How Many Spells Can a Wizard Start With?
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A first-level wizard in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (5e) begins their adventuring career with a specific set of magical knowledge. Directly answering the question: a 1st-level wizard starts with six 1st-level spells of their choice in their spellbook, alongside three cantrips. This means that on day one, your fledgling wizard already has a potent selection of spells to use. However, the depth and breadth of a wizard’s arcane arsenal doesn’t stop there. They are unique in their ability to learn more spells as they progress, unlike many other spellcasting classes. This initial collection is merely the foundation upon which their magical mastery is built. Let’s delve deeper into the specifics of what this starting collection looks like and what other magical options are available for a wizard.
The Wizard’s Spellbook: Your Arcane Repository
The heart of a wizard’s magic is their spellbook. This isn’t just any old book, but a carefully compiled collection of magical formulas and incantations, meticulously transcribed and studied. At first level, a wizard starts with a spellbook containing six 1st-level wizard spells of their choice from the wizard spell list. This allows a great deal of customization at the beginning. You aren’t stuck with a preset selection, but rather, you get to pick and choose which spells best suit your role-playing concept and anticipated challenges.
How to Choose Your Starting Spells
Choosing these initial six spells is crucial. It’s advisable to pick a balanced variety, focusing on both offensive and defensive capabilities. Consider spells that provide utility or enhance your problem-solving capacity. Some common choices for new wizards include:
- Magic Missile: A reliable damage option that always hits its target.
- Detect Magic: Invaluable for identifying magical items and effects.
- Shield: A crucial defensive spell to bolster your protection in combat.
- Sleep: Useful for controlling early-game encounters.
- Burning Hands: A powerful area-of-effect damage spell for dealing with multiple enemies.
- Thunderwave: A useful spell that combines damage with crowd control.
These are merely suggestions, and your selection should reflect your character’s desired play style. Don’t be afraid to choose what excites you, but be sure to check with your DM on the availability of certain spells!
Cantrips: Your Ever-Ready Magic
In addition to your six starting spells, you also know three cantrips of your choice from the wizard spell list at first level. Cantrips are spells that can be cast at will, without expending a spell slot. They represent simple magical effects that have become second nature to the wizard. Cantrips are your go-to spells when you’re running low on resources or need to use magic frequently without the restriction of spell slots.
Cantrip Considerations
When selecting cantrips, it’s important to remember that unlike higher-level spells, you cannot change them (unless using the optional rules in Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything). Thus, you must choose wisely. Some excellent cantrip choices for wizards include:
- Fire Bolt: A reliable ranged attack option.
- Acid Splash: A potent option that inflicts damage and hits multiple targets.
- Ray of Frost: Can be useful for movement control and damage.
- Mage Hand: A versatile utility cantrip.
- Light: Provides a light source for adventuring in dark environments.
Cantrips form a critical part of your repertoire, so you should pick those that provide good, solid coverage for your needs during an average adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Wizard Spells
1. Do wizards have a limit on the total number of spells they can learn?
No, wizards do not have a limit on the number of spells they can learn. As long as they have access to the written spell in a book or a scroll, and the spell is of a level they can cast, they can transcribe it into their spellbook for a cost of time and gold.
2. How many new spells do wizards learn at each level?
Wizards learn two new spells of their choice every time they level up. This ensures their repertoire grows and stays up to par with the challenges they face.
3. Do cantrips count as spells?
Yes, cantrips are spells. However, they are unique in that they don’t require spell slots to cast. They can be cast at will an infinite amount of times.
4. Can I change my cantrips?
Typically no, you cannot change your cantrips after choosing them. There is a variant rule in Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything that allows a wizard to change cantrips after a long rest. However, it is not an official rule, meaning your DM may not allow it.
5. Can wizards cast 2 spells in one turn?
Generally, no. You cannot cast two leveled spells in one turn unless using special abilities. If you cast a spell as a bonus action, the only other spell you can cast that turn is a cantrip with an action casting time.
6. How many spells can a wizard prepare?
The number of spells a wizard can prepare each day is equal to their wizard level + their Intelligence modifier. For example, a level 5 wizard with a +4 Intelligence modifier can prepare 9 spells each day.
7. Can a wizard learn more cantrips?
Wizards do not learn more cantrips beyond what their class table dictates, typically 5 total, unless they acquire them through multiclassing or other special class-related perks.
8. Can I find spells in a scroll or book and add them to my spellbook?
Yes, wizards can transcribe spells from scrolls or other spellbooks into their own, provided the spell is of a level that they are able to cast, and they pay the required cost in time and gold.
9. What is the highest level spell a wizard can cast?
The highest level spell a wizard can cast is determined by their level, but the maximum spell level that is allowed is 9th-level. At level 17, a wizard will learn 9th level spells.
10. Can a wizard cast a spell and counterspell in the same turn?
Yes, a wizard can cast a spell and a counterspell in the same turn, as long as the first spell was not a spell with a casting time of one bonus action. Counterspell is a reaction, meaning that it can be performed as a reaction if another character attempts to cast a spell.
11. Can I cast a leveled spell and a cantrip in the same turn?
Yes, as long as the leveled spell was not cast as a bonus action. The rules stipulate that if you cast any spell as a bonus action, the only other spell you can cast on that same turn is a cantrip with an action casting time.
12. Can a wizard counterspell a counterspell?
Yes, a wizard can counterspell another counterspell. This is a common tactic used to break through enemy defensive spells.
13. How many times can a wizard cast “Fireball”?
The number of times a wizard can cast Fireball depends on their available spell slots. A level 5 wizard, for example, will have three 3rd-level spell slots that could be used to cast fireball. Magic items can provide additional opportunities to cast specific spells.
14. Do wizards use Intelligence or Wisdom?
Wizards primarily use Intelligence as their spellcasting ability. Wisdom is generally associated with divine casters.
15. Are cantrips worth it?
Yes, cantrips are absolutely worth it. They provide reliable, cost-effective magical options, and they have an infinite number of uses. They allow the wizard to consistently apply magic, even when they are low on more powerful spells.
Conclusion
A wizard’s journey begins with a modest but flexible collection of spells. With six 1st-level spells in their spellbook and three cantrips, they’re well-equipped to face initial challenges. However, this is just the start. The wizard’s true strength lies in their ability to continually expand their knowledge, adding new spells to their repertoire. These initial spells are critical, but the journey of learning never ends for a wizard, making it one of the most customizable and powerful magic-wielding classes in D&D 5e.