Best 2nd-Level Spells in D&D 5e
Top 2nd-level spells in D&D 5e. Misty Step, Pass Without Trace, Spiritual Weapon, Hold Person, and the essentials.
Best 2nd-Level Spells in D&D 5e
2nd-level spells arrive at caster level 3. A big jump in power. Here are the picks.
S-Tier
Misty Step (Warlock, Sorcerer, Wizard)
Bonus action teleport 30 ft. See our Misty Step guide.
Spiritual Weapon (Cleric)
Bonus action cast. Attacks each turn. Not concentration.
Cleric's damage workhorse.
Pass Without Trace (Druid, Ranger)
+10 Stealth for allies in 30 ft. Concentration, 1 hour.
Best stealth spell in the game.
Hold Person (Bard, Cleric, Druid, Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard)
Paralyze a humanoid. Auto-crits on melee.
Fight-ender. See our Hold Person guide.
Aid (Cleric, Paladin, Ranger)
+5 max HP for 3 allies. 8 hours.
Pre-combat party HP boost.
A-Tier
Web (Druid, Sorcerer, Wizard)
20-ft cube. Restrain creatures. Difficult terrain.
Area control.
Mirror Image (Sorcerer, Wizard, Bard)
3 duplicates. Attacks roll against duplicates first.
Defensive.
Enhance Ability (Bard, Cleric, Druid, Sorcerer)
Advantage on one ability (Str, Dex, Con, etc.) for 1 hour.
Custom-tailored buff.
Suggestion (Bard, Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard)
Suggest a course of action. Cha save.
Powerful social manipulation.
Heat Metal (Bard, Druid)
2d8 fire per round. Target may drop item. Concentration.
Brutal anti-armor.
Invisibility (Bard, Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard)
Target becomes invisible for 1 hour or until they attack.
Stealth / approach / escape.
Shatter (Bard, Sorcerer, Wizard)
3d8 thunder in 10-ft radius.
Area damage.
Scorching Ray (Sorcerer, Wizard)
3 rays, 2d6 fire each. Upcast for more rays.
Reliable ranged damage.
Moonbeam (Druid)
2d10 radiant in a beam. Move it each turn. Concentration.
Sustained damage + anti-shapeshifter.
Silence (Bard, Cleric, Ranger)
Magical silence in 20 ft. No verbal spells.
Anti-caster.
Lesser Restoration (Bard, Cleric, Druid, Paladin, Ranger)
End paralysis, poison, disease.
Life-saving.
B-Tier
Darkness (Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard)
15-ft magical darkness. Blocks sight.
Good with Devil's Sight.
Mage Armor (1st) becomes unnecessary at 2nd... but Mirror Image is close.
Hold Person (already S-tier)
Knock (Bard, Sorcerer, Wizard)
Open a locked object.
Loud but effective.
Detect Thoughts (Bard, Sorcerer, Wizard)
Read minds.
Espionage.
Warding Bond (Cleric)
Grant +1 AC/saves to ally. Half damage to yourself.
Party support.
Picks by Class
Wizard / Sorcerer
Misty Step, Mirror Image, Scorching Ray, Web.
Cleric
Spiritual Weapon, Aid, Lesser Restoration, Silence.
Druid
Pass Without Trace, Spike Growth, Heat Metal, Moonbeam.
Bard
Heat Metal, Suggestion, Enthrall, Invisibility.
Warlock
Misty Step, Mirror Image, Hold Person, Darkness.
Paladin
Aid, Lesser Restoration, Warding Bond, Branding Smite.
Ranger
Pass Without Trace, Spike Growth, Cordon of Arrows, Lesser Restoration.
In The Endlessness
Our AI Dungeon Master handles 2nd-level spells with full mechanics.
For related reads, our complete spell list and 1st / 3rd level spell guides cover more.
Final Takeaway
2nd-level spells are impactful. Pick several for your character. Upcast 1st-level spells strategically.
Try them at The Endlessness.
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