How many Necromancy spells are in the D&D 5e SRD?

There are 24 Necromancy spells in the SRD across all levels. The SRD is the free subset of the rules, so the Player's Handbook contains more.

Does a spell's school matter in D&D 5e?

Yes, in specific cases. Wizard subclasses grant benefits for casting from a chosen school, some magic items and features key off school, and a few effects block a school outright. Outside those cases the school is descriptive rather than mechanical.

Can any class cast Necromancy spells?

Schools are not restricted by class — what matters is whether the spell appears on your class's spell list. Most schools have entries spread across several classes, so browse by class as well to see what is actually available to your character.

Spells by school

D&D 5e Necromancy Spells

The school of Necromancy covers 24 spells in the D&D 5e SRD. Wizards who specialise in this school gain extra benefits when casting from it. Tap any spell for its full text.

Spell school:

The necromancy spells in the SRD

24 spells, running from cantrip to 9th-level, and 5 6th-level options and 4 3rd-level options, with 15 more across other groups. 4 of the 24 require concentration. That ratio is the quickest read on how a school plays: a concentration-heavy school asks you to commit to one effect and protect it, while a school of instantaneous effects lets you cast something new every round.

What this school is for

Necromancy manipulates life force — draining it, restoring it, and animating the dead. Mechanically it is a mixed school: it contains several of the game's most efficient damage-and-healing combinations alongside animation spells that raise real questions at the table. Its reputation is worse than its statblocks.

At the table

The interesting part of necromancy is social rather than mechanical. Animating the dead is legal in very few settings, and a party with a visible undead retinue will be treated differently in every town they enter. That is a feature worth playing out rather than ignoring. Settle the setting's attitude in session zero so the player knows what they are choosing.

Common questions

How many Necromancy spells are in the D&D 5e SRD?: There are 24 Necromancy spells in the SRD across all levels. The SRD is the free subset of the rules, so the Player's Handbook contains more.
Does a spell's school matter in D&D 5e?: Yes, in specific cases. Wizard subclasses grant benefits for casting from a chosen school, some magic items and features key off school, and a few effects block a school outright. Outside those cases the school is descriptive rather than mechanical.
Can any class cast Necromancy spells?: Schools are not restricted by class — what matters is whether the spell appears on your class's spell list. Most schools have entries spread across several classes, so browse by class as well to see what is actually available to your character.

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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