10. Detect Magic

Spell Level: 1st (Ritual)

What It Does: Detect Magic allows you to sense the presence of magic within 30 feet, highlighting magical auras and identifying any schools of magic that may be involved. The spell also lasts for up to 10 minutes and can be cast as a ritual, meaning it doesn’t consume a spell slot if you have the time to prepare it. The only drawback is that it is blocked by stone, metal, lead and larger amounts of wood or dirt.

Why We Picked It: Despite some limitations, this essential DnD 5e Wizard spell is perfect for uncovering hidden magical traps, identifying enchanted items and solving arcane mysteries. It can also be used to prevent ambushes, reveal unseen threats, and help you understand the arcane forces at play in your environment. The end result is a critical utility spell for any Wizard.

9. Invisibility

Spell Level: 2nd

What It Does: Invisibility renders any creature you touch invisible for up to an hour, provided they don’t attack anyone or cast a spell. While invisible, the target can’t be seen without the use of magic or special senses, allowing them to hide more effectively and granting advantage on attacks.

Why We Picked It: As a spell, Invisibility is incredibly versatility in both combat and non-combat scenarios alike. Whether you’re helping your rogue sneak past a patrol of guards or setting up an ambush against a band of orcs, it’s a must-have for any Wizard’s spellbook, helping you better control when and how your party engages with the world around you.

8. Hold Person

Spell Level: 2nd

What It Does: Hold Person is an under appreciated low-level spell that paralyzes a humanoid creature within range if they fail a Wisdom saving throw. The target can’t take any actions or reactions and automatically fails all Strength and Dexterity saving throws. Attacks against the paralyzed target also have advantage and any successful attacks within 5 feet are considered critical hits.

Why We Picked It: This spell is amazing for controlling the battlefield and neutralizing dangerous foes. If you’re a shrewd Wizard, you can cast it from a safe distance and let martial classes wail on your helpless enemies. As a bonus, at higher levels, you can target additional creatures, making this an even more useful battlefield spell.

7. Shield

Spell Level: 1st

What It Does: Shield is a spell that you cast as a reaction, granting you a +5 bonus to your Armor Class against the attack. The effects also lasts until the start of your next turn and automatically negates any attack made by a Magic Missile spell.

Why We Picked It: For Wizards, this spell can quite literally be a life saver, allowing you to potentially negate the effects of a particularly devastating attack. Throw in the fact that it also trumps Magic Missile (a spell which can actually do a hefty amount of damage at higher levels) and the result is a defensive spell every low-level Wizard should have prepared.

6. Misty Step

Spell Level: 2nd

What It Does: Misty Step allows you to teleport up to 30 feet to any unoccupied space you can see. Best of all, the spell is entirely verbal – requiring no material components or gestures – and you can cast it as a bonus action

Why We Picked It: Misty Step remains one of most popular DnD 5e Wizard spells, simply because of how versatile it really is both on and off the battlefield. You can use it to escape dangerous situations, reposition yourself more strategically, avoid potentially deadly attacks and overcome obstacles during dungeon crawls. It’s also a surprisingly low level, making it one conjuration every Wizard should have in their spellbook.

5. Mage Armor

Spell Level: 1st

What It Does: Mage Armor allows to you give yourself or a target who isn’t wearing armor a base Armor Class of 13 plus Dexterity modifier. The spell lasts for 8 hours, doesn’t require concentration and can easily be dismissed as an action. The one catch is that if the target does put on armor, the spell is negated.

Why We Picked It: Given the most Wizards have a low AC and can be particularly squishy in combat, Mage Armor provides a much needed defensive boost. It’s also potentially useful outside of combat, particularly when exploring areas that have had hidden traps or other dangers.

4. Polymorph

Spell Level: 4th

What It Does: Polymorph allows you to transform yourself or another creature into a different form. The target retains its personality and alignment but takes on the hit points of the new form. The spell also lasts for up to an hour, provided your Wizard can maintain ther concentration. One notable limitation is that the form’s Challenge Rating has to be equal to or lesser than the creature you’re changing, so no changing yourself into an ancient dragon – at least not a lower levels.

Why We Picked It: Polymorph is another incredibly versatile spell. You can use it to neutralize a powerful foe by transforming them into a helpless creature, bolster an ally by turning them into a ravaging beast or use it to slither or crawl into the smallest space. It’s a classic Wizard spell that has countless combat, exploration and narrative applications.

3. Counterspell

Spell Level: 3rd

What It Does: Counterspell allows you to use your reaction to negate an enemy’s spellcasting. The catch is that it’s only guaranteed to work on spells of 3rd level or lower. For higher-level spells, you’ll have to either burn a spell slot equal to or higher than the level of the spell you’re countering or make a check using your Wizard’s Intelligence modifier (with the DC equal to 10 plus the spell’s level). 

Why We Picked It: Some players have accused this spell of being too overpowered, and it’s easy to see why. The ability to disrupt enemies in the middle of their spellcasting is extremely useful and can potentially shift the flow of battle. While it may not be as reliable on higher level spells, it still gives even a lower level Wizard the chance to shut down even a formidable foe like a Lich right before they unleash a magical beatdown.

2. Teleport

Spell Level: 7th

What It Does: Teleport remains a classic DnD 5e Wizard spell as it allows you to instantly transport yourself and up to eight willing creatures (or a single object you can see) to any destination you choose. The catch is that you have to be at least somewhat familiar with the location and it has to be on the same plane of existence.

Why We Picked It: The ability to visit almost anywhere in your campaign world makes this a must-have for high level Wizards and a serious time saver when it comes to travel. As an added bonus, when you cast the spell there’s also a chance you’ll be teleported somewhere else, opening up a world of roleplaying possibilities for shrewd Dungeon Masters.

1. Fireball

Spell Level: 3rd

What It Does: Fireball is a devastating spell that deals 8d6 fire damage in a 20-foot radius. The spell also has a range of 150 feet, letting you strike from a safe distance. If that wasn’t enough, the spell deals 1d6 extra damage for every spell slot you burn above level 3, making it even more destructive.

Why We Picked It: It’s understandable why some players have criticized Fireball for being overly powerful. The range, area-of-effect and sheer damage output make it one of the most iconic and deadly spells available to Wizards in DnD 5e.

Paige Stuart is a Staff Writer who lives in Chicago, Illinois where she majored in English Literature at Northwestern University. She’s relatively new to Dungeons & Dragons having started playing 5th edition several years ago. Her favorite D&D campaign setting so far is the Forgotten Realms and her favorite character to play is a Wizard named Felician who hurls both bad puns and fireballs with equal ease.