Cleric 5e
Divine spellcasters who channel the power of their deity to heal, protect, and smite enemies. Clerics are versatile support with strong healing, buff spells, and surprising combat capability.
At a Glance
Hit Die
d8
Primary Ability
Wisdom
Saving Throws
Wisdom, Charisma
Armor
Light armor, medium armor, shields
Weapons
Simple weapons
Spellcasting
Full caster (Wisdom)
Key Features
| Feature | Level | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Divine Domain | 1st | Choose a domain granting bonus spells, armor/weapon proficiencies, and channel divinity options. |
| Channel Divinity | 2nd | Turn Undead (all clerics) plus domain-specific option. 1 use per rest, scaling to 3 at high levels. |
| Destroy Undead | 5th | Turn Undead instantly destroys undead of CR 1/2 or lower (scaling to CR 4 at 17th). |
| Divine Intervention | 10th | Call on deity for direct aid, percentage chance equal to cleric level. Automatic success at 20th level. |
| Blessed Strikes or Potent Spellcasting | 8th | Add WIS modifier to cantrip damage or weapon damage once per turn (Tasha's optional). |
Subclasses
| Subclass | Source | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Life Domain | Player's Handbook | Best healing in game with bonus healing and heavy armor proficiency |
| Light Domain | Player's Handbook | Radiant damage and control with Warding Flare and fireball |
| War Domain | Player's Handbook | Martial combat with bonus attacks and heavy armor |
| Trickery Domain | Player's Handbook | Stealth and illusions with duplicate and pass without trace |
| Tempest Domain | Player's Handbook | Lightning and thunder damage with Destructive Wrath maximizing damage |
| Knowledge Domain | Player's Handbook | Skills and information gathering with expertise and read thoughts |
| Nature Domain | Player's Handbook | Druid-like abilities with heavy armor |
| Grave Domain | Xanathar's Guide to Everything | Death prevention with spare the dying range and vulnerability on crits |
| Forge Domain | Xanathar's Guide to Everything | Crafting and AC bonuses with heavy armor |
| Order Domain | Tasha's Cauldron of Everything | Commanding allies to attack when you cast spells on them |
| Peace Domain | Tasha's Cauldron of Everything | Extremely powerful support with Emboldening Bond granting d4 to saves/checks |
| Twilight Domain | Tasha's Cauldron of Everything | Overpowered darkvision sharing and temp HP aura |
Common Mistakes
Common Mistake
Not preparing the right spells for the day - clerics know all domain spells and can change prepared list daily
Common Mistake
Forgetting domain spells are always prepared and don't count against prepared spell limit
Common Mistake
Using spell slots for healing in combat when cantrips/Channel Divinity are better (heal after fights)
Common Mistake
Not using Shield of Faith, Bless, or Spiritual Weapon - clerics have excellent bonus action spells
DM Tips
DM Tip
Clerics are deceptively powerful - they can heal, tank, blast, and control
DM Tip
Spirit Guardians is one of the best combat spells in the game
DM Tip
Some domains (Twilight, Peace) are considered overpowered - discuss balance with players
DM Tip
Track Channel Divinity uses (1-3 per rest depending on level)
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources & Further Reading
- Cleric — D&D 5e Wikidot — Full SRD class text
- Cleric — D&D Beyond — Official class reference
- Cleric Guide — RPGBOT — Class optimization guide