Cantrips: A Guide to Optimization
Understanding Cantrips
Cantrips are spells that can be cast at will, without using spell slots or being prepared in advance. They scale with your character level, not your class level, meaning that even low-level characters can access powerful cantrips.
Damaging Cantrips
Damaging cantrips scale with your casting stat, which is usually Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma. The damage die increases at levels 5, 11, and 17. For example, Fire Bolt deals 1d10 damage at level 1, 2d10 at level 5, 3d10 at level 11, and 4d10 at level 17.
Non-Damaging Cantrips
Non-damaging cantrips typically provide utility, such as boosting skill checks or giving allies bonuses. These cantrips remain relatively consistent in power throughout your character's career.
Best Cantrips
Top Tier
The best cantrips offer high damage output or versatility. Examples include:
- Eldritch Blast: The most reliable ranged damage cantrip, dealing consistent damage with multiple beams.
- Fire Bolt: A good all-purpose damage cantrip with a long range.
Special S-Tier
Cantrips that boost skill checks or saves are categorized separately due to their unique utility. Examples include:
- Guidance: Grants a bonus to the next ability check made by an ally.
- Resistance: Grants advantage on a saving throw.
Resistances and Damage Types
Keep in mind that some cantrips deal different damage types, and enemies may have resistances or vulnerabilities to certain types. Consider the potential resistances of your opponents when choosing cantrips.
Comments