What is the Best Cantrip for a Bard?
The best cantrip for a bard is Vicious Mockery, as it’s the only attacking bard cantrip in the PHB that deals damage, making it a great choice for beginners. Additionally, other useful cantrips for bards include Light, Mage Hand, Mending, and Prestidigitation, which offer a range of utility and support options.
Understanding Cantrips for Bards
To determine the best cantrip for a bard, it’s essential to understand the role of cantrips in the bard’s spellcasting repertoire. Cantrips are zero-level spells that can be cast without using up any of the bard’s limited spell slots, making them incredibly valuable for providing reliable damage or utility.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Cantrips do Bards Know?
Bards know two cantrips of their choice from the bard spell list, and they learn additional cantrips at higher levels.
2. How Many Times can a Bard use a Cantrip?
Cantrips can be cast an unlimited number of times per day, making them a valuable resource for bards.
3. Can Bards Swap Cantrips?
According to the core rules, bards cannot swap cantrips, but there is a variant rule that allows spellcasters to swap one cantrip when they gain a level.
4. What is the Damaging Bard Cantrip?
Vicious Mockery and Thunderclap are the two damaging bard cantrips, with Thunderclap being a good panic button for bards surrounded by enemies.
5. Are Cantrips Worth it?
Cantrips are indeed worth it, as they provide reliable damage or utility without using up spell slots.
6. Is Eldritch Blast a Good Cantrip?
Eldritch Blast is a powerful cantrip available to Warlocks, but it’s not the strongest in terms of pure numbers, with Fire Bolt capable of dealing more damage.
7. Are Bards Weak in D&D?
While bards aren’t as durable as fighters or paladins, they have a unique set of skills and abilities that make them valuable party members.
8. Can You Cast Two Cantrips in One Turn?
Yes, you can cast two cantrips in one turn, as the rule for casting any spell with a bonus action allows you to cast cantrips with an action.
9. What Feat is Best for Bard?
Feats like Alert, Eldritch Adept, and Skilled can elevate a bard’s abilities and customization options.
10. What is the Best Cantrip Damage in 5e?
Fire Bolt is one of the best cantrips for dealing damage, outclassing other options like Toll the Dead in terms of range.
11. Are Bards Arcane or Divine?
Bards use Arcane Magic, which includes spells like Minor Illusion and Prestidigitation.
12. Can You Replace Cantrips?
No, there is no way to change cantrips under the core rules, although some variant rules may allow it.
13. How Many Cantrips do Bards Know?
Bards know two cantrips at level 1 and learn additional cantrips at higher levels.
14. What is the Hardest Class in D&D?
The Sorcerer is considered one of the most challenging classes to play, due to their complex spellcasting mechanics.
15. Why are Bards so Strong?
Bards are strong due to their unique combination of skills, spells, and abilities, which make them versatile and valuable party members.