Ritual Spells in DnD 5e are a nice alternative to regular casting. It’s a neat little mechanic that lets you save your precious spell slots.
Playing as a caster isn’t easy. You have to keep tons of mechanics and systems in mind at all times. You also have to remember to calculate so many factors and other things you have to take into consideration.
That’s why, having an alternative to chose from really lessens the burden of the whole ordeal.
That is why today, we will be looking at what Ritual Spells are in DnD 5e. And how they differ exactly from the regular methods of casting a spell.
We’ll also be looking at other important information regarding Ritual Spells and FAQs about them. After all, no harm in knowing a little bit more than you do now.
Table of Contents
What Are Ritual Spells?
Ritual Spells are certain spells that can be cast by performing a ritual – instead of having to expend a spell slot to use them. This can be great utility as spell slots are precious, and wasting them is just folly on the caster’s part.
Of course, there are a few prerequisites to this. It’s best to consult the Player’s Handbook for this, as that’s the place where you can find a full list and breakdown of all the spells. Including if they can be cast as a ritual or not.
There are though, as mentioned earlier. Certain conditions and prerequisites that need to be met before you can perform this. For starters, only certain classes can cast ritual spells just by themselves. For other classes you either need to multiclass into a class that can cast them, or take up the Ritual Caster feat if you have the necessary requirements.
How do Ritual Spells Work in DnD 5e?
Now, to answer what we started in the previous point.
On paper at least, the mechanics that dictate how Ritual Spells work are as follows.
Ritual Spells are certain spells that you can spend a certain amount of time channeling in order to cast them. The usual amount of time is 10 minutes, but that isn’t as strict.
What I mean by that is this. You agree with your DM how the process of casting these spells will go beforehand – and hopefully he doesn’t want to stay lore accurate and actually make you perform a ritual for 10 minutes in real life.
As mentioned previously. The benefits of Ritual Spells are that you don’t use spell slots when casting them. So if you want to feel like a Wizard, without actually being a Wizard. Cast a spell by ritual. And don’t forget to prepare your spells beforehand. Unless again, you’re a Wizard. Then you probably have it written down somewhere … nerd.
While channeling a spell, you mustn’t be disturbed or else the spell will fail. You also shouldn’t cast another spell while performing a ritual as that will cancel it out and you’ll just have to start over again from the start.
Now, on to answering some FAQs about Ritual Spells.
FAQs
Which classes can use Ritual Spells by themselves?
The only three classes who can perform Ritual Spells as features of their class are the Cleric, the Druid and the Artificer. Any other class has to pick up the Ritual Caster feat.
Alternatively they have to multiclass into one of these three, or other classes which spells they want to get ahold of.
What are the prerequisites for the Ritual Caster feat?
The prerequisites for attaining the Ritual Caster feat are either 13 Intelligence or 13 Wisdom. And of course, being a class that can take that feat.
What’s the difference between Ritual Spells and Invocations?
Well. Most classes get access to the ability to cast certain spells by performing a ritual. While only the Warlock gets access to Invocations, it’s part of the unique playstyle of the Warlock.
Can my friends help me perform a ritual faster?
This is more of a lore question than a mechanics question. As far as I’m aware, there are no rules that cover this topic in detail. So if you and your DM agree that for roleplaying reasons your buddies can help you out with your rituals then go for it.
