Druid Spell List — D&D 5e
Druids are primal spellcasters who draw magic from nature itself, commanding the elements, beasts, and plants. They prepare spells from the druid spell list each day and have excellent control, healing, and battlefield manipulation options. Wild Shape gives druids incredible versatility beyond spellcasting.
At a Glance
Casting Stat
Wisdom
Spell List Type
prepared
Prepare Formula
Wisdom modifier + druid level
Ritual Casting
Yes
Cantrips Known
2 at 1st level, increasing to 4 at 10th level
Unique Mechanic
Druids can ritual cast any prepared spell with the ritual tag. Wild Shape allows transformation into beasts, providing combat utility, scouting, and creative problem-solving. Circle of the Land druids get Natural Recovery to regain spell slots during short rest. Druids traditionally won't wear metal armor.
Key Spells
The most impactful spells on the Druid list and why they matter.
| Spell | Level | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Goodberry | 1st | Creates 10 berries that each restore 1 HP, incredible out-of-combat healing efficiency |
| Entangle | 1st | Restrains multiple enemies in an area with repeated saves, strong 1st-level control |
| Healing Word | 1st | Bonus action ranged healing to save dying allies without using your main action |
| Pass Without Trace | 2nd | Grant +10 to Stealth for the whole party, enabling ambushes and infiltration |
| Heat Metal | 2nd | Bonus action damage forcing armored enemies to drop items or suffer disadvantage |
| Conjure Animals | 3rd | Summon 8 beasts for action economy advantage, though DM chooses specific animals |
| Call Lightning | 3rd | Concentration AoE damage you can use every turn as a bonus action, very efficient |
| Polymorph | 4th | Transform for utility, massive temp HP buffer, or disable dangerous enemies |
| Guidance | Cantrip | Add 1d4 to ability checks, spam this before any skill check for big value |
| Produce Flame | Cantrip | Ranged attack cantrip that also provides light, good utility damage option |
Common Mistakes
Common Mistake
Forgetting that Conjure Animals gives the DM choice of specific creatures, not the player
Common Mistake
Not combining Wild Shape scouting with spellcasting - you can't cast in beast form until high levels
Common Mistake
Wasting concentration on minor spells when Pass Without Trace or Call Lightning would be better
Common Mistake
Not preparing situational spells like Water Breathing or Plant Growth that solve specific challenges
Common Mistake
Overlooking ritual casting for Detect Magic, Speak with Animals, and other utility spells
Common Mistake
Casting Goodberry during combat instead of before adventuring - it's pre-combat preparation
DM Tips
DM Tip
Conjure Animals summons can slow combat - discuss expectations about summon management
DM Tip
Pass Without Trace makes stealth checks trivial for most parties - design around it or challenge it
DM Tip
Druids have answers for many environmental challenges - create nature-based obstacles they can solve
DM Tip
Wild Shape scouting is powerful - prepare for creative reconnaissance and infiltration
DM Tip
Heat Metal has no save after initial casting - armored enemies might need to retreat or adapt
Sources & Further Reading
- Druid Spells — D&D 5e Wikidot — Full SRD spell list
- Druid — D&D Beyond — Official class reference
- Druid Spell List — RPGBOT — Spell ratings and analysis