What is an Arcane Trickster Spellcasting Ability?

An Arcane Trickster‘s spellcasting ability is based on Intelligence, as they use the Wizard spell list, but they are limited to learning spells from the Enchantment and Illusion schools. The Arcane Trickster is a half-caster, meaning they only get spell slots up to 4th level, and have a maximum of 11 spell slots at 20th level, making their spellcasting ability unique and specialized compared to other spellcasting classes.

Understanding Arcane Trickster Spellcasting

To gain a deeper understanding of the Arcane Trickster‘s spellcasting ability, let’s dive into some frequently asked questions that can provide more insight into their capabilities and limitations.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What magic can Arcane Tricksters use? Arcane Tricksters are limited almost exclusively to Enchantment and Illusion spells for their leveled spells, but both of those schools work very well for Arcane Tricksters.
2. What is a rogue’s spellcasting ability? Rogue isn’t inherently a spellcasting class, so it doesn’t have a set spellcasting ability, but if your rogue is an Arcane Trickster, they gain some spells which use Intelligence.
3. Do Arcane Tricksters have a spellcasting focus? Arcane Tricksters, Eldritch Knights, and Rangers can’t use a focus, either arcane or divine; they must use spell components.
4. Can Arcane Tricksters transcribe spells? No, Arcane Tricksters (and Eldritch Knights) do not have spellbooks and cannot add spells from scrolls to their known spells.
5. Can Arcane Tricksters learn any Wizard spell? Arcane Tricksters do use the Wizard spell list, but they are only allowed to learn spells from the Enchantment and Illusion schools.
6. Can Arcane Tricksters cast rituals? The ritual caster feature allows any spell caster who has it as a class feature to use ritual spells; if an Arcane Trickster gained ritual caster, they would be able to cast ritual spells.
7. What is the most powerful spellcasting class in D&D? The DnD best spellcaster class is widely considered to be the Wizard, with more than a dozen possible subclasses as well as the largest and most varied spell list in D&D.
8. How do you calculate spellcasting ability? The spellcasting ability used is Wisdom, so your spell save DC = 8 + your proficiency bonus + Wisdom modifier.
9. What is the best subclass for Arcane Trickster? The Best Subclass for the Rogue is Arcane Trickster, because it provides the ability to cast spells and provide outside-of-combat utility.
10. Can Arcane Tricksters use Misty Step? Misty Step is fully possible to get as an Arcane Trickster, not hard at all, as it can be selected from the Wizard spell list at higher levels.
11. What race is best for Arcane Trickster? The Elf is a fantastic option for the Arcane Trickster, with bonuses to both Dexterity and Intelligence.
12. Is Arcane Trickster a full caster? Arcane Tricksters are half-casters, only getting spell slots up to 4th level, and have a maximum of 11 spell slots at 20th level.
13. How do I make my Arcane Trickster better? Recommended Arcane Trickster Ability Scores include pouring most of your ability points into Dexterity, followed by Intelligence, and then some resources into Constitution.
14. Can Arcane Tricksters change Cantrips? There isn’t a provision in the rules to replace a cantrip once chosen, so Arcane Tricksters are stuck with their initial cantrip selections.
15. Can Arcane Tricksters use Fireball? Speaking of subclasses – Arcane Trickster Rogues and Eldritch Knight Fighters can both also learn Fireball, with Rogues able to pick it up from level 14 and Fighters able to from level 13.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the Arcane Trickster‘s spellcasting ability is crucial to making the most of this unique and powerful subclass. By grasping the limitations and capabilities of their spellcasting, including their use of Intelligence for spellcasting, their access to Enchantment and Illusion spells, and their inability to use a spellcasting focus, players can harness the full potential of their Arcane Trickster and contribute to their party’s success in a meaningful way. Whether you’re a seasoned D&D player or just starting out, the Arcane Trickster offers a compelling and complex playstyle that is sure to captivate and challenge you.