Edition note: This guide targets 2014 5E (legacy PHB-style rules). If your table uses the 2024 Player's Handbook, confirm spell lists and school features before locking a build.
Wizards win by preparing the right tools, not memorizing every spell. The best Wizard spells 5E are reaction defenses, mobility, control bombs, and a few signature blasts.
Cantrips
- Fire Bolt — default attack-roll blaster
- Mind Sliver — set up your big saves
- Toll the Dead — if on your list via lineage/feats/multiclass; otherwise stick to Fire Bolt + utility
Utility cantrips (Mage Hand, Prestidigitation, Minor Illusion) are campaign gold — keep at least one.
Level 1: never leave home without
| Spell | Role |
|---|---|
| Shield | Reaction +5 AC |
| Absorb Elements | Elemental reaction defense |
| Magic Missile | Auto-hit finishers |
| Mage Armor | All-day AC if unarmored |
| Sleep | Early-tier win button |
| Fog Cloud | Break sight lines |
| Thunderwave | Get off me |
| Detect Magic | Ritual exploration tax |
Level 2: shape the map
- Misty Step — bonus-action teleport
- Web — gold-standard lockdown
- Mirror Image — no-concentration defense
- Invisibility — scout / escape
- Hold Person — humanoid deletion
- Shatter — clustered thunder
- Vortex Warp — teleport ally or foe
- Kinetic Jaunt — personal mobility package
Level 3: the famous spike
| Spell | When to prepare |
|---|---|
| Counterspell | Enemy casters exist |
| Fireball | Clustered trash |
| Hypnotic Pattern | End the fight without damage |
| Slow | Soften packs |
| Fear | Clear the front line |
| Fly | Vertical / kite fights |
| Haste | One martial nova ally |
Prefer one control bomb over a second Fireball when slots are tight.
Level 4–5 highlights we cover
Preparation heuristic
- Reaction package (Shield / Absorb Elements / Counterspell).
- Escape (Misty Step).
- Today’s control (Web / Hypnotic Pattern / Slow).
- Flex blast or utility last.
Related hubs
- Best cantrips 5E
- Best 1st-level spells 5E
- Best 2nd-level spells 5E
- Best 3rd-level spells 5E
- Best Warlock spells 5E
- Best Cleric spells 5E
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I always prepare Fireball?
No. Prepare it when the dungeon suggests clusters. Hypnotic Pattern and Counterspell win more “boss + casters” days.
Rituals count as prepared?
In 2014, Wizards can ritual-cast ritual spells in the book without preparing them. Detect Magic and similar stay available that way — confirm your table’s ritual rules.
Shield every day?
Yes, once you have it. The slot you spend on Shield is often the slot that prevents a restart.