How Many Spells Does a Level 2 Wizard Know?
A level 2 wizard in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition doesn’t just know a handful of spells; they are beginning to build their arcane arsenal. At level 2, a wizard knows a minimum of 8 first-level spells and can also learn any number of higher-level spells they might acquire, such as through scrolls or other spellbooks. Additionally, a level 2 wizard has 3 cantrips. Crucially, the wizard can only prepare a certain number of spells each day for casting, which is determined by their Intelligence modifier plus their wizard level. For a Level 2 Wizard with an Intelligence modifier of +3, that would mean they can prepare 5 spells each day.
Understanding Spell Knowledge vs. Prepared Spells
It’s essential to distinguish between spells a wizard knows and spells they can prepare each day. Knowing a spell means it is recorded in the wizard’s spellbook and the wizard is eligible to prepare it for use. Preparing a spell means selecting specific spells from their spellbook to make available for casting that day.
- Spells Known: This refers to the total number of spells recorded in the wizard’s spellbook. At 1st level, a wizard starts with 6 spells of their choice, and can add two new spells to their spellbook for free each time they gain a wizard level. By level 2, a wizard will have at least 8 first-level spells in their spellbook and they can acquire more spells by finding them and paying to copy them into their spellbook.
- Prepared Spells: These are the spells a wizard has actively chosen from their spellbook and made available for casting that day. The number of prepared spells is limited, equal to your intelligence modifier plus your wizard level.
- Cantrips: These are spells that can be cast at will, without using a spell slot or needing to be prepared. They are a fundamental part of a wizard’s arsenal and do not count toward spell preparation limits. At 1st level, wizards know 3 cantrips, and gain additional ones at certain levels, but this will not impact the number of spells you have in your spell book.
FAQs: Diving Deeper into Wizard Spellcasting
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify how spellcasting works for a level 2 wizard:
How many cantrips does a level 2 wizard have?
A level 2 wizard still has the 3 cantrips they started with at level 1. They do not gain any additional cantrips at 2nd level. Cantrips are learned through leveling up, and each class that gains cantrips have specific levels at which they are acquired.
Can a level 2 wizard learn spells of higher levels than 1st?
Yes, a level 2 wizard can learn spells of higher levels if they find them (such as in scrolls or another wizard’s spellbook) and are able to copy them into their spellbook. However, they cannot prepare or cast spells of a higher level than they have the ability to cast. A 2nd level wizard can only prepare and cast 1st level spells.
What happens when a wizard finds a new spell scroll?
When a wizard finds a new spell scroll, they can spend time and gold to copy the spell into their spellbook. The cost and time depend on the level of the spell being copied.
Can a wizard learn every spell on the wizard spell list?
While a wizard can theoretically learn every spell on the wizard spell list, this isn’t usually achievable in most campaigns. There is no limit to the number of spells that can be known, and there is also no limit to the number of spells a wizard can put in their spellbook. However, each spell occupies pages within the spellbook, and each spell’s level determines how many pages it takes up. By raw, a spellbook is 100 pages, but that can be increased by getting another spellbook.
How many spell slots does a level 2 wizard have?
A level 2 wizard has 3 spell slots of the 1st level. They do not have any spell slots of 2nd level until they level up.
Can a first-level spell be cast using a higher-level spell slot?
Yes, a first-level spell can be cast using a higher-level spell slot. This does not usually alter the spell’s effect, but some spells have specific benefits when cast at a higher level.
Does preparing a spell consume the spell from the spellbook?
No, preparing a spell does not remove it from the spellbook. Prepared spells are drawn from the spellbook but remain available for future use.
What is the best 2nd level wizard spell for a wizard that has just leveled up?
This is subjective and depends on the wizard’s desired play style, however, some powerful 2nd level spells include: Invisibility, Phantasmal Force, and Hold Person.
How many spells can a wizard prepare at level 2?
The number of spells a level 2 wizard can prepare is equal to their Intelligence modifier + their wizard level (2). For example, if a wizard has an Intelligence modifier of +3, they can prepare 5 spells.
Can a wizard prepare a different set of spells each day?
Yes, a wizard can prepare a different set of spells each day, after a long rest. This allows for great flexibility in adapting to different situations.
Can wizards use spell scrolls written by other classes?
Wizards can only use spell scrolls from their own class’s spell list. For a scroll from a different class, a wizard would require the Spell Mastery feat.
Do cantrips take up spell slots?
No, cantrips do not require spell slots. They can be cast at will an unlimited number of times.
What happens if a wizard loses their spellbook?
If a wizard loses their spellbook, they lose access to all the spells in the book. They can attempt to find their lost spellbook, or work to recreate their spellbook. Recreating the spellbook can be done, but it costs time and gold. It costs 10 gold per page.
Do wizards rely on intelligence or wisdom for their spellcasting?
Wizards rely on their Intelligence score for spellcasting. Intelligence is what dictates how they pore through arcane tomes, experiment with, memorize and deduce how to cast their magic.
How many spells does a level 3 wizard know?
A level 3 wizard knows the original 6 spells that they had at level one, plus they have gained an additional 2 spells for their level two and three level up. Thus they will have at least 10 spells. If they have copied additional spells into their spellbook, they could know much more.
By understanding the nuances of spell knowledge, preparation, and usage, aspiring wizards can effectively build their arcane repertoire and wield the potent magic at their command. This thorough guide should help clarify what a 2nd-level wizard can do.