Bard Spells
Every D&D 5e and 2024 spell available to the Bard class — 129 entries grouped by level. Pick a spell name to open the full stat block, components, and higher-level scaling. New Bard players: start with the cantrips and level-1 prepared list.
Cantrips (10)
Level 1 (23)
Level 2 (22)
Level 3 (17)
Level 4 (10)
Level 5 (17)
Level 6 (8)
Level 7 (11)
Level 8 (6)
Level 9 (5)
How Bard spellcasting works
Bards are spontaneous spellcasters working from a fixed known list — every Bard spell you take is a long-term commitment. The class casts using Charisma and prepares from the known list rather than the full Bard list each day, which makes spell selection one of the most important build decisions you make.
How to pick Bard spells
Pick spells that pair with Bardic Inspiration's economy and the College features (Lore Bards get Magical Secrets, opening the door to non-Bard picks at level 6). Lean toward at-will or once-per-fight effects rather than long-duration concentration spells — your concentration is often already on a buff or a debuff.
Signature Bard spells
Healing Word, Hypnotic Pattern, Polymorph (via Magical Secrets), Counterspell. The Cutting Words feature already covers some debuff territory, so save concentration slots for spells that change a fight rather than nudge it.
Top Bard Spell Picks by Tier
Editorially curated picks — not algorithmically sorted. Each rationale explains why this spell sits in the canonical Bard loadout for that tier of play.
Tier 1 (Levels 1-4)
- Healing Word
Bonus-Action emergency revive; almost mandatory on every Bard sheet from level 1.
- Faerie Fire
Concentration that grants advantage on attacks against highlighted targets — strong tier-1 fight-shaper.
- Dissonant Whispers
Damage plus reaction-trigger movement on the target; one of the few 1st-level Wis-save options.
- Vicious Mockery
Default damage cantrip; the imposed-disadvantage rider matters more than the dice.
Tier 2 (Levels 5-10)
- Hypnotic Pattern
Canonical 3rd-level encounter-ender; 30-foot cube of incapacitation on a Wis save.
- Counterspell
Magical Secrets pickup at level 10 — the Bard's answer to enemy casters.
- Polymorph
Turn the boss into a sheep, or turn an ally into a tier-up brute.
- Greater Invisibility
Concentration that keeps an attacker invisible during their own attacks — busted on a Rogue ally.