party.
15. Can a multiclass cleric use their cantrips when raging?
No. You cannot cast spells, including cantrips, while raging.
Conclusion
While clerics don’t know all cantrips, their chosen spells offer a reliable and consistent way to use magic. Understanding how cantrips work, how they scale, and which ones best fit your playstyle is essential to playing an effective cleric. Unlike prepared spells that can change daily, cantrips are a more permanent choice and must be selected with care. Armed with this knowledge, you’re now ready to wield your cantrips with confidence, support your allies, and smite your enemies!