How Many Spells Can Druids Know? A Comprehensive Guide
Druids, the mystical guardians of nature, are renowned for their connection to the natural world and their potent magical abilities. Unlike some spellcasters who meticulously learn spells from scrolls or tomes, Druids intuitively know all the spells available to them within their class. This is a major distinction that sets them apart. However, the real question isn’t about how many spells they know, but how many they can prepare each day.
Understanding Druid Spellcasting: It’s All About Preparation
The key to understanding a druid’s spellcasting lies in understanding that they don’t learn spells. Instead, they have access to the entire druid spell list at each spell level for which they have spell slots. The limitation comes from the preparation phase. Every day, a druid selects a number of spells from the complete list they know and makes them ready to cast.
Preparing Your Daily Spells
The number of spells a druid can prepare each day is determined by their druid level plus their Wisdom modifier. For example, if you’re a 3rd-level druid with a Wisdom score of 16 (+3 modifier), you can prepare a total of six spells. Crucially, the spells you prepare must be of a level you have spell slots for. Using the same example, those six prepared spells must be a mix of 1st and 2nd-level spells, since that’s what a 3rd level druid can cast.
It’s Not About Learning, It’s About Access
So, to answer definitively: Druids don’t learn a limited number of spells. They effectively know every spell on the druid spell list for which they possess the appropriate spell slots. But they can only prepare a limited number each day. This dynamic system grants them exceptional flexibility and adaptability, allowing them to tailor their spell selection to the challenges at hand.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Druid Spellcasting
To further illuminate the intricacies of druid spellcasting, here are 15 frequently asked questions:
1. How many spells can a 1st-level Druid prepare?
At 1st level, a druid can prepare a number of spells equal to their Wisdom modifier plus their druid level. For instance, a 1st-level druid with a Wisdom modifier of +3 can prepare 4 spells.
2. 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 spells that can be cast at will and are always available to the druid.
3. Can a druid learn new spells as they level up?
Druids do not learn new spells in the same way as other spellcasters like wizards. Instead, as they gain levels, they simply gain access to higher level spell slots and, in turn, can prepare higher level spells from the entire druid spell list.
4. Can a druid prepare a spell of a higher level than they can cast?
No, a druid cannot prepare a spell of a higher level than they have spell slots for. If a druid has spell slots to cast 2nd level spells, they may prepare a 2nd level spell. Even if a druid has higher level slots from multiclassing, they can’t prepare higher level druid spells if their druid level doesn’t grant access to those slots.
5. Do Druids get access to 9th level spells?
Yes, a single-classed druid will get access to 9th level spells, like any other full caster, as long as they reach 17th level. Also, specific druid circles like the Circle of the Land and Circle of Spores get additional spells that become automatically prepared at levels 3, 5, 7, and 9.
6. Can druids change their prepared spells?
Yes, druids can change their prepared spells every day during a long rest. This is a crucial aspect of their flexibility, enabling them to adjust their magical arsenal based on the expected challenges.
7. Are druids’ spellcasting attacks based on Wisdom?
Yes, a druid’s spell attack modifier is calculated using their proficiency bonus plus their Wisdom modifier. Their spell save DC is calculated as 8 + their proficiency bonus + Wisdom modifier.
8. Do druids have access to powerful spells?
Absolutely. Druids possess a well-rounded and powerful spell list, featuring a variety of unique and impactful spells, allowing them to handle diverse situations with effectiveness.
9. Can a druid turn into a dragon?
Druids can transform into a dragon using the spell Shapechange, which becomes available at level 17, and is also accessible to wizards. This doesn’t use their Wild Shape ability.
10. Can a druid turn into an Owlbear?
Yes, a druid can turn into an owlbear using the 9th level spell Shapechange, which they gain access to at 17th level. This is not possible with the Wild Shape ability.
11. Can a druid change their cantrips?
According to the core rules, druids do not normally swap out cantrips. They are picked upon character creation and kept for the duration of their adventuring career, with new cantrips being picked up only as they level. However, many DMs allow players to swap cantrips upon leveling up. There are also often variant rules that allow for swapping cantrips during downtime.
12. What is the best race for a druid?
While all races can be effective druids, Wood Elves are often considered one of the best choices due to their +2 Dexterity and +1 Wisdom bonuses, increased movement speed, and their “Mask of the Wild” ability.
13. Can a druid dispel curses?
Yes, Druids can dispel curses as well as dispel poison and even magic, depending on the spell used.
14. What is the strongest creature a druid can turn into with Wild Shape?
At level 18, a druid can use Wild Shape to turn into a Mammoth (CR 6). Before that, the creatures they turn into are limited by their Druid level.
15. Can a druid fly?
Non-Moon druids will be able to fly via transformations starting at 8th level. Moon Druids gain access to flying transformations at 6th level. The rules imply that druids can fly after these levels, as there are no explicit rules stating that they can’t.