How Many Spells Should a Wizard Know at Level 1?
A 1st-level Wizard in D&D 5e begins their arcane journey with a solid foundation of magical knowledge. Directly answering the question: a level 1 wizard knows three cantrips and has six 1st-level spells in their spellbook. However, it’s crucial to differentiate between spells known and spells prepared. While a 1st level wizard knows six 1st-level spells, they can only prepare a limited number of those for casting each day. This initial grasp on magic sets the stage for the wizard’s future growth and magical prowess. Let’s delve deeper into how these spells work and what it all means for a fledgling wizard.
The Wizard’s Arsenal: Understanding Cantrips and Spells
Cantrips: Magic at Will
At the start of their adventure, a wizard is already adept in the use of cantrips, also known as 0-level spells. These are spells that can be cast at will, without needing a spell slot. Essentially, a wizard can cast a cantrip as many times as they like. Level 1 wizards begin with three cantrips from the wizard spell list. These cantrips provide a consistent set of options for dealing damage, affecting the environment, or even light utility. They form an important part of a Wizard’s repertoire because they never need to be prepared ahead of time. Cantrips grow stronger with levels, adding an option for a magic user to always have an option when spell slots are low.
Spellbook Spells: The Foundation of Magical Power
A wizard’s unique resource is their spellbook, a tome filled with their carefully studied and recorded spells. At level 1, the spellbook contains six 1st-level wizard spells of the player’s choice. These spells are known to the wizard, but they aren’t automatically available for casting. The Wizard is limited to how many spells they can prepare, to see these spells in a daily useable form they need to prepare them. Preparation is usually done after a long rest. This process of preparing spells adds a layer of strategic decision-making to how a wizard operates. This ability to choose and prepare spells makes the wizard incredibly versatile.
Spells Prepared: The Daily Limit
While the wizard knows six 1st level spells in their spellbook, they can’t cast them all at once. Instead, they must prepare a selection of those spells each day. The number of spells a wizard can prepare is determined by their level plus their Intelligence modifier. A level 1 wizard, typically with an Intelligence of 16 (+3 modifier), can prepare four spells from their spellbook each day. This limitation is important to note, it keeps wizards from being overpowered at lower levels.
Why This System Matters
This structure, where wizards know spells in a book, prepare only a selection daily, and wield cantrips as desired, creates a balanced and engaging gameplay experience. It encourages players to think strategically about which spells they need for the day. The choice between cantrips for consistency and prepared spells for specific situations creates a rich magical dynamic, giving wizards a feel of a more complex and powerful spellcaster. This is also what separates the wizard from other spellcasting classes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many spell slots does a 1st-level wizard have?
A 1st-level wizard has two 1st-level spell slots. These slots are used when casting prepared spells, and when they are expended, the wizard must take a long rest to regain them.
2. Can a wizard learn more cantrips?
Yes, a wizard learns additional cantrips as they level up, according to the “Cantrips Known” column of the Wizard table. However, they are limited to a maximum of 5 cantrips known at 20th level.
3. Can a wizard learn more spells?
Absolutely! Whenever a wizard finds a wizard spell written in a book or scroll, and it’s of a level they can cast, they can copy it into their spellbook with time and gold. The wizard can theoretically collect hundreds of spells throughout a campaign this way, depending on the DM.
4. Can a wizard learn spells from other classes?
Generally, a wizard can only learn wizard spells. However, with multi-classing, they could gain access to a limited number of spells from another spellcasting class.
5. What are the best stats for a wizard?
Intelligence is the most important stat for a wizard, as it determines spellcasting ability. After that, Dexterity or Constitution are good choices. Dexterity adds AC and a common saving throw, while Constitution gives extra HP and maintains concentration better.
6. What are the best 1st-level spells for a wizard?
Some of the best 1st-level spells include Absorb Elements, Feather Fall, and Mage Armor. These are useful for either defense, mobility, and general survival.
7. Can a wizard prepare the same spell multiple times?
A wizard can only prepare a spell once, even if they have multiple slots that could cast it. This is useful for spellcasters to keep all options available.
8. What happens if a wizard loses their spellbook?
Losing a spellbook is very detrimental to a wizard. While they still remember their prepared spells, they lose the ability to prepare new spells until they create or find a new spellbook.
9. Can a wizard cast cantrips using a spell slot?
No, cantrips are cast without using a spell slot. This makes them a good option for resource management.
10. What is the most powerful wizard spell?
This is very subjective, but Wall of Force is widely considered to be one of the most versatile and powerful wizard spells, followed closely by other high-level spells like Meteor Swarm and Wish.
11. How does a wizard prepare spells?
A wizard prepares spells after a long rest, by consulting their spellbook and choosing the spells they want to have access to for the day.
12. Can a wizard change their prepared spells during the day?
No, a wizard cannot change their prepared spells until after they take another long rest.
13. Is Mage Armor a good spell to cast on yourself?
Yes, Mage Armor is highly recommended. This spell is for Wizards who don’t wear armor. It significantly increases a wizard’s survivability by improving their AC.
14. Can wizards write down cantrips in their spellbook?
Usually, wizards can’t copy cantrips into their spellbooks. The spellbook is more about spells studied, and a wizard only knows so many cantrips. However, some DMs may make exceptions.
15. Do all wizards prepare the same spells?
No, wizards can tailor their prepared spells to their playstyle and the types of challenges they anticipate, giving each wizard a unique ability to take on obstacles.
In conclusion, a 1st-level wizard’s initial magical ability isn’t just about the number of spells they know, but also how they strategically utilize their cantrips, known spells, and prepared spells. It’s a dynamic system that encourages players to think carefully about their magical repertoire and how they will use it in the world of D&D.