Bard Spell List — D&D 5e
Bards are charismatic spellcasters who weave magic through music, words, and performance. They know a limited selection of spells but can cast any spell they know without preparation. Bards excel at support, control, and utility magic, and their Magical Secrets feature allows them to steal spells from any class.
At a Glance
Casting Stat
Charisma
Spell List Type
known
Prepare Formula
N/A - Bards know a fixed number of spells and can cast any known spell
Ritual Casting
Yes
Cantrips Known
2 at 1st level, increasing to 4 at 10th level
Unique Mechanic
Magical Secrets lets bards learn spells from any class spell list at 10th, 14th, and 18th level (some subclasses get more). This makes bards incredibly versatile. Bards also provide Bardic Inspiration dice to allies, and Jack of All Trades adds half proficiency to all ability checks.
Key Spells
The most impactful spells on the Bard list and why they matter.
| Spell | Level | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Healing Word | 1st | Bonus action ranged healing to revive fallen allies from a distance |
| Faerie Fire | 1st | Grant advantage on attacks against multiple enemies, excellent support spell |
| Heat Metal | 2nd | Forces armored enemies to drop weapons or take damage with disadvantage on attacks |
| Hypnotic Pattern | 3rd | Incapacitate multiple enemies, one of the best crowd control spells in the game |
| Polymorph | 4th | Versatile transformation spell for massive temp HP or disabling enemies |
| Greater Invisibility | 4th | Invisibility that doesn't break on attacks, enables powerful offensive strategies |
| Mass Cure Wounds | 5th | Heal multiple allies at once, valuable group healing option |
| Counterspell | 3rd (via Magical Secrets) | Not normally on bard list, but essential for high-level play - grab it early |
| Vicious Mockery | Cantrip | Damage plus disadvantage on next attack as a cantrip, excellent debuff |
| Minor Illusion | Cantrip | Creative utility and tactical options through sound or visual illusions |
Common Mistakes
Common Mistake
Choosing spells you can't swap easily - bards only change ONE spell per level, so choose carefully
Common Mistake
Not using Magical Secrets for powerful spells from other classes like Counterspell or Find Greater Steed
Common Mistake
Wasting concentration on low-impact spells when Hypnotic Pattern or Faerie Fire would be better
Common Mistake
Forgetting that ritual casting only works for KNOWN spells with the ritual tag, unlike clerics/wizards
Common Mistake
Overlooking non-combat spells like Enhance Ability and Comprehend Languages that shine in social encounters
DM Tips
DM Tip
Bards thrive in social encounters - create NPCs, negotiations, and intrigue for them to shine
DM Tip
Magical Secrets can poach game-changing spells - discuss power level expectations with players
DM Tip
Heat Metal is devastating against armored foes in extended combat - balance encounter design
DM Tip
Bards make excellent party faces - give them information-gathering and diplomacy opportunities
DM Tip
College of Lore gets extra Magical Secrets at 6th level - prepare for early access to powerful spells
Sources & Further Reading
- Bard Spells — D&D 5e Wikidot — Full SRD spell list
- Bard — D&D Beyond — Official class reference
- Bard Spell List — RPGBOT — Spell ratings and analysis