How Many Spells Can a Wizard Learn Per Level in D&D 5e?
The wizard, a quintessential arcane spellcaster in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (D&D 5e), is defined by their vast knowledge of spells. But just how many spells can a wizard actually learn as they progress through levels? The answer is multifaceted and depends on both automatic acquisitions and the wizard’s own explorations. At each level, a wizard automatically learns two new spells of their choice from the wizard spell list, provided they have spell slots of the corresponding level to cast them. Starting with six spells at level one, this means that by level 20, a wizard has learned at least 44 spells. Furthermore, they can learn more spells by discovering them on scrolls or in other spellbooks. The total spells a wizard can know is therefore not fixed and can exceed 44 by a significant margin.
Initial Spell Acquisition
When creating a 1st-level wizard character, you begin with a spellbook that already contains six 1st-level wizard spells of your choice. These spells are the foundation of your magical knowledge, carefully selected to suit your character’s style and the adventures that await. You also start with three cantrips, which are minor spells cast at will and do not consume spell slots.
Gaining Spells With Leveling
As your wizard character gains experience and levels up, your spellcasting prowess expands. Each time you achieve a new wizard level, you are permitted to add two wizard spells of your choice to your spellbook for free. These spells must be of a level you can cast, based on the spell slots available to you as shown on the wizard class table. For example, at level 3, since you gain access to 2nd level spell slots, you can add 2nd level spells to your spell book. This method ensures a steady increase in your spell knowledge. By level 20, without considering any found spells, your wizard will have accumulated at least 44 spells (6 starting spells + 2 spells x 19 level increases).
Spells from Found Sources
However, the wizard’s spell acquisition doesn’t end with level advancement. Adventures often lead to opportunities to discover new spells. If a wizard encounters a written wizard spell, such as one found in a scroll or a fellow wizard’s spellbook, and it’s of a level the wizard can cast, they may copy it into their spellbook. This process usually requires some time and a cost in gold and is dependent on the material components used to rewrite spells within the wizard’s personal spellbook. This system allows the spellbook of a wizard to become a unique compilation of collected magical knowledge, differing from others of the same class and level.
Prepared vs. Known Spells
It’s crucial to differentiate between spells known and spells prepared. While your spellbook might contain many spells, the number you can prepare for use each day is limited. A wizard prepares spells from their spellbook after a long rest. The number of spells a wizard can prepare is based on their level plus their Intelligence modifier, which is typically the spellcasting ability for a wizard. For example, a level 7 wizard with an Intelligence score of 19 (+4 modifier) could prepare a total of 11 spells daily (7 + 4 = 11).
Cantrips and Their Acquisition
Cantrips are a crucial aspect of a wizard’s spellcasting arsenal. Unlike normal spells, cantrips can be cast at will and do not require spell slots. When you start as a 1st-level wizard, you know three cantrips of your choice. While the Wizard class has a list of 14 ‘official’ cantrips to choose from, you will not naturally learn more cantrips after the initial three. You can only know a maximum of 5, with the additional cantrips coming from racial abilities, backgrounds, or through multiclassing. These cantrips offer reliable damage or utility without consuming spell slots and should be chosen wisely.
Copying Cantrips to a Spellbook
Although they’re spells, a wizard cannot typically add cantrips found on scrolls into their spellbook. This is because cantrips are considered to be spells the wizard “knows” innately, and a spellbook only reflects spells that are learned through study and research. The DM can allow it, but it’s an uncommon situation in most campaigns.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many spells does a Level 1 wizard start with?
A Level 1 wizard begins with six 1st-level spells in their spellbook, and they know three cantrips.
2. Can a wizard learn spells from other classes?
No. Wizards can only add spells that are on the wizard spell list to their spellbooks. Multiclassing into another spellcasting class would grant spells known for that class, but it does not add to the wizard’s spell list.
3. Does copying spells cost money?
Yes, copying spells into your spellbook requires both time and gold. The costs reflect the materials and components needed to transcribe the spell.
4. Can I prepare a spell that I haven’t learned yet?
No. A wizard can only prepare spells that are already contained within their spellbook.
5. Do cantrips use spell slots?
No. Cantrips do not use spell slots and can be cast at will.
6. Can I cast two spells in a single turn?
Yes, but with a caveat. If you cast a spell as a bonus action, the only other spell you can cast on the same turn must be a cantrip with a casting time of one action.
7. What is the difference between known and prepared spells?
Known spells are those contained in your spellbook. Prepared spells are a limited number of spells you have chosen from your spellbook after a long rest and are ready to cast for the day.
8. Is Eldritch Blast the best cantrip?
While Eldritch Blast is a powerful cantrip, especially for Warlocks, it’s not necessarily the best in raw damage. Fire Bolt is a strong contender for damage dealing. The “best” cantrip often depends on the situation.
9. Can I change my prepared spells every day?
Yes. After every long rest, you can choose which spells you will prepare for the day from your spellbook.
10. Can a wizard prepare the same spell multiple times?
Yes. A wizard can prepare the same spell multiple times, provided they have the required spell slots for each cast of the spell.
11. What is the most damaging wizard spell?
Meteor Swarm is widely considered one of the most damaging wizard spells.
12. Can I use cantrips while invisible?
Generally, yes. Cantrips do not break invisibility, but a DM could rule otherwise if the cantrip is considered an “attack” in some capacity.
13. Can I cast a cantrip as a bonus action?
Generally, no. Casting a cantrip costs an action. However, some classes like Sorcerer (with their Metamagic) or feats like the War Caster feat may allow you to cast a cantrip as a bonus action.
14. Can any wizard cast “endless spells?”
Any wizard can use “endless spells,” but they are typically limited to wizards of a particular faction within certain campaign settings.
15. Can you have infinite cantrips?
While cantrips are unlimited in that you can cast them as many times as you like, you cannot gain an unlimited amount of them. The class determines how many cantrips you learn.
Conclusion
The wizard’s spell learning process is a blend of automatic gains and proactive exploration. Each level grants the opportunity to learn two new spells, ensuring your wizard is always growing more powerful and versatile. The discovery of spells found in tomes and scrolls is also an essential part of the journey of a wizard, leading to unique spellbooks and a vast array of available spells for use. Knowing the system, wizards can maximize their spellcasting potential, becoming formidable spellcasters.