10 Best Utility Spells In Dungeons & Dragons

Sure, fighters can hit hard, but they will never be as adaptable as spellcasters.

dungeons and dragons
Wizards of the Coast

There are so many ways to solve problems in Dungeons and Dragons. Whether you are investigating the disappearance of a wizard, attempting to infiltrate a noble ball or fighting hordes of zombies, the best solution is not always the most obvious one.

While some players prefer to brute force the situation, smashing down the statue in front of the secret door instead of solving the puzzles. Others prefer thinking outside of the box, finding a solution to the problem that the Dungeon Master may not have even considered.

Many players will use their skills to attempt a solution, the rogue may pickpocket the guard’s coin, while the bard may seduce the barman, but nothing offers you more options than magic. While some may look at these spells and see wasted spell slots, others see a world of possibilities.

Here is a selection of the most useful utility spells in Dungeons and Dragons.

10. Fog Cloud

dungeons and dragons
Wizards of the Coast

This level one conjuration spell can be learned by Druids, Rangers, sorcerers or wizards. Many may look at this spell and feel it is a waste of a spell slot. The advantage you may gain in combat is nice, but the monster may resist it somehow and most people will just pick to do more damage anyway. However, this spell has a lot of applications outside of a combat scenario.

This cloud covers a 20-foot sphere, which is not to be sniffed at. It also has a range of 120-feet and can last for up to an hour with concertation. This means that this spell can be used to cover all sorts of nefarious deeds. From covering a guard’s range of vision to being used as a smoke bomb to escape your captors, this could be a thieves’ best friend. It can, however, be dissipated by strong winds, with a bit of tweaking and the willingness of your dungeons master, you may be able to detect hidden doors with this spell.

This spell can also be used in a higher-level spell slot to increase the radius of the sphere. If you’re not careful, a powerful wizard could envelop a whole building.

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