DND Wizard Spells Guide: The Best 5e Spells to Prepare at Every Level (1–20 Breakdown)

No class in 5E gives you a spellbook thick enough to double as a weapon quite like the Wizard. You want fireballs? Illusions? Runes that fold time in half? Done. But here’s the catch: with all that power comes a relentless question—which spells are worth your ink and time? We’re taking a deep look at DND Wizard spells.

Wizards aren’t just blasters or bookworms. They’re reality’s editors, and every spell they prep rewrites a line of the world around them. Choosing spells isn’t about what’s “good”—it’s about what your Wizard is trying to become. Scholar? Trickster? Arcane tactician? That spell list is your toolkit, your story hook, and your identity—all at once.

Being able to wield such arcane power requires not only understanding the nuances of spellcasting but also a tactical mind capable of adapting to ever-changing situations. Each spell in a Wizard’s arsenal can serve a unique purpose, whether it’s searing foes with fire, creating illusions to mislead enemies, or conjuring protective wards. Understanding which spells bring out the best in your Wizard is part of the journey to becoming a master of the arcane arts. Wizards are not just about throwing fireballs, they’re the ultimate strategists with magic at their fingertips.

The massive selection of spells allows Wizards to tailor their magical repertoire to suit any scenario, elevating their roles as either powerful damage dealers, cunning battlefield controllers, or indomitable defenders. One campaign might find them cloaked in invisibility, while another sees them summoning demonic allies to their cause. With so many choices, the challenge lies in deciding which spells to prepare and when to cast them.

The art of selecting the most effective spells is an adventure itself. Will you blaze trails with raw destructive magic, or outwit your adversaries with guile and ingenuity? The decisions shape not only how the Wizard interacts with the world but also how the world reacts to them. The options are limitless, and the campaign tales told through these choices are as varied and colorful as the spells themselves.

Whether you’re a seasoned spell-slinger or new to the arcane arts, this guide will walk you through the best Wizard spells available at each level, ensuring your magical prowess leaves a lasting impact on your adventures. Let’s dive into the magical mechanics and embark on a journey of discovery for the most potent spells a Wizard can wield.

Understanding DND Wizard Spells

Casting spells as a Wizard is like wielding the very threads of magic, mastering the elements, and commanding reality. The core of a Wizard’s spellcasting ability lies in their Intelligence, reflecting their dedication to studying and comprehending the magical arts. It is with the power of their intellect that they control their spells, determining how challenging it is for foes to resist magical influences, and the intricacy of the effects they can unleash.

Preparation is key to a Wizard’s success. Unlike most spellcasters, Wizards must diligently prepare their spells ahead of time from a spellbook, a tome that holds the secrets to their arcane power. This book is a repository of their magical knowledge, allowing them to choose which spells to prepare each day based on what lies ahead. Every spell a Wizard prepares is a strategic decision, reflecting both the challenges they anticipate and the strengths they aim to exploit.

Differentiating between prepared and known spells is crucial. Wizards know many spells thanks to their expansive spellbook, but they can prepare only a limited number each day. This flexibility allows them to adapt to new challenges or exploit unforeseen opportunities, a unique advantage where they outperform all other classes. When trouble looms, a Wizard’s ability to adjust their spell preparation means that they can equip the perfect arsenal to meet new obstacles head-on.

Ritual casting adds another layer to the Wizard’s spellcasting prowess. Some spells can be cast as rituals, meaning they don’t consume a spell slot if the Wizard takes extra time to cast them. This allows much-needed flexibility to weave magic into mundane situations without expending precious resources, making Wizards the most adaptable spellcasters in the game.

Fantasy RPG AI Generators with ChatGPT+

Make life as a Game Master easier.... If you play Dungeon & Dragons, Pathfinder, or other fantasy tabletop role-playing games, check out my DND AI backstory generator and other fine AI RPG tools at LitRPG Adventures Workshop today.

In addition to their spell preparation, Wizards can learn new spells by copying them into their spellbooks—a fascinating feature that embodies their thirst for knowledge. Each new spell learned is a triumph of intellect and resourcefulness, transforming their approach to challenges and enhancing the magic at their disposal. In the hands of an educated practitioner, spells become more than just bursts of light and sound; they are tools, shields, and the keys to unlocking hidden potential.

Cantrips: Core Tools of the Wizard

Cantrips are the backbone of a Wizard’s magical toolkit. Unlike higher-level spells that require precious resources, cantrips can be cast freely—without the need for spell slots—allowing Wizards to continuously engage in magical combat or solve everyday problems with ease. They embody the true spirit of being a Wizard, ensuring that even when resources are tapped, the Wizard remains a force to be reckoned with.

Their infinite use makes cantrips indispensable in both utility and combat. They are the reliable spells that wizards return to time and again, forming the core structure of their spellcasting strategy. Through cantrips, Wizards can wield fire, deceive with illusions, or reach places untouchable by mortal hands, proving their mettle in varied circumstances.

Here’s the thing: choosing the right cantrips early on can greatly enhance a Wizard’s effectiveness, defining their playstyle and supporting higher-level spells as they progress. Let’s delve into some of the top cantrip choices that every Wizard should consider.

• Fire Bolt: A straightforward choice for any Wizard seeking a reliable damage-dealing option.
• Prestidigitation: The ultimate utility cantrip, performing minor magical tricks with myriad uses.
• Mage Hand: Offers unparalleled utility, allowing manipulation of objects at a distance.
• Minor Illusion: Deceive others with sounds or images, proving the value of clever trickery.
• Ray of Frost: A damage-dealing cantrip that slows your foes, a two-for-one deal.
• Light: Create sources of illumination, a must-have for dark environments.
• Shocking Grasp: Best for those who prefer getting up close with electrifying results.
• Message: Silent communication over distance—perfect for stealth operations.
• Chill Touch: Provides both damage and a hindrance to foes with healing capabilities.
• True Strike: If you want to ensure your next strike hits, this one’s for you.
• Blade Ward: Grant yourself resistance to weapon damage, good for some added safety.
• Mending: A repairing touch—a real boon for healing objects in need of restoration.

Cantrips reflect the Wizard’s mastery over the arcane in ways that shout adaptability and creativity. Whether at the beginning of adventuring or in the thick of battle, they form the baseline from which all further magic extends.

Choosing the best cantrips does more than ensure a wizard’s effectiveness in early challenges; it sets the tone for their magical career. As Wizards climb the ladder of arcane power, their chosen cantrips support spell slots, providing consistent resources, and forming the foundation on which further spells rely. Master those, and your journey to arcane brilliance is well underway.

Best Wizard Spells by Spell Level

To unlock the full potential of a Wizard, it’s essential to carefully choose spells at each level that offer a blend of versatility, impact, and synergy with other spells. Wizards have the unique ability to adapt their spell choices to specific needs, making each level a stepping stone to greater arcane mastery.

Selecting the “best” spells is more than just picking favorites—it’s about versatility and how the spells can change the tide of any given encounter. These spells have lasting effects on combat scenarios, adventuring capabilities, and on the entire party’s performance over the course of the adventure. The right spells provide Wizards with the adaptability to handle any situation that can occur during a game.

Spells are also about synergy—aligning your magical selection to build upon existing capabilities or to complement the strategy of the group. By making thoughtful spell choices, a Wizard increases their effectiveness not just as a lone component, but as a crucial member of the adventuring party.

1st-Level DND Wizard Spells

The early game is where Wizards begin to truly demonstrate their magical prowess, setting a solid foundation for future growth. First-level spells define your starting strategy and cover critical elements like defense, utility, and offense—essentially crafting the up-and-coming Wizard’s playbook.

1st-level spells are often about creating balance and ensuring that the primary needs of the party are met. In this phase, Wizards gain access to crucial capabilities that improve their chance of survival while expanding their options in multiple scenarios. An offensive spell could mean the difference between victory and defeat against early foes, a utility spell might aid in solving a complex puzzle, and a defensive spell could protect the party from unforeseen dangers.

Fantasy RPG AI Generators with ChatGPT+

Make life as a Game Master easier.... If you play Dungeon & Dragons, Pathfinder, or other fantasy tabletop role-playing games, check out my DND AI backstory generator and other fine AI RPG tools at LitRPG Adventures Workshop today.

With the basics covered by 1st-level spells, Wizards build a strong magical foundation that grows with them. These spells form the blueprint that guides them through early challenges, offering essential skills that align with both personal and party-based strategies. As Wizards become more experienced, the effectiveness and synergy of their chosen spells will serve as the building blocks for stronger magical capabilities.

2nd-Level DND Wizard Spells

At the second spell level, Wizards step confidently into a broader array of strategic options, expanding their range of influence through more potent defenses, control, and debuffs. This level marks the bridge between surviving the immediate threats of the adventuring world and exerting true influence over the battlefield.

The introduction of control spells at this level allows Wizards to shape encounters in significant ways, affecting how opponents move and act. Whether using spells to hinder enemies or supporting allies with defensive magic, 2nd-level spells greatly enhance a Wizard’s versatility.

• Invisibility: Perfect for stealth missions or slipping through dangerous situations.
• Mirror Image: Creates decoys to complicate enemy targeting, a strong defensive play.
• Misty Step: Offers quick (and invaluable) teleportation in and out of tight spots.
• Hold Person: Paralyzes humanoids, rendering them defenseless to ally attacks.
• Levitate: Gain vertical control or remove threats by levitating them out of reach.
• Scorching Ray: Fire off a trio of fiery rays for focused damage.
• Blur: Enhance your defense by appearing to blur to attackers.
• Web: Excellent for trapping groups of enemies in place.
• Arcane Lock: Secure a location against unwanted entry or access.
• Gust of Wind: Manipulate movement with gusts, suitable for disrupting battle lines.

As Wizards continue to level up, the spell focus shifts from basic survival to a nuanced approach to influencing scenarios and actively changing combat dynamics. The concept of synergy becomes more pronounced, as Wizards learn to use spells that are more complementary to the evolving range of tactical situations.

3rd-Level DND Wizard Spells

The capabilities unlocked with 3rd-level spells represent a transformative moment for Wizards: the transition from mere apprentice to formidable power player. It’s in these spells you find the classics—powerful, game-changing magic like Fireball and Counterspell that are seared into the memory of opponents from campaigns past.

These spells not only pack the punch needed to elevate a Wizard’s standing on the battlefield but also grant options that can disable enemy spellcasters or protect allies from magical harm. You see, these are the spells that herald the transition to becoming a defining force in any adventuring group.

When Wizards start casting 3rd-level spells, they truly become game-changers. These spells signify a shift in how interactions with both allies and opponents are managed. New spell capabilities allow Wizards to not just cast magic, but to wield influence over the fabric of encounters, marking them as key players and invaluable members of any adventuring ensemble.

4th-Level DND Wizard Spells

Entering the realm of 4th-level spells, Wizards add another layer to their repertoire, with enhancements focused on controlling the battlefield and providing advanced utility options that can alter the course of lengthy campaigns. This class of spells empowers Wizards to specialize in roles that reflect their chosen magical path.

Spells at this level emphasize advanced situational power, providing Wizards with options to focus on battlefield manipulation or honing in on specialized utility.

• Banishment: Remove threats temporarily, especially effective against extraplanar foes.
• Greater Invisibility: Attack or cast while remaining unseen, offering strategic offense.
• Dimension Door: Instant transportation for yourself and an ally to a safe location.
• Polymorph: Transform targets to either neutralize their threat or bolster allies.
• Ice Storm: Versatile area spell inflicting damage and terrain hindrance.
• Stoneskin: Grants resistance to physical damage for tanking allies.
• Confusion: Disrupt enemy actions with unpredictable consequences.
• Hallucinatory Terrain: Create convincing illusions to mislead or trap foes.
• Fire Shield: Attack and defense combined in fiery retribution each hit received.
• Control Water: Master aquatic environments or create strategic waterflow changes.

Wizards at this spell level can adopt roles tailored to their needs and desires. Whether it’s subterfuge, support, or control, 4th-level spells provide the power to not just deal with threats but manipulate them to the Wizard’s advantage, enhancing both personal and party success.

With the strength of these spells, Wizards further define their contributions to battle and narrative, using their abilities to specialize in a niche or hang threats on the ropes. It’s all about leveraging position, effects, and tactics to make a discernible difference in each encounter.

5th-Level DND Wizard Spells

At 5th-level spells, Wizards gain access to spells renowned for their potency, introducing abilities that can decisively sway encounters and challenge formidable foes. This tier offers power balanced with complexity, requiring Wizards to elevate their strategic thinking to fully harness the potential of these spells.

The impact these spells can have marks a corresponding growth in a Wizard’s power, providing the means to not only survive but also shape the story around them. These high-performance spells bestow the capacity to command not just the battlefield, but to alter the trajectory of campaigns themselves.

Fifth-level spells boost the Wizard’s capacity to not only compete but dominate both the battlefield and narrative. The tactical value they bring gives Wizards an edge in navigating complex situations, opening doors to creative solutions and strategies unimaginable at lower levels.

With the panoply of tools available, Wizards can profoundly influence engagements and plots, altering them in extraordinary ways.

6th-Level DND Wizard Spells

Entering the domain of 6th-level spells is akin to crossing a threshold into legendary arcane power. These spells are rare delights in a Wizard’s arsenal, representing both significant cost and unmatched might. With each spell slot being precious, the choice of what spell to learn and prepare becomes a decision of paramount importance.

High-level spells at this tier are capable of dramatically altering the course of a game session, offering abilities that are both profound and far-reaching. As Wizards gain access to these potent tools, they must weigh their choices against the rarity of the slots and maximize their impact through judicious use.

• Disintegrate: Obliterate a target completely, leaving little room for revival.
• Globe of Invulnerability: Protects from lower-level spells—a steadfast defensive bastion.
• Mass Suggestion: Command crowds with ease, bending them to your will without concentration.
• True Seeing: Unveil the hidden, seeing through magical darkness and illusions.
• Flesh to Stone: Solidifying threats—literally—into non-threats.
• Chain Lightning: Devastate multiple foes with a cascade of electrical fury.
• Eyebite: Inflict one of multiple debilitating effects on a chosen target.
• Sunbeam: Blinding and damaging, this spell is both an offensive and defensive choice.
• Find the Path: Locate your next step clearly, invaluable in labyrinths.
• Programmed Illusion: Detailed illusions that trigger as per your planning.
• Move Earth: Sculpt the battlefield or dig fortifications in real-time.
• Circle of Death: Wide-area necromantic damage, excellent for crowd control.
• Heroes’ Feast: Bolster your party with enhanced defenses and immunity benefits.
• Magic Jar: Possess others, a risky but potentially rewarding endeavor.
• Guards and Wards: Fortifies an area with a series of protective effects.

The inclusion of 6th-level spells in a Wizard’s repertoire elevates them from skilled arcane users to something much greater—a true arbiter of destiny whose decisions can reshape events at every level. As access to such magical power grows, the careful selection of spells becomes ever more critical to maximize their impact, turning challenges into triumphs.

Wizards at this level stand on the cusp of legend. The spells they choose and the decisions they make define not only battles but the grand narrative unfolding around them, marking their ascension as influential figures in the ever-spinning realms of adventure.

7th-Level DND Wizard Spells

When Wizards unlock the secrets of 7th-level spells, they delve into truly game-altering territory. These powerful spells lay bare the battlefield, granting capabilities that extend far beyond the real of what most opponents can combat effectively. The weight of choice looms larger, as these spells come with a significant cost, but also unparalleled power.

This level of spellcasting is marked by spells that are not merely tools for battle but instruments of destiny. Wizards must carefully consider how each spell aligns with their goals, party dynamics, and overall strategy to ensure its effects are as game-changing as they are impactful.

Possessing the knowledge and capacity to cast these spells mean that Wizards are no longer merely influential but pivotal players in any campaign. With their spells, they wield the power to not only navigate through near-impossible odds but to turn challenges into opportunities.

At this level, Wizards ascend beyond planning for the present, crafting spells that reflect foresight and ambition to bend to the shape of vast, overarching narratives. The power they hold is not merely a tool—but a force of storytelling, shaping the destiny of their ventures as no one else could.

8th-Level DND Wizard Spells

Upon reaching 8th-level spells, Wizards access powers that rival the gods themselves. These high-level spells are rare and consequential, offering abilities that can bring entire campaigns to a turning point. The spells at this level do not simply add utility or versatility; they reshape the battlefield, alter realities, and provide definitive solutions to monumental challenges.

Harnessing the power of these spells requires not only a mastery of arcane arts but also the strategic acumen to deploy them effectively. Wizards must select these spells with a keen understanding of the impact they will have on the course of their adventures.

Fantasy RPG AI Generators with ChatGPT+

Make life as a Game Master easier.... If you play Dungeon & Dragons, Pathfinder, or other fantasy tabletop role-playing games, check out my DND AI backstory generator and other fine AI RPG tools at LitRPG Adventures Workshop today.

These spells are not just tools but paradigms of change, signaling the Wizards’ stature as extraordinary forces within their worlds. With 8th-level spells, Wizards do not just affect current escapades—they weave their actions into legends known for the ages.

The full potential of these spells offers not just resilience but the transformative capacity, inspiring the campaign’s odyssey, guiding narratives, and creating legacies that reverberate long after the last spell is cast. Wizards at this echelon elevate the very storytelling of their campaigns, carving their mark into the very fabric of fantasy reality.

9th-Level DND Wizard Spells

Behold the pinnacle of Wizardly might: 9th-level spells represent the ultimate arcane achievements, capable of altering reality, rewriting fate, and exerting titanic influence over the fabric of the campaign. At this high-level tier, spells become legendary in bearing, shaping not mere battles or puzzles, but entire worlds.

With only a precious few of these slots available, Wizards wielding these spells must exercise the utmost caution and strategic insight. It’s about wielding power responsibly, moving beyond combat math to mastery over the very elements of heroism and villainy itself.

With spells of this magnitude, Wizards become more than just participants in their story—they are the story. These are spells capable of shaping epic narratives, causing divine beings to take notice, and bending time to their will.

Wizards mastering 9th-level spells hold power unmatched and experiences unparalleled within their campaigns. Their choices dictate the ebb and flow of epic events, transcending gameplay to inhabit the spaces where stories shape the heart of adventure, inspiring legends in the process. For Wizards, reaching this apex is merely another beginning—the endless journey within the ultimate artistry of magic.

Tips for Spell Selection and Preparation

Selecting and preparing spells can be daunting, but with a bit of strategy, Wizards can maximize their impact on any campaign. Understanding the interplay between spell choices and gameplay is essential to mastering spellcraft as a Wizard. Here’s a way to think about it: every rest is a re-evaluation, a moment to anticipate the day’s challenges and prepare accordingly for what encounters might lie ahead.

Preparation isn’t just about loading up on damage spells; it’s about creating a balanced arsenal that anticipates potential threats while supporting your party’s strategic needs. Wizards particularly benefit from spells that provide defense or utility, complementing their high-damage capabilities.

• Prioritize spells that complement your party’s strengths and weaknesses.
• Maintain a balance of offensive, defensive, and utility spells.
• Choose spells that can be cast as rituals to save slots.
• Consider environmental factors that might impact spell choice.
• Account for creature types expected in upcoming encounters.
• Prepare spells that allow for strategic escape or repositioning.
• Utilize spells that offer control or debuffs for challenging foes.
• Prepare spells that negate or counteract enemy spellcasting.
• Retain flexibility by having a diverse range of effects covered.
• Balance high-risk, high-reward spells with reliable options.
• Conserve formidable spells not easily replicated by other party members.
• Engage in regular discussion with the party for coordinated strategies.
• Consider your Wizard’s role—blaster, controller, or support, etc.
• Practice situational awareness and adjust spell load-out accordingly.
• Be cognizant of spell concentration limitations, prioritize utility.
• Adapt spells for specific campaign themes or long-term party goals.
• Anticipate powerful enemy abilities and prepare countermeasures.
• Don’t forget classic protective spells like Shield and Counterspell.

Collaboration between players and Dungeon Masters (DMs) enhances the dynamic of intelligently weaving arcane solutions into narrative oaths. By crafting scenarios that allow Wizards to exploit their full potential, campaigns elevate from mere encounters to experiences rich in magical splendor.

Encouraging such synergy in gameplay ensures Wizards not only showcase their formidable abilities but also harness every opportunity within a narrative framework. Through insightful spell preparation and selection, the game transcends mechanics, becoming an immersive interplay between tactical creativity and narrative brilliance.

Final Thoughts on DND Wizard Spells

The artistry required to master the depth of a Wizard’s spell list is a journey of enlightenment and endless possibilities. Thoughtful spell selection is not merely about boosting raw output; it’s a narrative practice that defines a character’s story and functionality within a campaign. Each spell is a chapter, weaving a tapestry filled with wonder, danger, and victory.

Wizards are planners at heart—methodical, insightful, and constantly curious about how to best solve the myriad mysteries and challenges in their path. Their spell choices shape not just individual encounters but influence the tides of entire narrative arcs, allowing a Wizard to become the architect of destiny itself.

Tailoring a spell list thoughtfully means understanding the deeper story you want to tell—what themes resonate, what challenges await, and what your Wizard’s role is within the party’s story. The spellbook is not just an arsenal; it’s a manuscript full of potential to be realized in the hands of a cunning, visionary caster.

Understanding and selecting spells reflect a Wizard’s growth as an arcane problem-solver. Whether casting light in the darkest dungeons, bridging chasms with magic, protecting allies, or crafting illusions, Wizards wield spells as instruments for creative solutions—all through the power of a well-prepared mind.

With each level achieved and challenge overcome, Wizards become more than masters of magic; they are the heart of incantation, the shapers of legend, both guiding and reeling in chaos with their arch-sorcery. By focusing on choices that define a flavorful, impactful adventure, Wizards unlock the infinite potential they hold as characters of untold magical prowess.

Remember, at the core of every spell chosen is the heart of story told—a magical narrative that celebrates the breadth, depth, and wonder of Dungeons & Dragons, led by the Wizards who dare to master its mysteries. So go forth, cast mightily, and let your spellbook become the chronicle of your journey, imprinted with the timeless echoes of arcane adventure.