Dungeons & Dragons: Preparing Spells, Explained

Dungeons & Dragons: A Deep Dive into Spell Preparation in 5e

Magic and spellcasters are quintessential to Dungeons & Dragons. Nine of the thirteen playable classes inherently cast spells, while the remaining four can access spellcasting through subclasses. However, spellcasting isn't uniform; some learn spells gradually, others prepare a daily selection. This guide clarifies spell preparation in D&D 5e, updated with the 2024 Player's Handbook.

Understanding Spell Preparation

Spell preparation involves selecting spells from your class's spell list for daily use. This grants access to any spell on your list, unlike classes limited to a fixed number of learned spells. While you can cast any prepared spell, you still need available spell slots. This daily selection allows adaptation to various scenarios.

Classes That Prepare Spells Daily

Not all spellcasting classes prepare spells daily. The following table details those that do, and their preparation limits:

Class	Preparation Time	Number of Spells
Cleric	After a long rest	Any
Druid	After a long rest	Any
Paladin	After a long rest	One
Ranger	After a long rest	One
Wizard	After a long rest	Any (from spellbook)

Wizards differ; they prepare spells from their spellbooks, not their class list.

Bards, Sorcerers, and Warlocks: A Different Approach

Bards, sorcerers, and warlocks don't prepare spells daily. Their spell selection changes upon leveling up.

Class	Preparation Time	Number of Spells
Bard	Upon leveling up	One
Sorcerer	Upon leveling up	One
Warlock	Upon leveling up	One

This offers less daily flexibility, but allows for spell swaps with each level gain.

Number of Spells Preparable (2024 PHB)

The number of spells preparable depends on your character's level (as detailed in the 2024 Player's Handbook). The example below shows a druid's preparation capacity:

Level	Cantrips	Prepared Spells	Spell Slots
1	2	4	One First Level
2	2	5	Three First Level
3	2	6	Four First Level, Two Second Level
4	3	7	Four First Level, Three Second Level
5	3	9	Four First Level, Three Second Level, Two Third Level

Consult the 2024 Player's Handbook for class-specific details.

Number of Spells Preparable (2014 PHB)

The 2014 Player's Handbook uses a different calculation: spellcasting ability modifier character level (sometimes rounded down). One minute of meditation per spell level is required for each new spell prepared.

Class	Number of Spells Prepared
Cleric	Wisdom modifier cleric level
Druid	Wisdom modifier druid level
Paladin	Charisma modifier half paladin level (rounded down)
Wizard	Intelligence modifier wizard level

Rangers in the 2014 PHB have a fixed list of known spells, not prepared spells. Other spellcasting classes (including subclasses) have a set number of known spells, which change with level. Refer to each class description for specifics.

Spell Slots and Prepared Spells

You're not restricted to preparing a specific number of spells at each level. A level 5 druid, for example, could prepare all first-level spells, or any combination of first, second, and third-level spells. However, be mindful of your available spell slots.

Casting Unprepared Spells: Exceptions

While spell preparation is standard, exceptions exist:

Exception	Details
Always-Prepared Spells	Certain class features make some spells always prepared.
Cantrips	Always prepared, don't require slots or preparation.
Special Abilities	Some abilities allow at-will spellcasting.
Magic Items	Magic items can cast spells without preparation or slots.

Consult your DM or the item/ability description for clarification.

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