How to Cast Spells as Rituals in D&D

Casting spells as rituals in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (5E) is a versatile and strategic way for spellcasters to utilize magic without expending precious spell slots. This process involves extending the casting time of a spell, but in exchange, it allows you to conserve your daily magical resources. Understanding how ritual casting works can significantly enhance your gameplay and tactical options. Let’s delve into the specifics of this intriguing mechanic.

What is Ritual Casting?

In D&D 5E, a ritual spell is a spell with the ritual tag, which is typically displayed as a small ‘R’ next to the spell’s casting time. This tag indicates that the spell can be cast in two ways: normally, by expending a spell slot, or as a ritual. When cast as a ritual, the casting time of the spell is increased by 10 minutes, but the spell does not consume a spell slot. This ability is a powerful tool for conserving spell slots, especially when time is not of the essence.

The Mechanics of Ritual Casting

The key aspect of ritual casting is the extended casting time. If a spell’s regular casting time is 1 action, the ritual casting time becomes 10 minutes and 1 action. Similarly, a spell with a casting time of 1 hour takes 1 hour and 10 minutes when cast as a ritual. The benefit is clear; you gain the magical effect without depleting your daily spell slot availability. Importantly, a ritual version of a spell can’t be cast at a higher level than the spell normally would.

Who Can Cast Rituals?

Not every character in D&D 5E can cast spells as rituals. The ability to perform ritual casting is typically tied to specific class features. The classes that can innately cast rituals are:

• Artificer
• Bard
• Cleric
• Druid
• Wizard

Each of these classes has the built-in ability to cast eligible spells as rituals. However, the specifics of how they do it differ, which we’ll discuss below.

Class-Specific Rules for Ritual Casting

• Wizards are unique in that they can cast any spell in their spellbook with the ritual tag as a ritual without needing to prepare the spell. They only need access to their spellbook containing the ritual spell.
• Clerics, Druids, Artificers, and Bards must have the spell prepared in order to cast it as a ritual. If the spell is not prepared, they cannot utilize the ritual version, even if they know the spell.

Ritual Casting and Spellbooks

A wizard relies heavily on their spellbook for ritual casting. Without their spellbook, a wizard cannot utilize their ritual casting feature. However, druids, clerics, and other ritual casters are not tied to a spellbook in the same way.

Other Ways to Gain Ritual Casting

If your class does not have ritual casting built in, you can gain access through the Ritual Caster feat. This feat allows any character to learn ritual spells from a specific class spell list and cast them as rituals. If you choose this feat you are also given a ritual book in which you write your spells. This feat essentially grants access to the same ritual mechanics as a class that innately has it.

Can You Cast Rituals Without a Spell Slot?

Yes! This is the entire point of ritual casting. When you cast a spell as a ritual, you are specifically avoiding the use of a spell slot. This allows you to cast spells even if you are out of regular spell slots. It’s a fantastic way to conserve your resources.

Using Ritual Casting in Combat

Keep in mind that the 10-minute increase in casting time makes using ritual spells in combat usually impossible. Ritual casting is best employed when out of combat and when time is less critical. Spells like Detect Magic, Identify, and Find Familiar are perfect for ritual casting.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ritual Casting

1. Does casting a spell as a ritual increase its level?

No, ritual casting does not increase the spell’s level. The spell is cast at its normal level, and the only changes are the increased casting time and the fact that no spell slot is used.

2. Can a Sorcerer cast rituals?

No, sorcerers do not innately have the ability to cast rituals. However, a Sorcerer can gain this ability by taking the Ritual Caster feat.

3. Can Rangers cast rituals?

No, Rangers do not have ritual casting as a class feature. They can only gain it by taking the Ritual Caster feat.

4. Do you need a spellbook to cast a ritual?

A Wizard needs a spellbook to use their ritual casting ability because they must have the spell in the spellbook. Other classes, like Clerics, Druids, Artificers, and Bards need the spell prepared, and that doesn’t require a physical spellbook to be present. If a player chooses the Ritual Caster Feat, they also receive a ritual book.

5. What is the main benefit of ritual casting?

The primary benefit is the ability to cast spells without expending spell slots. This helps spellcasters conserve their resources for crucial moments.

6. Can a Warlock cast rituals?

Warlocks do not automatically have ritual casting. However, a Warlock with the Pact of the Tome and the Book of Ancient Secrets invocation can cast ritual spells.

7. How long does it take to cast a ritual spell?

The casting time of a ritual spell is increased by 10 minutes compared to its normal casting time.

8. Can a familiar deliver a touch spell when you cast it as a ritual?

Yes, if you cast a touch spell and use the ritual version, your familiar can still deliver it using their reaction. However, the increased casting time of the ritual might make it impractical in some situations.

9. Which class is the best ritual caster?

Wizards are widely considered the best ritual casters because they can cast any ritual spell in their spellbook without needing to prepare it, giving them access to a wide range of options.

10. Are all ritual spells useful?

While some ritual spells are more situational, many of them are incredibly beneficial. Detect Magic, Identify, Find Familiar, and Water Breathing are common examples of highly useful ritual spells.

11. Can any character cast rituals with the Ritual Caster feat?

Yes, any character can gain the ability to cast rituals by taking the Ritual Caster feat. This allows them to cast rituals from the chosen spell list.

12. Is Find Familiar a ritual spell?

Yes, Find Familiar is a ritual spell. It can be cast normally by expending a spell slot, or as a ritual, with its casting time increased by 10 minutes. In that case it will be 1 hour and 10 minutes.

13. Do you still need components for ritual casting?

Yes, you still need any material components (and any focus) for the ritual spell. The only thing that is different is that you spend 10 extra minutes casting, in exchange for not expending a spell slot.

14. Can you cast spells with a bonus action as a ritual?

Yes, if a spell is a ritual and has a casting time that is 1 bonus action, it becomes 10 minutes and 1 bonus action when cast as a ritual.

15. Do you need to concentrate during ritual casting?

If the ritual spell requires concentration, you must concentrate for the duration of the ritual casting as normal. If concentration is broken, the ritual is interrupted and you don’t get the spell effect.

Conclusion

Mastering ritual casting in D&D 5E can significantly enhance your character’s capabilities. By understanding the rules, who can use this ability, and how it works in practice, you can greatly improve your ability to conserve spell slots and make the most of your magical abilities. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or just starting your D&D journey, learning about ritual casting is a valuable step toward becoming a more effective and resourceful spellcaster.