You’ve got the robes, the grimoire, and an arcane glint in your eye — now it’s time to talk 5e wizard spells . In the vast and whimsical world of Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, few classes offer the same blend of tactical flexibility, raw power, and magical mischief as the wizard. But with great arcane power comes an even greater spell list.
In this guide, we’re pulling back the veil on the 5e wizard spells — what makes them tick, how to wield them like a true magical mastermind, and which ones will make your DM sweat just a little. Whether you’re a spell-slinging savant or a greenhorn with a wand, there’s a spell here that’s got your name on it.
So, what makes wizard spells so unique in 5e? Why are they the cornerstone of every serious spellcasting strategy? Let’s dive in, wand first!
What Makes Wizard Spells in 5e So Special?
Wizards in 5e aren’t your average spellcasters. They’re scholars of magic, tinkerers of the metaphysical, and walking arcane libraries.
The Spellbook Advantage
Unlike sorcerers or warlocks, wizards don’t rely on innate power or pacts. Instead, they learn and prepare spells from their 5e wizard spells giving them:
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Unmatched versatility — prepare different spells each day.
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Massive spell list — the largest in the game.
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Customization freedom — scribe new spells from scrolls or found tomes.
Intelligence is Key
Wizards cast their spells using Intelligence, reflecting their deep understanding of magic’s inner workings. This affects:
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Spell save DC (how hard it is to resist your magic).
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Spell attack modifier.
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How many spells you can prepare each day.
Building the Ultimate Wizard Spell List in 5e
It can be overwhelming looking at the sheer volume of wizard spells available. But fret not — we’re breaking it down by tiers of spell slots and sprinkling in 5e wizard spells some spicy tips along the way.
Level 1 Wizard Spells: Your Magical Baby Steps
These spells are your magical training wheels, but don’t underestimate them!
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Shield – +5 AC until your next turn? Yes, please.
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Mage Armor – For those squishy robes.
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Magic Missile – Never misses. Perfect for those “I’m tired of missing” moments.
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Detect Magic – When your DM’s giving that “something’s fishy” vibe.
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Find Familiar – Because having a magical cat or owl buddy is cool and functional.
Level 2 Wizard Spells: A Touch More Power
At this point, you’re dipping your toes into real wizardry.
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Misty Step – Poof! You’re out of danger.
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Mirror Image – Distract enemies with illusory clones of yourself.
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Invisibility – Turn yourself or an ally into a ghost.
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Levitate – Great for bypassing traps or annoying melee foes.
Level 3 Wizard Spells: Things Get Juicy
This is when your magic starts making a real splash in combat.
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Counterspell – Say “nope” to enemy casters.
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Fireball – The iconic boom. Big area, big damage.
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Fly – Now you’re thinking in three dimensions.
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Dispel Magic – Clean up magical messes in a snap.
Level 4-5 Spells: Wizardry Gets Wild
Here, you start warping reality a bit.
Level 4 Picks:
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Dimension Door – Teleport anywhere within 500 feet. Bring a friend!
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Greater Invisibility – Invisible while attacking? Nasty.
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Polymorph – Turn foes into frogs or allies into T-Rexes.
Level 5 Picks:
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Wall of Force – An invisible wall that nothing gets through.
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Teleportation Circle – Strategic travel across the world.
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Cloudkill – Poisonous fog that follows your enemies? Yes.
Level 6-9 Spells: The Apex of Arcana
These spells are rarefied air — potent, flexible, and often campaign-defining.
Level 6+ Fan Favorites:
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Disintegrate (6th) – One failed save and it’s dust.
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Simulacrum (7th) – Make a copy of yourself. Yep.
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Maze (8th) – Banish creatures into a mind-bending labyrinth.
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Wish (9th) – Rewrite reality. Carefully.
The Schools of Magic: Choose Your Flavor
Every wizard specializes in a school of magic — thematic clusters that offer unique benefits.
Evocation
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Focus: Damage spells like Fireball.
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Perk: You can avoid hitting your friends with your spells.
Divination
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Focus: Foresight and manipulation.
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Perk: Replace any roll with a pre-rolled die (Portent). Game-changing.
Necromancy
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Focus: Death, undeath, and decay.
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Perk: Control undead, leech life.
Illusion
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Focus: Deception and trickery.
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Perk: Boost illusion durability and realism.
Each school enhances how you interact with your 5e wizard spells, so choose one that vibes with your magical personality.
Tactics, Combos, and Creative Uses
Spells aren’t just for blowing stuff up. With a little creativity, you can manipulate the battlefield like a puppet master.
Classic Combos
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Grease + Firebolt – Make ‘em fall, then light ‘em up.
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Web + Fireball – Web restrains. Fireball burns. Ouch.
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Animate Dead + Invisibility – Your army of skeletons, unseen.
Creative Applications
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Tiny Hut (Leomund’s) – Free, safe camping.
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Prestidigitation – Minor tricks, big roleplay payoff.
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Minor Illusion – Distract guards, hide objects, fake sounds.
FAQs: Everything You’ve Wondered About 5e Wizard Spells
Can wizards learn every spell?
Technically, yes! As long as it’s on the wizard spell list and you find (or buy) it, you can scribe it into your spellbook.
How many spells can a wizard prepare?
You can prepare a number of wizard spells equal to your Intelligence modifier + wizard level.
Do you need material components?
Most of the time, yes — but a component pouch or arcane focus covers most of it. Only expensive spells (like Resurrection) require specific costly items.
What’s the best wizard spell in 5e?
Depends on the situation. Fireball is the go-to blaster. Counterspell stops enemies cold. Wish ends campaigns — or starts new ones.
Conclusion: Embrace the Arcane
Becoming a wizard in D&D 5e is more than just learning spells — it’s about mastering knowledge, bending reality, and outwitting fate. With a well-curated 5e wizard spells and a keen mind, you’ll be solving problems, cracking mysteries, and winning battles before your enemies even know what hit them.
The 5e wizard spells list is a treasure trove of arcane potential. Whether you’re flinging fireballs, conjuring familiars, or rewriting history with Wish, the power is in your hands — and your spell book.
So study hard, cast smart, and most of all — make magic.
