Spell Slots
Spell slots are the resource that limits how many spells you can cast. Understanding spell slot management is crucial for playing any spellcaster effectively.
Jump to
What Are Spell Slots?
Spell slots represent your capacity to channel magical energy. When you cast a spell (except cantrips), you expend a spell slot of the spell's level or higher.
Key Concepts:
- Spell slots are separate from spells known/prepared
- Slots are like "fuel" - spells are like "programs"
- You can cast the same spell multiple times if you have slots
- Slots come in levels (1st through 9th)
What Spell Slots Are NOT:
- They're not how many spells you know
- They're not how many spells you can prepare
- They don't determine which spells you can learn
- Cantrips don't use spell slots (they're free!)
Spell Slots by Class Level
Full casters (Wizard, Cleric, Druid, Bard, Sorcerer) share a spell slot progression:
| Level | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | 6th | 7th | 8th | 9th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 3rd | 4 | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 5th | 4 | 3 | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 9th | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | — | — | — | — |
| 13th | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | — | — |
| 17th | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 20th | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
Pattern to Remember:
- You always have more low-level slots than high-level
- New spell levels unlock at odd class levels (3, 5, 7, 9, etc.)
- Maximum is 4 slots at 1st level
Upcasting Spells
You can cast any spell using a higher-level slot than its base level. This is called "upcasting" or "casting at a higher level."
Why Upcast?
- Many spells gain extra effects at higher levels
- Use low-level slots when you're out of high-level ones
- Flexibility in resource management
Common Upcasting Examples:
- Magic Missile (1st level): Base 3 darts, +1 dart per level
- Fireball (3rd level): 8d6 base, +1d6 per level
- Hold Person (2nd level): 1 target, +1 target per level
Not All Spells Upcast Well: Some spells like Shield or Misty Step don't improve with higher slots. Check the spell description for "At Higher Levels."
Recovering Spell Slots
Long Rest Recovery:
- Recover ALL expended spell slots
- This is the primary recovery method
- Takes 8 hours (at least 6 hours sleep)
Class-Specific Recovery:
- Wizard Arcane Recovery: Once per day after a short rest, recover slots totaling half wizard level
- Sorcerer Font of Magic: Convert sorcery points to slots (and vice versa)
- Warlock Pact Magic: Recover all slots on short rest (but have fewer slots)
- Cleric (some domains) and Druid (Land): Once per short rest recovery
Spell Slot Management Tips
The Adventuring Day:
- Assume 2-3 short rests, 6-8 encounters
- Don't blow all your slots in the first fight
- Save your highest slots for emergencies
Resource Allocation:
- Cantrips for weak enemies (free!)
- 1st-2nd level for regular combat
- 3rd-4th level for tough fights
- 5th+ level for boss encounters or emergencies
Communication:
- Tell your party how many slots you have left
- Coordinate with other casters
- Let the party know when you need to rest