How many 2nd-level spells are in the D&D 5e SRD?

There are 54 2nd-level spells in the SRD. The SRD is the free subset of the rules, so the Player's Handbook contains more.

What spell slot does a 2nd-level spell need?

Casting it requires a slot of 2nd level or higher. Many spells also gain a stronger effect when cast with a higher-level slot — the individual spell entry lists what upcasting does.

What character level can cast 2nd-level spells?

It depends on the class. Full casters such as wizards, clerics and druids gain their first slot of this level earlier than half-casters such as paladins and rangers, who may never reach the highest levels at all. Check the class table for the exact progression.

Spells by level

D&D 5e 2nd-Level Spells

There are 54 2nd-level spells in the D&D 5e SRD. Casting one requires a spell slot of 2nd level or higher. Tap any spell for its full casting text and higher-level effects.

Spell level:

54 results

What's at this level

The 54 2nd-level spells in the SRD are 12 transmutation and 11 evocation, with 31 more across other groups. 26 of them require concentration, which is the real constraint on this level — you can only hold one at a time, so two concentration spells in the same slot range compete rather than combine. 6 can be cast as a ritual, meaning they cost no slot at all if you can spare ten extra minutes; those are close to free and worth knowing even when you would not prepare them.

How to use these spells

First and second level spells are where a caster spends most of their slots for the entire game, because upcasting keeps them relevant long after the character has better options. The strongest picks at these levels are rarely the damage spells — they are the ones that end an encounter early or prevent damage entirely. A spell that removes one enemy from a fight for a minute outperforms one that deals a few dice of damage at every tier of play.

What DMs should know

These are the levels that most often surprise a DM, because low-level utility spells interact with adventure design rather than combat maths. Familiars scout, invisibility skips an infiltration, and a single well-chosen divination can shortcut a mystery. That is not a problem to block. Assume the party has these spells and build encounters that remain interesting when they work.

Common questions

How many 2nd-level spells are in the D&D 5e SRD?: There are 54 2nd-level spells in the SRD. The SRD is the free subset of the rules, so the Player's Handbook contains more.
What spell slot does a 2nd-level spell need?: Casting it requires a slot of 2nd level or higher. Many spells also gain a stronger effect when cast with a higher-level slot — the individual spell entry lists what upcasting does.
What character level can cast 2nd-level spells?: It depends on the class. Full casters such as wizards, clerics and druids gain their first slot of this level earlier than half-casters such as paladins and rangers, who may never reach the highest levels at all. Check the class table for the exact progression.

From the shop

Printable Spell Cards

Every class spell as an illustrated, printable card — hand your players the spell instead of a rulebook page.

Browse Spell Cards on Etsy →

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