How Many Spell Slots Do Druids Have? A Comprehensive Guide
The number of spell slots a Druid has in D&D 5e is determined by their class level. As a full caster class, Druids progress through spellcasting levels, gaining access to more and higher-level spell slots as they advance. At level 1, a Druid has two 1st-level spell slots. This means they can cast two spells requiring a 1st-level slot before needing a long rest to recover them. The number of spell slots a druid possesses increases with each level gained, following a set progression outlined in the Player’s Handbook.
Druid Spell Slot Progression
The key thing to understand is that the number and level of available spell slots are linked directly to your Druid level. Unlike classes that use other resources for casting, Druids rely entirely on this specific progression. This means that at each level, you have a predetermined allotment of spell slots. Here’s a brief overview of how spell slot progression generally works:
- 1st Level: Two 1st-level spell slots.
- 2nd Level: Three 1st-level spell slots.
- 3rd Level: Four 1st-level spell slots and two 2nd-level spell slots.
- 4th Level: Four 1st-level spell slots, three 2nd-level spell slots.
- 5th Level: Four 1st-level spell slots, three 2nd-level spell slots, and two 3rd-level spell slots.
This pattern continues, with Druids eventually gaining access to the higher-level spell slots, up to 9th level, by level 17.
The full progression is available in the core D&D 5e rules.
Spell Slot Usage and Recovery
The importance of spell slots cannot be overstated. When a druid casts a spell, they use up a spell slot of the appropriate level. Once these slots are expended, they must take a long rest to recover them. During a long rest, a druid regains all their expended spell slots.
It is worth noting that some abilities can allow the recovery of spell slots on a short rest. The Circle of the Land Druid has the “Natural Recovery” ability that allows them to recover some spell slots during a short rest. The spell slots recovered must have a combined level that is less than or equal to half the druid’s level (rounded up) and none of the slots can be 6th level or higher.
Understanding Prepared Spells
While spell slots dictate how many spells you can cast, a druid’s prepared spells dictate which spells they can cast. Druids prepare their spells each day, choosing from the entire Druid spell list. The number of spells you can prepare is equal to your Druid level plus your Wisdom modifier. So, a level 3 Druid with a Wisdom score of 16 (a +3 modifier) could prepare six spells each day.
It is crucial to remember that druids know ALL the druid spells available to them for which they have the spell slots. They simply prepare a specific number from this list at the beginning of each day.
Spell Level Matching
You can cast a prepared spell using any available spell slot of the same level or higher. For instance, if you have a 1st-level spell prepared, you can cast it using a 1st-level slot or a higher-level spell slot, which enhances its effect in many cases.
Druids and Cantrips
In addition to spell slots, Druids also have cantrips, which are spells that can be cast at will, without expending a spell slot. Druids pick cantrips when they gain the ability to cast and cannot change them, except to acquire more with level increases. At level 1, a Druid knows 2 cantrips. Cantrips are not prepared spells and do not count against the number of spells a druid can prepare each day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Druid Spell Slots
1. How many 1st-level spell slots does a level 1 Druid have?
A level 1 Druid has two 1st-level spell slots.
2. Can a druid cast a 1st-level spell using a 2nd-level spell slot?
Yes, a druid can cast a lower-level spell using a higher-level spell slot. This is called upcasting, and many spells have enhanced effects when cast at a higher level.
3. Do Druids get all their spell slots back after a short rest?
No, Druids only regain all spell slots after completing a long rest. However, some Druids (Circle of the Land) gain the ability to recover some spell slots during a short rest with their “Natural Recovery” feature.
4. How many spells can a level 3 Druid prepare?
A level 3 Druid can prepare a number of spells equal to their level (3) plus their Wisdom modifier. For example, with a Wisdom modifier of +3, they could prepare 6 spells.
5. Do cantrips use spell slots?
No, cantrips do not use spell slots. They can be cast at will an unlimited number of times.
6. Can Druids change their chosen cantrips?
No, according to the standard rules, Druids cannot change their chosen cantrips. However, some DMs might allow changes when leveling up.
7. Are circle spells separate from regular prepared spells?
Yes. Circle spells are bonus spells granted by your Druid circle that are always prepared, and do not count against the number of spells you can prepare each day. You do need a spell slot to cast them.
8. Do druids learn spells like wizards?
No. Druids do not learn spells from scrolls or spellbooks like wizards. They have access to the entire Druid spell list, but must prepare them each day. Druids simply have to prepare the spells they want from the list they are allowed to cast.
9. What are the best cantrips for Druids?
Some of the best Druid cantrips include: Guidance, Shillelagh, Thorn Whip, and Primal Savagery.
10. Can a druid cast a cantrip as a bonus action?
While some classes have ways to cast a cantrip as a bonus action, the general rule is that if you cast a spell as an action, you cannot cast a second spell except a cantrip with a casting time of one action. Therefore, Druids can’t normally cast a cantrip as a bonus action.
11. How do Druid spell slots compare to other classes?
Druids, as full casters, have a similar spell slot progression to other full casters like Clerics and Wizards. This gives them strong spellcasting capability from early levels.
12. Can a druid cast two spells in the same turn?
No. A druid can’t cast more than one spell in a turn except if they use a one action casting time cantrip.
13. How do I determine my spellcasting ability modifier?
A Druid’s spellcasting ability modifier is based on their Wisdom score. The modifier is determined by the standard ability modifier calculation (score minus 10, divided by 2, rounded down)
14. What happens when I gain a level in Druid?
When you gain a level in Druid, you get new spell slots based on the spell slot progression table, and increase the number of spells you can prepare and learn more cantrips. Also, you gain more abilities as you level up.
15. What is the most important thing to remember about Druid spellcasting?
The most important things to remember are:
- Your spell slots dictate how many spells you can cast.
- Your prepared spells dictate which spells you can cast.
- You know all the Druid spells you can cast and choose from that list to prepare.
- You regain all your spell slots after a long rest.
- Cantrips do not use up spell slots.
Understanding these basics will greatly enhance your Druid gameplay and allow you to effectively utilize their potent spellcasting abilities.