Edition note: This guide targets 2014 5E (legacy PHB-style rules). If your table uses the 2024 Player's Handbook, confirm wording, class lists, and any renamed features before locking a build.
Cantrips are free forever — so the best cantrips 5E picks are the ones you will still cast at level 12. This hub ranks tactical winners for 2014 5th Edition tables (PHB / legacy rules). If you use the 2024 Player's Handbook, confirm cantrip wording and class lists at your table; several utility cantrips changed tone more than damage ones.
Use this page to choose slots, then dive into the linked spell guides for timing, math, and FAQs.
Best damage cantrips
Eldritch Blast (Warlock king)
Eldritch Blast is the best cantrip in the game for Warlocks because beams scale and Agonizing Blast adds Charisma to each hit. Force damage is rarely resisted. If you are not a Warlock, skip it.
Toll the Dead (Cleric / Wizard / Warlock DPR)
Toll the Dead spikes when the target is already missing hit points (d12 vs d8). Ideal after allies soften someone — or after your own Sacred Flame miss leaves them bloodied.
Sacred Flame (ignore cover)
Sacred Flame is a Dexterity save with radiant damage and no cover bonus for the target. Excellent against archers behind walls and high-AC monsters who still fail saves sometimes.
Best utility cantrips
Guidance (the party tax)
Guidance is the best out-of-combat cantrip in 2014 5E. A floating +1d4 on ability checks wins skill challenges, social scenes, and thieves' tools attempts. Concentration is the only real cost.
Fire Bolt, Mind Sliver, and Vicious Mockery
- Fire Bolt — Wizard/Sorcerer ranged DPR and object ignition.
- Mind Sliver — Intelligence save plus -1d4 on the next save; pairs with hold / banishing effects.
- Vicious Mockery — Bard package: psychic damage plus disadvantage on the next attack.
Still worth listing without full guides yet: Mage Hand, Prestidigitation, and Thaumaturgy — exploration and roleplay tools that never expire.
How to pick cantrips by role
| Role | Priority picks |
|---|---|
| Blaster | Eldritch Blast (Warlock), Toll the Dead, Fire Bolt, Sacred Flame |
| Support / face | Guidance, Vicious Mockery, Thaumaturgy / Prestidigitation |
| Controller setup | Mind Sliver first, then save-or-suck leveled spells |
| Skill monkey table | Guidance is non-negotiable if anyone can take it |
Concentration reminder
Guidance eats concentration. In a dungeon crawl with frequent checks, that is fine. In a fight where you want Bless, Hex, or Hunter's Mark, drop Guidance the moment combat starts.
Related spell hubs
- Best 1st-level spells 5E
- Best 2nd-level spells 5E
- Best 3rd-level spells 5E
- Best Warlock spells 5E
- Best Cleric spells 5E
- Best Wizard spells 5E
- Best concentration spells 5E
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the single best cantrip in 5E?
For raw combat identity: Eldritch Blast on a Warlock. For the whole party across a campaign: Guidance. "Best" depends on whether you mean DPR or session-wide value.
Are 2014 and 2024 cantrips the same?
Many damage cantrips are close. Utility and class access shifted in 2024 — always check your edition before locking a build guide written for the other book.
Should I take two damage cantrips?
Usually one primary damage cantrip plus utility is enough at low levels. A second damage option helps when your main damage type is resisted (fire vs cold, radiant vs necrotic).