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The Definitive Guide to the Best Cantrips in D&D 5e

Choosing the right cantrips in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition can be a game-changer. These seemingly small spells provide consistent utility and damage, ensuring your character remains effective even when spell slots are depleted. But which cantrips truly reign supreme?

The answer, of course, depends on your class, playstyle, and the specific challenges your adventuring party faces. However, some cantrips consistently prove their worth across various scenarios. Based on overall utility, damage potential, and versatility, the best cantrips in D&D 5e are:

Eldritch Blast (Warlock): Unmatched scaling damage, force damage type is rarely resisted, and invocations like Agonizing Blast and Repelling Blast make it incredibly potent. It’s often considered the defining Warlock ability.
Guidance (Cleric, Druid): A simple +1d4 to any ability check is invaluable for skill challenges and crucial moments. Its versatility extends to nearly every situation.
Minor Illusion (Wizard, Sorcerer, Warlock, Bard): The power of imagination made real. Creating distractions, disguising yourself, or even conjuring temporary cover makes this cantrip a creative powerhouse.
Toll the Dead (Cleric, Warlock): Deals significant necrotic damage, especially against already injured foes. It provides consistent, reliable damage output.
Fire Bolt (Wizard, Sorcerer): A solid damage cantrip with a decent range and the potential to ignite flammable objects. A great option when fire resistance isn’t a factor.
Mage Hand (Wizard, Sorcerer, Warlock): Manipulating objects from a distance opens countless possibilities for exploration, disarming traps, and even light combat maneuvers.
Message (Wizard, Sorcerer, Warlock, Bard): Discreet communication is essential for any party. This cantrip allows for silent whispers and strategic coordination.
Prestidigitation (Wizard, Sorcerer, Warlock, Bard): While not combat-focused, this cantrip offers immense roleplaying potential and minor utility, creating small comforts and flourishes.
Booming Blade/Green-Flame Blade (Warlock, Sorcerer, Wizard): These melee cantrips enhance weapon attacks with extra damage and conditional effects, making them perfect for gish characters.
Mind Sliver (Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard): Deals psychic damage and imposes a penalty on the target’s next saving throw. Excellent for setting up powerful spells from your allies.

These cantrips provide a strong foundation for any spellcaster, offering a blend of damage, utility, and roleplaying opportunities. Now, let’s delve deeper into some common questions about cantrips.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cantrips

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to help you master the art of cantrip selection and usage:

1. What is the highest damaging cantrip?

While Eldritch Blast is often considered the best due to its scaling attacks, Toll the Dead can deal more single-target damage, especially against creatures that have already taken damage. Other notable contenders include Fire Bolt and Ray of Frost, each situationally powerful. Factors such as damage type resistance can greatly alter which cantrip delivers the highest damage.

2. What are the best cantrips for an Eldritch Knight?

For an Eldritch Knight, Booming Blade and Green-Flame Blade are excellent choices, enhancing their melee attacks with extra damage. Additionally, utility cantrips like Minor Illusion and Mage Hand provide versatility outside of combat.

3. What are the best cantrips early game?

Early in the game, Eldritch Blast, Guidance, Mage Hand, Minor Illusion, and Fire Bolt are invaluable. They offer reliable damage, utility, and roleplaying opportunities before you have access to higher-level spells.

4. Do cantrips improve with class level or character level?

Cantrips improve with character level, not class level. This means even if you multi-class, your cantrips will become more potent as your overall level increases.

5. Are cantrips worth it?

Absolutely! Cantrips are essential for any spellcaster. They provide reliable damage or utility without consuming spell slots, ensuring you always have options available.

6. Can you counter a cantrip?

Normally, no. Counterspell typically only works on leveled spells (1st level and higher). However, some specific abilities or feats might allow you to counter a cantrip in certain circumstances.

7. Can you infinitely use cantrips?

Yes! One of the defining features of cantrips is that you can cast them an unlimited number of times per day. This makes them a reliable source of damage and utility.

8. Can you do 2 cantrips in one turn?

Generally, yes, but with restrictions. If you cast a spell as a bonus action (e.g., using Quicken Spell metamagic), the only other spell you can cast that turn must be a cantrip with a casting time of 1 action.

9. Why is Eldritch Blast considered so good?

Eldritch Blast stands out due to its scaling number of attacks and its compatibility with powerful invocations like Agonizing Blast, which adds your Charisma modifier to each beam’s damage, and Repelling Blast, which allows you to push enemies away.

10. Can a non-Warlock use Eldritch Blast?

Yes, but generally only through specific feats like the Magic Initiate feat or through race features. These options grant access to a limited selection of spells, including cantrips like Eldritch Blast.

11. Is Thaumaturgy a good cantrip?

Thaumaturgy is primarily a utility and roleplaying cantrip. While it doesn’t offer combat benefits, it allows clerics to perform minor miracles and enhance their presence.

12. How many cantrips can I use?

The number of cantrips you know depends on your class and level. For example, a Sorcerer starts with four cantrips and learns more as they level up. Always check your class description for specific details.

13. Can I cast Hex and Eldritch Blast?

Yes, you can cast Hex and then use your action on subsequent turns to cast Eldritch Blast. Hex requires concentration, so make sure to maintain it. You cannot Quicken Spell Eldritch Blast and use Hex or Hexblade’s curse on the same turn because that would require casting two non-cantrip spells on the same turn, which is forbidden.

14. What is potent cantrip 5e?

Potent Cantrip is a class feature or feat that allows a creature to take half damage from a cantrip even on a successful saving throw, mitigating some of the cantrip’s effect.

15. Are there resources for learning more about the educational value of games and D&D?

Absolutely! The Games Learning Society explores the intersection of games and education. You can visit their website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ to discover research, resources, and insights into how games, including D&D, can be used as powerful learning tools. The GamesLearningSociety.org provides a wealth of information on the subject.

Choosing Your Cantrips Wisely

Ultimately, the best cantrips for you depend on your character’s class, role within the party, and personal playstyle. Consider your party’s needs and your character’s strengths to make informed decisions. Don’t be afraid to experiment and adapt your cantrip selection as you gain experience. The right cantrips can transform your spellcaster into a versatile and formidable force on the battlefield and beyond.

Which are the best cantrips?