Basic Spellcasting

Spellcasting is one of the core mechanics in D&D 5e. Here's what you need to know to get started:

Spell Slots

Spellcasters have a limited number of spell slots they can use to cast spells. These slots are divided into levels (1st through 9th), and are refreshed after a long rest.

Higher-level slots can be used to cast lower-level spells with enhanced effects, known as "casting at a higher level."

Spell Components

Spells require different components to cast:

• Verbal (V): Specific words that must be spoken
• Somatic (S): Precise hand gestures
• Material (M): Specific items needed for the spell

Component Details

Understanding spell components is crucial for spellcasting:

• Verbal (V): Must be spoken clearly and at normal volume. Can't be used while gagged or in areas of magical silence.
• Somatic (S): Requires at least one free hand to perform gestures. Can be the same hand holding a spellcasting focus.
• Material (M):
  • Can be replaced by a spellcasting focus (wand, staff, holy symbol, etc.)
  • If a cost is specified, must use the actual material
  • Components are not consumed unless specifically stated

Ritual Casting

Some spells can be cast as rituals if they have the ritual tag:

• Takes 10 minutes longer to cast
• Doesn't use a spell slot
• Must have the spell prepared or in your spellbook
• Can't be interrupted like concentration
• Some classes (like Wizards) can ritual cast any ritual spell in their spellbook, even if not prepared

Casting Time

Spells have different casting times:

• Action: Most common, uses your action
• Bonus Action: Quick spells that use your bonus action
• Reaction: Cast in response to a trigger
• Ritual: Takes 10 minutes longer but doesn't use a spell slot

Spell Save DC

Your spell save DC determines how hard it is for targets to resist your spells:

Spell Save DC = 8 + Proficiency bonus + Spellcasting ability modifier

Spell Attack Bonus

When making a spell attack, add this bonus to your d20 roll:

Spell Attack Bonus = Proficiency bonus + Spellcasting ability modifier

Concentration

Some spells require concentration to maintain their effects:

• You can only concentrate on one spell at a time
• Taking damage requires a Constitution saving throw to maintain concentration
• The DC is 10 or half the damage taken, whichever is higher

Spellcasting Ability

Different classes use different abilities for spellcasting:

• Intelligence: Artificer, Wizard
• Wisdom: Cleric, Druid, Ranger
• Charisma: Bard, Paladin, Sorcerer, Warlock

Schools of Spellcasting

Spells in D&D 5e are categorized by their primary effects:

• Abjuration: Protection and warding spells
• Conjuration: Summoning creatures or objects
• Divination: Gaining information and insight
• Enchantment: Affecting minds and behaviors
• Evocation: Elemental damage and energy manipulation
• Illusion: Creating deceptive effects
• Necromancy: Dealing with life, death, and undeath
• Transmutation: Changing physical properties

Each school specializes in different effects, and some spellcasters like Wizards can specialize in specific schools.

Spell Reference

For a comprehensive list of available spells and their descriptions, check out our Spell List.