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In the world ofDungeons & Dragons, casting spells takes energy and time, meaning that you can only cast so many spells per day. This is represented through the mechanic known as spell slots. As you progress and level up your character, you’ll gain more slots, which means you can cast more spells.
But, what happens when you run out of spell slots altogether? Does this mean you can’t cast spells anymore? Not necessarily. Just because you’ve run out of spell slots, doesn’t mean your character is useless. Here’s how to cast spells in Dungeons & Dragons without spell slots.
How Spell Slots Work
As mentioned above,spell slots are a mechanic that limits the amount of spells you can cast in a given dayin Dungeons & Dragons.
Depending on your class,spell slots reset on either a short or long rest.
For example,warlocks' spell slots reset after they take a short rest, which takes one hour, whilea sorcerer’s spell slots only reset on a long rest.
Depending on your level,you have a certain number of spell slots for each spell level. For example,a seventh-level sorcerer has the following spell slot distribution.
1
2
3
4
So,if the above sorcerer casts a spell at third level, they mark off a spell slot, reducing them to two remaining slots for the day.
How To Cast Spells Without Slots
Now that we understandhow to cast spellswith spell slots, let’s figure outhow to cast spells without spell slots. There are a handful of ways to do this.
Details
Cantrips
Every spellcaster has a set of known and prepared cantrips that they can always castwithout needing to expend a spell slot.
Consult your class-level progression tableto see how many cantrips you can prepare and cast.
Special Features & Abilities
There aremanytraits and abilitieson offer for various species, classes, and feats thatallow players to cast spells without having to use a spell slot.
These are specific rules that are on offer depending on your build, so be on the lookout for options that allow for this type of casting.
Magic Items
There are manymagic itemsavailable in the 2024 Dungeon Master’s Guide thatallow spellcasters or non-spellcasters to cast spells without using a spell slot.
Additionally, if a player-character has a spell scroll,all spell scrolls allow casters to cast a spellwithout needing to expend a spell slot.
Rituals
Several different spellsavailable in the 2024 Player’s Handbookhave a tag in their description listed as ‘Ritual.’
If a spell has the Ritual tag ascribed to it,the spell can be cast as a ritual, meaning it takes ten minutes longer to cast, but ultimately, won’t expend a spell slot. The spell still must be prepared.
Higher-Level Slots
Though this method still technically requires a spell slot, it’s worth noting that, if you’re out of spell slots at one level,you can cast a spell at a higher level instead.
Typically, doing so means you might evenincrease the damage, range, or power of the given spellyou’re casting.
Don’t be afraid to ask your Dungeon Master about homebrewing an effectthat might allow you to cast a spell without expending a spell slot if it makes sense for your character.
For example,a non-spellcaster like a fighter might want to have the ability to cast Misty Steponce per day at will without using a slot,as the character’s backstory included a mysterious visit to the Fey Realmas a child, leaving them imbued with some fey magic.
Best Ways To Cast Spells Without Slots
While many of the above methods are viable for casting spells without slots,there are a few ways to do this that often work best for players.
Cantrips are great, as they areavailable for all spellcasters. Plus,many featuresthat might allow you to cast spells without slots often take the form of a cantrip.
For example,the Magic Initiate feat allows characters to learn two cantripsof their choice from the cleric, druid, or wizard spell list.
Magic items are also great for casting spells without slots, and can sometimes give you access to magical effects you wouldn’t otherwise have.
For example,the Circlet of Blasting item allows you to cast Scorching Raywith an automatic +5 to hit, regardless of your spellcasting ability once per day without expending a spell slot.
Rituals are the next best way to cast spells without using spell slots, as many spells have the ritual tag, allowing you some flexibility.
For example,if you have the spell Alarm prepared, but realize at the end of the day that you’re out of spell slots,it’s easy enough to instead cast this spell as a ritual.
