How Many Spells Can a Druid Use? A Comprehensive Guide
The question of how many spells a druid can use is nuanced and depends on a few factors, primarily their level, Wisdom modifier, and the specific rules of Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (5e). Unlike some spellcasters who learn a fixed list of spells, druids have a flexible spellcasting system that requires daily preparation. So, let’s cut to the chase: A druid prepares a number of spells each day equal to their druid level plus their Wisdom modifier (minimum of one). This selection is made from the entire list of available druid spells, as long as the spells are of a level for which the druid has spell slots.
For instance, a level 1 druid with a Wisdom score of 16 (which gives a +3 Wisdom modifier) can prepare 4 spells each day. This is calculated as 1 (druid level) + 3 (Wisdom modifier). As the druid levels up, both their druid level and potentially their Wisdom modifier will increase, allowing them to prepare more spells. Furthermore, a druid also knows a certain number of cantrips; these don’t count against the number of spells you can prepare and are usable at will.
Understanding Druid Spellcasting Mechanics
Spell Preparation
Druids do not “learn” spells in the same way as other spellcasters such as wizards. Instead, they can choose which spells they want to prepare each day from the entire list of druid spells available to them. This gives druids a lot of flexibility. However, this flexibility comes with limitations. They cannot prepare a spell of a higher level than their druid level would allow them to cast, even if they have higher-level spell slots from multiclassing. For example, a level 3 druid, even if multiclassing gives them access to fourth-level spell slots, cannot prepare any fourth-level druid spells. They also must have an active spell slot for each level of spell they are preparing.
Spell Slots and Levels
A druid’s spellcasting is also tied to their spell slots. These slots determine how many spells they can cast per day of a specific level, such as first level or second level. For instance, a 3rd-level druid has four 1st-level and two 2nd-level spell slots. They could prepare six spells in total, but these can be a combination of 1st and 2nd level spells.
Cantrips
In addition to their prepared spells, druids also know a number of cantrips, which are spells that can be cast at will, without using a spell slot. These are generally considered to be low-level, but they are extremely useful and don’t count towards the number of prepared spells. At level 1, a druid knows two cantrips. As the druid levels up, they also learn new cantrips. Importantly, cantrips cannot be changed; they are learned permanently as the druid gains levels.
15 Frequently Asked Questions About Druid Spellcasting
1. How many spells can a level 1 druid prepare?
A level 1 druid can prepare a number of spells equal to their Wisdom modifier + 1. For instance, with a +3 Wisdom modifier, they can prepare 4 spells.
2. Do druids learn spells or prepare them?
Druids prepare spells each day, choosing from the complete list of available druid spells. They do not learn a fixed list of spells like wizards or sorcerers.
3. Can a druid use any spell from the druid list?
Yes, druids can use any spell from the druid list, as long as they have the appropriate level spell slots to cast it and they meet the requirements for preparation.
4. Do cantrips count towards the number of prepared spells?
No, cantrips do not count against the number of spells a druid can prepare. Cantrips are cast at will without using a spell slot.
5. Can druids change their cantrips?
No, druids cannot change their cantrips once they are learned, though many DMs might allow this with a house rule. As you level up, you will learn new cantrips that are permanent and added to your list.
6. What is the best race for a druid?
Wood Elves are considered a strong choice for druids due to their +2 Dexterity and +1 Wisdom bonuses, which synergize well with the class’s skills.
7. Can a druid cast two spells on their turn?
No, a druid cannot cast two leveled spells on the same turn. If a spell is cast as a bonus action then you can only cast a cantrip as an action on that same turn. The only exception is a cantrip with a casting time of one action.
8. Do druids have to wear non-metal armor?
Yes, druids have the restriction of not wearing metal armor or using metal shields, making them reliant on other means for protection.
9. Can druids wild shape into any creature?
No, Wild Shape has limitations. It does not allow druids to turn into any creature. Druids can only turn into beasts with a challenge rating limit depending on their level, but Shapechange spell at level 17, can be used to turn into other creature types, like an owlbear or a dragon.
10. Can a druid turn into an Owlbear?
Not normally through Wild Shape, however a 17th level druid can turn into an Owlbear with the Shapechange spell.
11. How many spells can a 5th level druid prepare?
Assuming a Wisdom score of 18 (which gives a +4 modifier), a 5th-level druid can prepare 9 spells per day (5 levels + 4 Wisdom modifier).
12. What’s a good example of level 1 druid spells to prepare?
Commonly recommended level 1 spells include Cure Wounds, Healing Word, Thunderwave, Entangle, and Goodberry, which offer a good mix of healing, damage and utility.
13. What is a druid’s faith?
Many druids follow a mystic spirituality connected to nature, rather than worshiping a specific god. Others might serve gods of the wild or elemental forces.
14. What is the best druid subclass?
The Circle of the Shepherd is often considered a powerful subclass for druids, focusing on summoning and enhancing the power of beasts and creatures.
15. What is the best Wild Shape?
Mammoth (CR6) is one of the most powerful Wild Shapes, due to its high challenge rating. Other notable strong options include Water and Fire Elementals (CR5).
Conclusion
In summary, a druid’s spellcasting is a dynamic and versatile system. Understanding that the number of prepared spells depends on their druid level and Wisdom modifier is crucial. Combined with the flexibility in choosing spells daily and the consistent power of cantrips, druids can adapt to any situation. By mastering these elements, players can unlock the full potential of their druid characters, becoming true masters of nature’s magic.