Spellcasting

This section provides the rules for casting spells. Different character classes have distinctive ways of learning and preparing their spells, and monsters use spells in unique ways. Regardless of its source, a spell follows the rules here.

Known and Prepared Spells

Before a spellcaster can use a spell, they must have the spell firmly fixed in mind, or must have access to the spell via a magic item. Divine and Primal spellcasters, such as paladins and rangers, have their respective spells lists always fixed in mind. Arcane spellcasters, such as sorcerers and wizards, undergo a process of preparing spells from the much broader arcane spell list. This process varies for different classes, as detailed in their descriptions.

Spell Points

A character who has the Spellcasting feature uses Spell Points to fuel spells. Each spell has a point cost that matches its level; fireball, for instance, costs 3 spell points to cast. Cantrips, as 0-level spells, don't require spell points.

You gain a pool of spell points to cast your spells. You expend a number of spell points to cast a spell of a given level. You can't reduce your spell points total to less than 0, and you regain all spent spell points when you finish a Long Rest.

Spells of 8th level and higher are particularly taxing to cast. You can use spell points to cast one spell of each level of 8th or higher, and you can't cast another spell of the same level until you finish a Long Rest.

The number of spell points you have to spend is based on your level as a spellcaster, as shown in the Spell Points by Level table. Your level also determines the maximum-level spell you can cast. Even though you might have enough points to cast a spell above this maximum, you can't do so.

The Spell Points by Level table applies to bards, clerics, druids, sorcerers, and wizards. For an artificer, paladin, ranger, or warlock, halve the character's level (rounded up) in that class and then consult the table. For a fighter (Eldritch Knight) or rogue (Arcane Trickster), divide the character's level in that class by three.

Casting a Spell at a Higher Level

When a spellcaster casts a spell using more spell points than the spell requires, the spell assumes the higher level for that casting.

Some spells, such as magic missile and cure wounds, have more powerful effects when cast at a higher level, as detailed in a spell's description.

Spell Points by Level

Class Level
Spell Points
Max Spell Level
1st
2
1st
2nd
3
1st
3rd
8
2nd
4th
10
2nd
5th
16
3rd
6th
19
3rd
7th
23
4th
8th
27
4th
9th
32
5th
10th
37
5th
11th
43
6th
12th
43
6th
13th
50
7th
14th
50
7th
15th
58
8th
16th
58
8th
17th
67
9th
18th
72
9th
19th
78
9th
20th
85
9th

Spell Lists

Arcane Spell List

LevelSpellSchoolRitual
0Acid SplashConjuration
0Blade WardAbjuration
0Booming BladeEvocation
0Chill TouchNecromancy
0Control FlamesTransmutation
0Create BonfireConjuration
0Dancing LightsEvocation
0Eldritch BlastEvocation
0Fire BoltEvocation
0FriendsEnchantment
0FrostbiteEvocation
0Green-Flame BladeEvocation
0GustTransmutation
0InfestationConjuration
0LightEvocation
0Lightning LureEvocation
0Mage HandConjuration
0Magic StoneTransmutation
0MendingTransmutation
0MessageTransmutation
0Mind SliverEnchantment
0Minor IllusionIllusion
0Mold EarthTransmutation
0Poison SprayConjuration
0PrestidigitationTransmutation
0Ray of FrostEvocation
0Shape WaterTransmutation
0Shocking GraspEvocation
0Sword BurstConjuration
0ThunderclapEvocation
0Toll the DeadNecromancy
0True StrikeDivination
1Absorb ElementsAbjuration
1AlarmAbjurationRitual
1Armor of AcalanAbjuration
1Burning HandsEvocation
1CatapultTransmutation
1Cause FearNecromancy
1Chaos BoltEvocation
1Charm PersonEnchantment
1Chromatic OrbEvocation
1Color SprayIllusion
1Comprehend LanguagesDivinationRitual
1Detect MagicDivinationRitual
1Disguise SelfIllusion
1Earth TremorEvocation
1Expeditious RetreatTransmutation
1False LifeNecromancy
1Feather FallTransmutation
1Find FamiliarConjurationRitual
1Fog CloudConjuration
1GreaseConjuration
1Hellish RebukeEvocation
1HexEnchantment
1Ice KnifeConjuration
1IdentifyDivinationRitual
1Illusory ScriptIllusionRitual
1JumpTransmutation
1LongstriderTransmutation
1Mage ArmorAbjuration
1Magic MissileEvocation
1Melisandre's Caustic BrewEvocation
1Melisandre's Hideous LaughterEnchantment
1Protection from Evil and GoodAbjuration
1Ray of SicknessNecromancy
1ShieldAbjuration
1Silent ImageIllusion
1SleepEnchantment
1SnareAbjuration
1Thurlow's Floating DiskConjurationRitual
1ThunderwaveEvocation
1Türmo's GraspConjuration
1Unseen ServantConjurationRitual
1Witch BoltEvocation
2Aleksi's Icy AssaultEvocation
2Alter SelfTransmutation
2Arcane LockAbjuration
2AuguryDivinationRitual
2Blindness/DeafnessNecromancy
2BlurIllusion
2Cloud of DaggersConjuration
2Continual FlameEvocation
2Crown of MadnessEnchantment
2DarknessEvocation
2DarkvisionTransmutation
2Detect ThoughtsDivination
2Dragon's BreathTransmutation
2Dust DevilConjuration
2EarthbindTransmutation
2Eloy's Earthen GraspTransmutation
2Enhance AbilityTransmutation
2Enlarge/ReduceTransmutation
2EnthrallEnchantment
2Flame BladeEvocation
2Flaming SphereConjuration
2Garnier's Supernatural ShroudIllusion
2Gentle ReposeNecromancyRitual
2Gust of WindEvocation
2Hold PersonEnchantment
2InvisibilityIllusion
2KnockTransmutation
2LevitateTransmutation
2Locate ObjectDivination
2Magic MouthIllusionRitual
2Magic WeaponTransmutation
2Melisandre's Mind WhipEnchantment
2Minco's Acrid ArrowEvocation
2Mind SpikeDivination
2Mirror ImageIllusion
2Misty StepConjuration
2Phantasmal ForceIllusion
2PyrotechnicsTransmutation
2Ray of EnfeeblementNecromancy
2Rope TrickTransmutation
2Scorching RayEvocation
2See InvisibilityDivination
2Shadow BladeIllusion
2ShatterEvocation
2SkywriteTransmutationRitual
2Spider ClimbTransmutation
2SuggestionEnchantment
2Warding WindEvocation
2WebConjuration
2Xolotl's ScorcherEvocation
3Animate DeadNecromancy
3Bestow CurseNecromancy
3BlinkTransmutation
3CatnapEnchantment
3ClairvoyanceDivination
3CounterspellAbjuration
3Dalia's Decadent DiademEvocation
3DaylightEvocation
3Dispel MagicAbjuration
3Enemies AboundEnchantment
3Erupting EarthTransmutation
3FearIllusion
3Feign DeathNecromancyRitual
3FireballEvocation
3Flame ArrowsTransmutation
3FlyTransmutation
3Gaseous FormTransmutation
3Glyph of WardingAbjuration
3HasteTransmutation
3Hypnotic PatternIllusion
3Intellect FortressAbjuration
3Life TransferenceNecromancy
3Lightning BoltEvocation
3Magic CircleAbjuration
3Major ImageIllusion
3Markwart's Handy HovelEvocationRitual
3NondetectionAbjuration
3Otherworldly HungerConjuration
3Phantom SteedIllusionRitual
3Protection from EnergyAbjuration
3Remove CurseAbjuration
3SendingEvocation
3Sleet StormConjuration
3SlowTransmutation
3Speak with DeadNecromancy
3Spirit ShroudNecromancy
3Stinking CloudConjuration
3Summon FeyConjuration
3Summon Lesser DemonsConjuration
3Summon ShadowspawnConjuration
LevelSpellSchoolRitual
3Summon UndeadNecromancy
3Thunder StepConjuration
3Tidal WaveConjuration
3Tiny ServantTransmutation
3TonguesDivination
3Vampiric TouchNecromancy
3Wall of SandEvocation
3Wall of WaterEvocation
3Water BreathingTransmutationRitual
3Water WalkTransmutationRitual
4Arcane EyeDivination
4BanishmentAbjuration
4BlightNecromancy
4Bogumil's Arcane AbodeAbjuration
4Charm MonsterEnchantment
4ConfusionEnchantment
4Conjure Minor ElementalsConjuration
4Control WaterTransmutation
4Dimension DoorConjuration
4DivinationDivinationRitual
4Dominate BeastEnchantment
4Elemental BaneTransmutation
4Euna's Black TentaclesConjuration
4FabricateTransmutation
4Fire ShieldEvocation
4Greater InvisibilityIllusion
4Hallucinatory TerrainIllusion
4Ice StormEvocation
4Kastus's Voltaic WaveEvocation
4Locate CreatureDivination
4Markwart's Tucked-away TrunkConjuration
4Phantasmal KillerIllusion
4PolymorphTransmutation
4Reinhard's Stalwart HoundConjuration
4Shadow of TürmoNecromancy
4Sickening RadianceEvocation
4Stone ShapeTransmutation
4StoneskinAbjuration
4Storm SphereEvocation
4Summon AberrationConjuration
4Summon ConstructConjuration
4Summon ElementalConjuration
4Summon Greater DemonConjuration
4Vitriolic SphereEvocation
4Vyssij's BucklerEvocation
4Wall of FireEvocation
4Watery SphereConjuration
5Animate ObjectsTransmutation
5Arcane HandEvocation
5CloudkillConjuration
5Cone of ColdEvocation
5Conjure ElementalConjuration
5Contact Other PlaneDivinationRitual
5Control WindsTransmutation
5CreationIllusion
5Danse MacabreNecromancy
5DawnEvocation
5Dominate PersonEnchantment
5DreamIllusion
5EnervationNecromancy
5Far StepConjuration
5GeasEnchantment
5Hold MonsterEnchantment
5ImmolationEvocation
5Insect PlagueConjuration
5Legend LoreDivination
5MisleadIllusion
5Modify MemoryEnchantment
5Negative Energy FloodNecromancy
5PasswallTransmutation
5Telepathic BondDivinationRitual
5ScryingDivination
5SeemingIllusion
5Skill EmpowermentTransmutation
5Steel Wind StrikeConjuration
5Synaptic StaticEnchantment
5TelekinesisTransmutation
5Teleportation CircleConjuration
5Transmute RockTransmutation
5Wall of ForceEvocation
5Wall of LightEvocation
5Wall of StoneEvocation
6Arcane GateConjuration
6Chain LightningEvocation
6Circle of DeathNecromancy
6Conjure FeyConjuration
6ContingencyEvocation
6Create HomunculusTransmutation
6Create UndeadNecromancy
6DisintegrateTransmutation
6EyebiteNecromancy
6Flesh to StoneTransmutation
6Globe of InvulnerabilityAbjuration
6Guards and WardsAbjuration
6Investiture of FlameTransmutation
6Investiture of IceTransmutation
6Investiture of StoneTransmutation
6Investiture of WindTransmutation
6Lodewig's Abrupt ApparitionConjurationRitual
6Magic JarNecromancy
6Mass SuggestionEnchantment
6Melisandre's Otherworldly GuiseTransmutation
6Mental PrisonIllusion
6Move EarthTransmutation
6Onfroi's Fervant FrolickingEnchantment
6Programmed IllusionIllusion
6ScatterConjuration
6Soul CageNecromancy
6Summon FiendConjuration
6SunbeamEvocation
6True SeeingDivination
6Tyne's TransformationTransmutation
6Vyssij's GlacierEvocation
6Wall of IceEvocation
7Crown of StarsEvocation
7EtherealnessTransmutation
7Finger of DeathNecromancy
7Fire StormEvocation
7ForcecageEvocation
7Kastus's Dazzling DwerzikConjuration
7Mirage ArcaneIllusion
7Power Word PainEnchantment
7Prismatic SprayEvocation
7Project ImageIllusion
7Reverse GravityTransmutation
7SequesterTransmutation
7SimulacrumIllusion
7Stanisev's ShashkaEvocation
7SymbolAbjuration
7TeleportConjuration
7WhirlwindEvocation
8Antimagic FieldAbjuration
8Antipathy/SympathyEnchantment
8Control WeatherTransmutation
8DemiplaneConjuration
8Dominate MonsterEnchantment
8EarthquakeEvocation
8FeeblemindEnchantment
8GlibnessTransmutation
8Illusory DragonIllusion
8Incendiary CloudConjuration
8Maddening DarknessEvocation
8MazeConjuration
8Mighty FortressConjuration
8Mind BlankAbjuration
8Power Word StunEnchantment
8SunburstEvocation
8TelepathyEvocation
8Zuhayr's DesiccationNecromancy
9Astral ProjectionNecromancy
9ForesightDivination
9GateConjuration
9ImprisonmentAbjuration
9InvulnerabilityAbjuration
9Mass PolymorphTransmutation
9Meteor SwarmEvocation
9Power Word KillEnchantment
9Prismatic WallAbjuration
9Psychic ScreamEnchantment
9ShapechangeTransmutation
9Time StopTransmutation
9True PolymorphTransmutation
9WeirdIllusion
9WishConjuration

Divine Spell List

LevelSpellSchoolRitual
0GuidanceDivination
0LightEvocation
0MendingTransmutation
0ResistanceAbjuration
0Sacred FlameEvocation
0Spare the DyingNecromancy
0ThaumaturgyTransmutation
0Toll the DeadNecromancy
0Word of RadianceEvocation
1BaneEnchantment
1BlessEnchantment
1CeremonyAbjurationRitual
1CommandEnchantment
1Compelled DuelEnchantment
1Create or Destroy WaterTransmutation
1Cure WoundsEvocation
1Detect Evil and GoodDivination
1Detect MagicDivinationRitual
1Detect Poison and DiseaseDivinationRitual
1Divine FavorEvocation
1Guiding BoltEvocation
1Healing WordEvocation
1HeroismEnchantment
1Inflict WoundsNecromancy
1Protection from Evil and GoodAbjuration
1Purify Food and DrinkTransmutationRitual
1SanctuaryAbjuration
1Searing SmiteEvocation
1Shield of FaithAbjuration
1Thunderous SmiteEvocation
1Wrathful SmiteEvocation
2AidAbjuration
2AuguryDivinationRitual
2Blindness/DeafnessNecromancy
2Branding SmiteEvocation
2Calm EmotionsEnchantment
2Continual FlameEvocation
2Enhance AbilityTransmutation
2Find SteedConjuration
2Find TrapsDivination
2Gentle ReposeNecromancyRitual
2Hold PersonEnchantment
2Lesser RestorationAbjuration
2Locate ObjectDivination
2Magic WeaponTransmutation
2Prayer of HealingEvocation
2Protection from PoisonAbjuration
2SilenceIllusionRitual
2Spiritual WeaponEvocation
2Warding BondAbjuration
2Zone of TruthEnchantment
3Animate DeadNecromancy
3Aura of VitalityEvocation
3Beacon of HopeAbjuration
3Bestow CurseNecromancy
3Blinding SmiteEvocation
3ClairvoyanceDivination
3Create Food and WaterConjuration
3Crusader's MantleEvocation
3DaylightEvocation
3Dispel MagicAbjuration
3Elemental WeaponTransmutation
3Feign DeathNecromancyRitual
3Glyph of WardingAbjuration
3Life TransferenceNecromancy
3Magic CircleAbjuration
LevelSpellSchoolRitual
3Mass Healing WordEvocation
3Meld into StoneTransmutationRitual
3Protection from EnergyAbjuration
3Remove CurseAbjuration
3RevivifyNecromancy
3SendingEvocation
3Speak with DeadNecromancy
3Spirit GuardiansConjuration
3Spirit ShroudNecromancy
3TonguesDivination
3Water WalkTransmutationRitual
4Aura of LifeAbjuration
4Aura of PurityAbjuration
4BanishmentAbjuration
4Control WaterTransmutation
4Death WardAbjuration
4DivinationDivinationRitual
4Find Greater SteedConjuration
4Freedom of MovementAbjuration
4Guardian of FaithConjuration
4Locate CreatureDivination
4Staggering SmiteEvocation
4Stone ShapeTransmutation
5Banishing SmiteAbjuration
5Circle of PowerAbjuration
5CommuneDivinationRitual
5ContagionNecromancy
5DawnEvocation
5Destructive WaveEvocation
5Dispel Evil and GoodAbjuration
5Flame StrikeEvocation
5GeasEnchantment
5Greater RestorationAbjuration
5HallowEvocation
5Holy WeaponEvocation
5Insect PlagueConjuration
5Legend LoreDivination
5Mass Cure WoundsEvocation
5ScryingDivination
5Summon CelestialConjuration
6Blade BarrierEvocation
6Create UndeadNecromancy
6Find the PathDivination
6ForbiddanceAbjurationRitual
6HarmNecromancy
6HealEvocation
6Heroes' FeastConjuration
6SunbeamEvocation
6True SeeingDivination
6Word of RecallConjuration
7Conjure CelestialConjuration
7Divine WordEvocation
7EtherealnessTransmutation
7Fire StormEvocation
7RegenerateTransmutation
7SymbolAbjuration
7Temple of the GodsConjuration
8Antimagic FieldAbjuration
8Control WeatherTransmutation
8EarthquakeEvocation
8Holy AuraAbjuration
8SunburstEvocation
9Astral ProjectionNecromancy
9GateConjuration
9Mass HealEvocation
9Power Word HealEvocation

Primal Spell List

LevelSpellSchoolRitual
0Control FlamesTransmutation
0Create BonfireConjuration
0DruidcraftTransmutation
0FrostbiteEvocation
0GuidanceDivination
0GustTransmutation
0InfestationConjuration
0Magic StoneTransmutation
0MendingTransmutation
0Mold EarthTransmutation
0Poison SprayConjuration
0Primal SavageryTransmutation
0Produce FlameConjuration
0ResistanceAbjuration
0Shape WaterTransmutation
0ShillelaghTransmutation
0Thorn WhipTransmutation
0ThunderclapEvocation
1Absorb ElementsAbjuration
1AlarmAbjurationRitual
1Animal FriendshipEnchantment
1Beast BondDivination
1Charm PersonEnchantment
1Create or Destroy WaterTransmutation
1Cure WoundsEvocation
1Detect MagicDivinationRitual
1Detect Poison and DiseaseDivinationRitual
1Earth TremorEvocation
1Ensnaring StrikeConjuration
1EntangleConjuration
1Faerie FireEvocation
1Fog CloudConjuration
1GoodberryTransmutation
1Hail of ThornsConjuration
1Healing WordEvocation
1Hunter's MarkDivination
1Ice KnifeConjuration
1JumpTransmutation
1LongstriderTransmutation
1Protection from Evil and GoodAbjuration
1Purify Food and DrinkTransmutationRitual
1Searing SmiteEvocation
1SnareAbjuration
1Speak with AnimalsDivinationRitual
1ThunderwaveEvocation
1Zephyr StrikeTransmutation
2AidAbjuration
2Animal MessengerEnchantmentRitual
2AuguryDivinationRitual
2BarkskinTransmutation
2Beast SenseDivinationRitual
2Continual FlameEvocation
2Cordon of ArrowsTransmutation
2DarkvisionTransmutation
2Dust DevilConjuration
2EarthbindTransmutation
2Enhance AbilityTransmutation
2Enlarge/ReduceTransmutation
2Find TrapsDivination
2Flame BladeEvocation
2Flaming SphereConjuration
2Gust of WindEvocation
2Healing SpiritConjuration
2Heat MetalTransmutation
2Hold PersonEnchantment
2Lesser RestorationAbjuration
2Locate Animals or PlantsDivinationRitual
2Locate ObjectDivination
2Magic WeaponTransmutation
2MoonbeamEvocation
2Pass without TraceAbjuration
2Protection from PoisonAbjuration
2SilenceIllusionRitual
2SkywriteTransmutationRitual
2Spike GrowthTransmutation
2Summon BeastConjuration
2Warding WindEvocation
3Aura of VitalityEvocation
3Call LightningConjuration
3Conjure AnimalsConjuration
3Conjure BarrageConjuration
3DaylightEvocation
3Dispel MagicAbjuration
3Elemental WeaponTransmutation
3Erupting EarthTransmutation
3Feign DeathNecromancyRitual
3Flame ArrowsTransmutation
3Lightning ArrowTransmutation
3Meld into StoneTransmutationRitual
LevelSpellSchoolRitual
3NondetectionAbjuration
3Plant GrowthTransmutation
3Protection from EnergyAbjuration
3RevivifyNecromancy
3Sleet StormConjuration
3Speak with PlantsTransmutation
3Summon FeyConjuration
3Tidal WaveConjuration
3Wall of WaterEvocation
3Water BreathingTransmutationRitual
3Water WalkTransmutationRitual
3Wind WallEvocation
4BlightNecromancy
4Charm MonsterEnchantment
4ConfusionEnchantment
4Conjure Minor ElementalsConjuration
4Conjure Woodland BeingsConjuration
4Control WaterTransmutation
4DivinationDivinationRitual
4Dominate BeastEnchantment
4Elemental BaneTransmutation
4Fire ShieldEvocation
4Freedom of MovementAbjuration
4Giant InsectTransmutation
4Grasping VineConjuration
4Guardian of NatureTransmutation
4Hallucinatory TerrainIllusion
4Ice StormEvocation
4Locate CreatureDivination
4PolymorphTransmutation
4Stone ShapeTransmutation
4StoneskinAbjuration
4Summon ElementalConjuration
4Wall of FireEvocation
4Watery SphereConjuration
5Antilife ShellAbjuration
5AwakenTransmutation
5Commune with NatureDivinationRitual
5Cone of ColdEvocation
5Conjure ElementalConjuration
5Conjure VolleyConjuration
5ContagionNecromancy
5Control WindsTransmutation
5GeasEnchantment
5Greater RestorationAbjuration
5Insect PlagueConjuration
5MaelstromEvocation
5Mass Cure WoundsEvocation
5ScryingDivination
5Steel Wind StrikeConjuration
5Swift QuiverTransmutation
5Transmute RockTransmutation
5Tree StrideConjuration
5Wall of StoneEvocation
5Wrath of NatureEvocation
6Bones of the EarthTransmutation
6Conjure FeyConjuration
6Druid GroveAbjuration
6Find the PathDivination
6Flesh to StoneTransmutation
6HealEvocation
6Heroes' FeastConjuration
6Investiture of FlameTransmutation
6Investiture of IceTransmutation
6Investiture of StoneTransmutation
6Investiture of WindTransmutation
6Move EarthTransmutation
6Primordial WardAbjuration
6SunbeamEvocation
6Transport via PlantsConjuration
6Wall of ThornsConjuration
6Wind WalkTransmutation
7Fire StormEvocation
7Mirage ArcaneIllusion
7RegenerateTransmutation
7Reverse GravityTransmutation
7SymbolAbjuration
7WhirlwindEvocation
8Animal ShapesTransmutation
8Antipathy/SympathyEnchantment
8Control WeatherTransmutation
8EarthquakeEvocation
8FeeblemindEnchantment
8Incendiary CloudConjuration
8SunburstEvocation
8TsunamiConjuration
9ForesightDivination
9ShapechangeTransmutation
9Storm of VengeanceConjuration