Dungeons & Dragons: Wild Shape, Explained
In the world of Dungeons & Dragons, the Druid, a master of nature's magic, possesses a unique and powerful ability: Wild Shape. Beyond their spellcasting prowess, Wild Shape is arguably the Druid's most defining characteristic.
Available from level two, Wild Shape lets a Druid transform into an animal, gaining its attributes. This versatile ability shines both in and out of combat, but its complexity can be daunting. This guide unravels the mysteries of Wild Shape.
Updated February 16, 2025, by Alfredo Robelo: Regardless of subclass, mastering Wild Shape remains crucial for all D&D Druids. This update reflects the 2024 rulebook changes for fifth edition.
Understanding Wild Shape
Wild Shape is a flexible, action-based ability usable twice per long rest. It allows transformation into an animal for a duration equal to half the Druid's level in hours. Initially, the available animal forms are determined by level:
| Beasts with a CR of 1/4 or less, excluding those with flying or swimming speeds. | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Level 4 | Beasts with a CR of 1/2 or less, excluding those with flying speeds. | ||||||
Level 8 | Any beast with a CR of 1 or less. |
Importantly, the Druid retains their intelligence, wisdom, charisma, skill proficiencies, and saving throw proficiencies while transformed, potentially gaining additional proficiencies from the beast form.
While transformed, spellcasting is impossible due to the inability to use verbal and somatic components. However, concentration on spells is maintained, a vital aspect considering many powerful Druid spells require concentration. This allows strategic spellcasting followed by a timely transformation.
Crucially, a Druid's HP changes upon transformation to match the beast's HP. Reaching zero HP in beast form reverts the Druid to their original form, with any remaining damage applied to their original HP. This effectively grants a significant HP buffer.
Wild Shape Changes (2024 Player's Handbook)
The 2024 rules introduce significant changes: Druids can now speak while Wild Shaped, use the ability as a bonus action (regardless of subclass, except for Moon Druids), and choose beasts with swimming speeds from level two. Prior knowledge of the beast is no longer required, but only four pre-selected forms are available (increasing to six at level four and eight at level eight), changeable after a long rest.
The most impactful change is temporary hit points (THP) instead of adopting the beast's HP. The Druid gains THP equal to their Druid level (three times their level for Circle of the Moon Druids). Losing these THP doesn't end the transformation, but it does increase vulnerability compared to the 2014 rules.
Circle of the Moon Druids (2024)
These changes significantly affect Circle of the Moon Druids, but compensations exist. Their THP equals three times their Druid level, making them formidable front-liners despite reduced maximum HP. They can cast Cure Wounds while Wild Shaped and gain access to specific spells in animal form:
Level 3 | Cure Wounds, Moonbeam, Starry Wisp |
---|---|
Level 5 | Conjure Animals |
Level 7 | Fount of Moonlight |
Level 9 | Mass Cure Wounds |
Wild Shape and Class Features
A key advantage of Wild Shape is the retention of class features while transformed. This enhances both single-class and multiclass Druids. For example, a Druid/Fighter can use Action Surge, a Druid/Barbarian can Rage, and a Druid/Rogue can utilize Cunning Action, all while in animal form.
Optimizing Wild Shape
Wild Shape is primarily a defensive tool, not an offensive one for most Druids. Deal more damage through spells than through animal attacks. However, the combination of spell concentration and the temporary HP boost makes Druids remarkably durable spellcasters. Out of combat, Wild Shape offers disguise and reconnaissance capabilities, especially with flying forms.
Suggested Beast Forms (by CR):
CR | Beast | Fly/Swim |
---|---|---|
0 | Rat | |
0 | Owl | Fly |
0 | Cat | |
0 | Crab | Swim |
1/4 | Giant Owl | Fly |
1/4 | Wolf | |
1/4 | Elk | |
1/4 | Giant Frog | Swim |
1/2 | Crocodile | Swim |
1/2 | Reef Shark | Swim |
1/2 | Ape | |
1/2 | Giant Wasp | Fly |
1 | Brown Bear | |
1 | Giant Eagle | Fly |
1 | Giant Spider | |
1 | Giant Toad | Swim |
1 | Dire Wolf | |
1 | Giant Octopus | Swim |
Circle of the Moon Druids
The Circle of the Moon subclass significantly enhances Wild Shape. They access higher CR forms than other Druids:
Levels 2-5 | CR 1 |
---|---|
Levels 6-8 | CR 2 |
Levels 9-11 | CR 3 |
Levels 12-14 | CR 4 |
Levels 15-17 | CR 5 |
Levels 18-20 | CR 6 |
This allows for both increased HP and offensive capabilities.
Suggested Higher-Level Beast Forms (for Circle of the Moon):
CR | Beast | Fly/Swim |
---|---|---|
2 | Polar Bear | Swim |
2 | Saber-Toothed Tiger | |
2 | Giant Constrictor Snake | Swim |
2 | Quetzalcoatlus | Fly |
3 | Giant Scorpion | |
3 | Ankylosaurus | |
3 | Killer Whale | Swim |
4 | Elephant | |
4 | Giant Walrus | Swim |
5 | Giant Shark | Swim |
5 | Triceratops | |
6 | Mammoth |
The above is the detailed content of Dungeons & Dragons: Wild Shape, Explained. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!

Hot AI Tools

Undresser.AI Undress
AI-powered app for creating realistic nude photos

AI Clothes Remover
Online AI tool for removing clothes from photos.

Undress AI Tool
Undress images for free

Clothoff.io
AI clothes remover

Video Face Swap
Swap faces in any video effortlessly with our completely free AI face swap tool!

Hot Article

Hot Tools

Notepad++7.3.1
Easy-to-use and free code editor

SublimeText3 Chinese version
Chinese version, very easy to use

Zend Studio 13.0.1
Powerful PHP integrated development environment

Dreamweaver CS6
Visual web development tools

SublimeText3 Mac version
God-level code editing software (SublimeText3)

Hot Topics

In the vibrant world of InZoi, you're free to shape your character's life, from exploring its diverse environments to mastering various skills. Whether it's culinary adventures, household chores, or relaxing on the beach, the choices are yours. But

Dead Rails is currently one of the most popular games on Roblox. Where players take on the role of a survivor in a post-apocalyptic scenario, trying to escape from a variety of special enemies. It’s a game widely appreciated by the community, with fr

Unlocking the Basement in Blue Prince: A Comprehensive Guide Finding the basement in Blue Prince is crucial for progressing to Room 46, but its location and access method aren't immediately obvious. This guide will walk you through accessing the base

In Atomfall's Interchange, the locked Site Office presents an early challenge. The "Strange Noises From Below" note hints at the key's location: the Robotics lab. However, accessing Robotics requires completing several preliminary tasks.

In InZoi, your Zois can enjoy a variety of activities, fulfilling their ever-changing Urges to keep them happy. Surfing is a popular choice, particularly for Zois with the "Life of Excitement" Desired Life. This guide explains how and whe

In the desolate landscapes of Roblox's Dead Rails, survival hinges on overcoming numerous threats. Undead hordes, vampires, and werewolves roam the wasteland, alongside the outlaws and wolves that predate the outbreak. However, a unique opportunity

In Atomfall, numerous keys unlock the game's many locked doors and bunkers. One such key, the Castle Key, can be easily overlooked. This guide details its location and use. To view this content, please enable targeting cookies. Locating the Castle K

Royal Keys are some of the most valuable items you can find in Roblox's Bubble Gum Simulator Infinity. These rare tools allow you to open Royal Chests — limited-time loot containers packed with high-tier items, boosts, and even ultra-rare rewards. If
