Druid 5e
Nature priests who draw power from the land and can shapeshift into beasts. Druids are versatile casters with excellent control spells and Wild Shape utility.
At a Glance
Hit Die
d8
Primary Ability
Wisdom
Saving Throws
Intelligence, Wisdom
Armor
Light armor, medium armor, shields (non-metal)
Weapons
Clubs, daggers, darts, javelins, maces, quarterstaffs, scimitars, sickles, slings, spears
Spellcasting
Full caster (Wisdom)
Key Features
| Feature | Level | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Druidic | 1st | Secret language of druids and ability to leave hidden messages in natural settings. |
| Wild Shape | 2nd | Transform into beasts you've seen with CR limit based on level. 2 uses per short rest, limited duration. |
| Wild Companion | 2nd | Expend Wild Shape use to cast Find Familiar (Tasha's optional feature). |
| Circle Feature | 2nd | Druid circle grants combat, spellcasting, or utility enhancements. |
| Timeless Body | 18th | Age 1 year for every 10 years that pass and can't be magically aged. |
| Beast Spells | 18th | Cast many druid spells while in Wild Shape form. |
Subclasses
| Subclass | Source | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Circle of the Land | Player's Handbook | Spell recovery and bonus spells based on terrain type (arctic, coast, forest, etc) |
| Circle of the Moon | Player's Handbook | Combat Wild Shape with higher CR and bonus action transformation |
| Circle of Dreams | Xanathar's Guide to Everything | Fey healing and teleportation with bonus action heal pool |
| Circle of the Shepherd | Xanathar's Guide to Everything | Summoning and buffing beasts/fey with spirit totems |
| Circle of Spores | Tasha's Cauldron of Everything | Necrotic damage aura and zombie animation instead of Wild Shape |
| Circle of Stars | Tasha's Cauldron of Everything | Starry Form constellations for healing, damage, or concentration advantage |
| Circle of Wildfire | Tasha's Cauldron of Everything | Fire spirit companion for damage and teleportation |
Common Mistakes
Common Mistake
Forgetting Wild Shape HP is separate - you revert when beast form reaches 0 HP with overflow damage
Common Mistake
Not tracking CR limits for Wild Shape (CR 1/4 at 2nd, CR 1 at 8th, no swim/fly until specific levels)
Common Mistake
Missing that you can't cast spells in Wild Shape until 18th level (except Moon druids with 18th level feature)
Common Mistake
Overlooking that you retain mental stats (INT, WIS, CHA) and class features while wild shaped
DM Tips
DM Tip
Moon druids are incredibly tanky at low levels due to Wild Shape HP buffer
DM Tip
Concentration spells + Wild Shape makes druids durable casters
DM Tip
Entangle, Spike Growth, and Conjure Animals are notorious for slowing combat
DM Tip
They refuse metal armor for roleplay reasons but can use hide or other materials
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources & Further Reading
- Druid — D&D 5e Wikidot — Full SRD class text
- Druid — D&D Beyond — Official class reference
- Druid Guide — RPGBOT — Class optimization guide