The universe ofDungeons & Dragonsis brimming with wondrousand powerful magic. There are countless spells from various schools for characters to master and utilize. However, this great power is difficult to wield, and requires practice and discipline. Before one can cast the most complex spells, one must first master the basics.
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A skilled caster can utilize even “weaker” spells to their maximum potential. However, some low-level magic, regardless of their wielder, holds power unlike any other. These spells have astounding effects that prove effective even at higher levels. Thus, they are more than deserving of a spot in aD&Dcaster’s arsenal of magic.
10Absorb Elements
The elements ofDungeons & Dragonsare few, but each holds the ability to deter, damage, and destroy. Thus, it is of utmost importance to protect oneself against them. While there are many ways to do so, Absorb Elements does it most effectively. Not only does this spell fend against the elements, but it uses them to harm enemies as well.
When exposed to powerful elemental energy, one can use Absorb Elements to lessen the effects. Doing sogrants the caster resistance to the respective element and stores it.The next melee attack the caster makes will then inflict elemental damage of the type stored.
9Bless
Using magic to support others is a noble and effective strategy. Many spells can offer aid to others, but few are as simple and asbeneficial as Bless. This spell grants numerous allies — and possibly the caster — a boost to their innate skill, and furthers their chances of success.
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Calling upon divine energy, one can bestow a blessing upon companions or oneself. This godly boon allows one toincrease their attack rolls and saving throws.Doing so can guarantee a successful roll, turning the odds in one’s favor.
8Command
Holding sway over one’s actions is a power unlike any other. Of the few mind-control spells that exist inD&D, by far the most versatileis Command. This simple yet immensely adaptable spellallows its caster to influence nearly any action of the target.
Upon encroaching a target’s mind, one can issue a one-word command that does not directly inflict harm; i.e. a target cannot be ordered to die. So long as the target is able, it must follow this order to the best of its ability. While the effect of this spell seems mundane, it can put enemies at a significant disadvantage.
7Counterspell
Magic is abundant in theD&Dworld, and as such, countless individuals wield its power. Thus, casters should prepare to engage with other equally powerful magic users. There are numerous ways one could go about this, but Counterspell is an effective option. This spell boasts the simple yet powerful ability tonegate another’s magic.
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While another caster is preparing a spell, the player can use Counterspell to interrupt the process. This spellinstantly nullifies weaker magic and can potentially neutralize those of greater power. Thus, it can effectively prevent an opposing caster from casting powerful spells, i.e., Meteor Swarm, Teleport, Mass Heal, and more.
6Feather Fall
Dungeons & Dragonsholds many dangers, some of which are purely environmental. A common yet deadly natural hazard is tremendous heights from which one could fall and die. Spells to counter this danger are rare, and Feather Fall is the most effective of these few. This spell slows a quick descent, allowing one to survive an otherwise life-threatening fall.
Whenever the player or their ally falls, they can call upon magic to significantly decelerate their drop. This spellcompletely negates fall damage and can target up to five falling creatures, including the caster.In most situations, it can save an average-sized party from most fatal descents.
5Fireball
There are numerous spells inDungeons & Dragonsthat are as iconic as the game itself. These noteworthy spells includeEldritch Blast, Mage Hand, and Magic Missile. However, all pale in comparison to the infamous and somewhat overpowered spell, Fireball. This spell candeal significant, widespread fire damage that can eradicate entire groups of enemies.
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By harnessing destructive thermal energy, a caster can unleash a devasting ball of scorching flame. Those unable to avoid the spell endure its blazing arcane power and often succumb to its intensity. It is understandably an assured addition to nearly any caster’sarsenal of magic.
4Heat Metal
ManyD&Dspells can debilitate enemies dramatically, hindering foes to the extent of rendering them useless. By far the most effective of these is Heat Metal. This spell succeeds at doing what its name suggests: Any metal object worn/wielded by a creature that the caster can see may be heated until it glows red hot.
Upon reaching extreme temperatures,the metal object burns whatever creature it touches, dealing significant fire damage.Moreover, if the creature does not dispose of the metal object, they receive disadvantage on attack rolls and ability checks. Heat Metal is a great way to deter and disarm martial-oriented foes, and ultimately defeat them.
3Pass Without Trace
Stealth plays a vital role inD&D,and either ends very well or very badly. Several spells can make eventhe clunkiest characterssneaky, but none are quite as effective nor as versatile as the spell Pass Without Trace. This spell vastly improves the covertness of whoever the caster targets, including themselves.
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Those affected by the spell are shrouded in shadow and emit supernatural silence. Characters targeted receive a+10 bonus to Stealth checks and are immune to magical means of tracking.Unless a player rolls terribly,success on Stealth checksis almost always guaranteed.
2Shield
A strong defense is just as vital — if not more so — as offense. Numerous spells work to fortify one’s defenses, making them much more capable of enduring damage. Of these,the spell Shieldis the most useful and readily available. it can fend against nearly any oncoming blow, whether melee or ranged.
As a reaction, one can create a barrier of arcane energy. This magical blockadegrants its caster a +5 bonus to Armor Class and negates the spell Magic Missile.Thus, this increased protection can help one avoid potentially fatal attacks entirely.
1Spiritual Weapon
It’s always helpfulto have some means of dealing continuous damage to enemies, and innumerable spells can achieve that goal. Of these spells, however, few are as impressive as Spiritual Weapon. This spellcreates an arcane weapon that is capable of moving and attacking.
This spectral weapon can move and attack freely, unhindered by a weapon’s typical boundaries. Thus, it can reach most enemies, and inflict adequate damage continuously through a bonus action.
