Necromancy Wizard Build Guide – The Master of Undeath – 2024 Update

For all D&D guides on Nat1gaming, they only use the main sourcebooks (Player’s Handbook, Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything, Xanathar’s Guide to Everything) as well as Strixhaven: A Curriculum of Chaos (mostly for Silvery Barbs) as those tend to be the most commonly used books at tables. Always be sure that if you’re following a guide that you’re adhering to your tables rules about what sourcebooks you are allowed to follow.

Any spell, class, feature, or other game item that is linkable on this website is covered by the 5th edition Open Games License and will be in the Player’s Handbook, but not everything in the Player’s Handbook will be linked to. All other materials that aren’t linked to are from other sourcebooks or aren’t allowed to be linked to per the 5th Edition Open Games License, so please refer to the appropriate sourcebooks for that information.

For the purposes of this guide, it will be assumed that you would not be multiclassing. While multiclassing can be excellent for many of these, this is for those who want to play the build all the way through in the same class. Guides that use multiclassing will be separate from these.

For spellcasters, you may notice substantial overlap between the spell lists of builds with the same base class. This is due to each guide utilizing a generically good spell list and not considering extenuating factors that will influence how you particularly sculpt your spell list. When creating your own spell list, you should take into account the campaign setting, what spells any other party members are capable of casting, potential overlap (ritual spells tend to overlap so it’s rare you need multiple people capable of casting them), or potential shortcomings in the parties total spell list. While this guide can definitely help point you in the right direction for crafting a spell list, you should use your judgement and preferences to figure out what spells make the most sense for your character.

To that end, please refer to the Spell List and Spell Tier list for any substitutions you’d want to make to the build.

The Complete Wizard Spell List

Wizard Spell Tier List – The Best Wizard Spells

Simply put, Necromancers are one of the most unique casters in all of D&D. With the changes to the conjuration spells no longer summoning a bunch of creatures at once, Necromancers stand as the lone class that can command a lot of summons simultaneously. This can be really cool and fun if done right, but can come with a host of problems as well that are explored in the “Warning About Necromancer” section.

Necromancy Savant (Level 3) – C+ Tier – This ability lets you learn a lot of free spells which is always nice and frees up the spells you can grab from your level ups. Unlike the other schools, though, Necromancy probably has the worst spells overall making this less powerful than it is on the other classes.

Grim Harvest (Level 3) – D Tier – Regaining health on a Wizard is a luxury functionally no Wizard has, but the healing is so small it’s nearly insignificant. That said, this will become more powerful as you get better spells, but it’ll still not be that strong.

Undead Thralls (Level 6) – S Tier – The perfect ability for those looking to raise an undead army. Extra health to your skeletons and them getting a bonus to their weapon damage is quite good, especially as you get more and more of them. With enough planning, this ability can easily ruin your campaign.

Inured to Undeath (Level 10) – S Tier – Necrotic resistance is really niche at this point and so few creatures are going to attack your hit point maximum so those uses of it are not helpful. However, any spell that increases your hit point maximum (Aid, Heroes Feast) can be infinitely stacked for you. Your DM will likely not allow this and will count it as temporary health instead, but by RAW, this would work.

Command Undead (Level 14) – B Tier – This ability is really campaign dependent as some DMs won’t throw high level undead at you, but if they do, you can get some mileage out of this.

The Ultimate 2024 One D&D Subclass Tier List

DnD 2024 Class and Subclass Tier List Breakdown

Necromancers are cool, no doubt about that, but they do come along with a slew of problems.

The first issue is how table unfriendly this build can be. With each new undead, that’s a new initiative to roll, a turn that has to be taken, attack rolls to be made, damage to be dealt, etc. This can be a bit arduous (and already powerful) for a few undead under your command, imagine what would happen if you start getting 10+. If you decide to raise a Zombie over a Skeleton, that Zombie has the slain targets in game stats which can make bookkeeping a nightmare. This can get messy really fast with both tracking and time as going through the motions of all this can be painful if not done well. I would very highly suggest having a conversation with the DM at this point and how this wants to be handled as there are definitely shortcuts that can be taken to help keep things moving like preemptively planning out turns on your end, giving all your undead the same initiative/actions, rolling attacks before hand so you can call out the number, etc. This class is cool and unique, but don’t use it to monopolize all the time at the table if you can help it.

All that said, that’s just a general warning to someone not trying to break the class. Necromancers are so potent because of how Animate Dead specifically works. While it normally only raises one undead at a time (two for Necromancers of course), but you can maintain control over 4 undead at base level. So if you’ve been stashing the bodies of everything you slay in some sort of extradimensional storage and you spend some time in a remote location, you can easily raise a massive army that can easily trivialize whatever encounter you might come up against. I would assume the average DM would not let this happen, but RAW, this is a totally legitimate thing you can do that isn’t even difficult nor clever.

The next issue this class comes across is with its 10th level ability, Inured to Undeath. Normally, necrotic damage resistance wouldn’t be a big deal nor would the ability to not lose HP maximum as both are relatively niche. However, there are spells in D&D (Aid, Heroes Feast) that don’t grant temporary health, but actually raise your HP maximum, and when they wear off, technically speaking, a 10th level Necromancer would keep that health. So, again all RAW, you can spend a month somewhere raising an undead army while fellow spellcasters give you an infinitely expanding health pool. There are, of course, multiple interpretations of this interaction; some players believe that this doesn’t work as it’s not a max health reduction and others claiming that since spell never “ended”, you can’t benefit from it multiple times. Personally, I think that RAW makes the infinite health pool a legal move, but I would be pretty surprised if the DM allowed anything even remotely like that to happen.

All of this is to really say, talk to your DM about how these things will be handled if you want to play a Necromancer and I would advise for the average table to not take advantage of these mechanics and play this as intended, a cool summoner class.

Level	Class Features/Feat	Spell Change Log
1	Spellcasting, Ritual Adept, Arcane Recovery	+ Fire Bolt + Light (Aasimar) + Minor Illusion + Prestidigitation + Detect Magic + Feather Fall + Find Familiar + Magic Missile + Shield + Silvery Barbs
2	Scholar	+ Absorb Elements + Comprehend Languages
3	Necromancy Savant, Grim Harvest	+ False Life (Necromancy) + Blindness/Deafness (Necromancy) + Misty Step + Web
4	Feat: War Caster (INT)	+ Mage Hand + Augury + Suggestion
5	Memorize Spell	+ Counterspell + Hypnotic Pattern + Summon Undead (Necromancy)
6	Undead Thralls	+ Animate Dead (Undead Thralls) + Dispel Magic + Tiny Hut
7	–	+ Speak with Dead (Necromancy) + Dimension Door + Polymorph
8	Feat: Resilient (CON)	+ Conjure Minor Elementals + Wall of Fire
9	–	+ Danse Macabre (Necromancy) + Telepathic Bond + Wall of Force
10	Inured to Undeath	+ Toll the Dead + Scorching Ray + Fly
11	–	+ Contingency + Mass Suggestion + Soul Cage (Necromancy)
12	Feat: Intelligence to 20	+ Bubbling Cauldron + Scatter
13	–	+ Crown of Stars + Finger of Death (Necromancy) + Teleport
14	Command Undead	+ Reverse Gravity + Simulacrum
15	–	+ Clone (Necromancy) + Dominate Monster + Maze
16	Feat: Constitution to 18	+ Antimagic Field + Antipathy/Sympathy
17	–	+ Magic Jar (Necromancy) + True Polymorph + Wish
18	Spell Mastery (False Life/Suggestion)	+ Meteor Swarm + Shapechange
19	Epic Boon: Boon of Fate	+ Plane Shift + Gate
20	Signature Spells (Counterspell/Dispel Magic)	+ Forcecage + Demiplane

Not finding the build you want in this article? Check out this article instead!

The Ultimate One D&D Wizard Guide – Mastering Wizards

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Species: Aasimar

Attributes:

	POINT BUY
STRENGTH	8
DEXTERITY	15 (+1 background) = 16
CONSTITUTION	15
INTELLIGENCE	15 (+2 background) = 17
WISDOM	8
CHARISMA	8

Class: Wizard

Class Features: Spellcasting, Ritual Adept, Arcane Recovery

Skill Proficiencies: Arcana and Investigation

Background: Criminal (Alert)

Starting Equipment: 2 Daggers, Arcane Focus, Robe, Spellbook, Scholar’s Pack, and 5 gp + 50 gp from background

Starting Spellbook:

SPELL LEVEL	SPELL NAME
Cantrip	Fire Bolt
Cantrip	Light (Aasimar)
Cantrip	Minor Illusion
Cantrip	Prestidigitation
1st Level Spell	Detect Magic (R)
1st Level Spell	Feather Fall*
1st Level Spell	Find Familiar (R)
1st Level Spell	Magic Missile*
1st Level Spell	Shield*
1st Level Spell	Silvery Barbs*

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Species: Aasimar

The best species for your average build. Human is a consideration as well to grab Alert on top of Musician, but Aasimar just give a lot of value, and since you have a background you’re happy with, Aasimar is the next best choice.

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Attributes

	POINT BUY
STRENGTH	8
DEXTERITY	15 (+1 background) = 16
CONSTITUTION	15
INTELLIGENCE	15 (+2 background) = 17
WISDOM	8
CHARISMA	8

For any Wizard your most important stat is Intelligence, and then Dexterity and Constitution. I would always go up to 17 Intelligence and keep Constitution at 15 so you can take two feats and two ability score improvements over the course of the build.

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Proficiencies: Arcana and Investigation

Just two good Intelligence skills, nothing special here.

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Background – Criminal

This increases the abilities you need increased and gives you the second best Origin feat with Alert. What’s not to like?

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Starting Equipment – 2 Daggers, Arcane Focus, Robe, Spellbook, Scholar’s Pack, and 5 gp + 50 gp from background

Standard fare, you don’t get much so no need to overthink it.

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Starting Spellbook

SPELL LEVEL	SPELL NAME
Cantrip	Fire Bolt
Cantrip	Light (Aasimar)
Cantrip	Minor Illusion
Cantrip	Prestidigitation
1st Level Spell	Detect Magic (R)
1st Level Spell	Feather Fall*
1st Level Spell	Find Familiar (R)
1st Level Spell	Magic Missile*
1st Level Spell	Shield*
1st Level Spell	Silvery Barbs*

This is your standard spell list for a level 1 Wizard. You have your two excellent Ritual spells (Detect Magic and Find Familiar) which you won’t need prepared, good defensive options (Feather Fall as needed, but mostly Shield), Magic Missile for unblockable damage, and the very broken Silvery Barbs. If your table doesn’t allow Silvery Barbs, I would probably grab Sleep instead as that’s a spell that’s close to good enough for the average Wizard, just not one I normally take.

For your prepared spells, you can start off by preparing every non-ritual spell which makes it a pretty easy choice what to prepare!

Before I dive into the next levels, I’ll quickly explain how the spellbook in this guide will work. Unlike all the other casters, you can’t just prepare any leveled spell from the Wizard Spell List you want, but instead you are limited by your spellbook. To that end, each level I will have the entire spellbook for each level, but for prepared spells, I’m going to put an asterisk (*) next to that spell. Obviously the spells you prepare should change depending on the situation, but I’ll prepare generally good spells if you have no strong opinions one way or another. Keep in mind that any spell with the (R) tag is a ritual spell and one you will probably never prepare as Wizards get to still use those when they aren’t prepared.

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Level 2

Class Features: Scholar (Investigation)

Spell Change Log: + Absorb Elements + Comprehend Languages

SPELL LEVEL	SPELL NAME
Cantrip	Fire Bolt
Cantrip	Light (Aasimar)
Cantrip	Minor Illusion
Cantrip	Prestidigitation
1st Level Spell	Absorb Elements*
1st Level Spell	Comprehend Languages (R)
1st Level Spell	Detect Magic (R)
1st Level Spell	Feather Fall*
1st Level Spell	Find Familiar (R)
1st Level Spell	Magic Missile*
1st Level Spell	Shield*
1st Level Spell	Silvery Barbs*

Level 2 brings a new class ability – Scholar. You now get Expertise in one of your Wizard skills, and I like picking Investigation. You would not believe the amount of times you’re probably going to use Investigation over the course of an average campaign.

For your spell pickups, you get Absorb Elements and Comprehend Languages.

Absorb Elements is not necessarily good at this level, but once you start climbing up in the levels, large chunks of elemental damage will become more common and Absorb Elements will become better and better. I recommend taking this now as you won’t have a great chance otherwise, but you probably won’t be preparing this again until level 10 or so.

Your second spell pickup is the solid ritual – Comprehend Languages. There may not be language barriers in every campaign, but having the means to mitigate that for functionally free is very invaluable in campaigns where languages are relevant.

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Level 3

Arcane Tradition: Necromancy

Class Feature: Necromancy Savant, Grim Harvest

Spell Change Log: + False Life (Necromancy) + Blindness/Deafness (Necromancy) + Misty Step + Web

SPELL LEVEL	SPELL NAME
Cantrip	Fire Bolt
Cantrip	Light (Aasimar)
Cantrip	Minor Illusion
Cantrip	Prestidigitation
1st Level Spell	Absorb Elements
1st Level Spell	Comprehend Languages (R)
1st Level Spell	Detect Magic (R)
1st Level Spell	False Life (Necromancy)
1st Level Spell	Feather Fall*
1st Level Spell	Find Familiar (R)
1st Level Spell	Magic Missile*
1st Level Spell	Shield*
1st Level Spell	Silvery Barbs*
2nd Level Spell	Blindness/Deafness (Necromancy)
2nd Level Spell	Misty Step*
2nd Level Spell	Web*

Level 3 brings your subclass, two new subclass abilities, and second level spells!

Your first subclass ability is the same across all the school discipline subclasses – Necromancer Savant. This time you get two Necromancer spells (first or second level) for free in your spellbook, and whenever you hit a new spell level, you get another free one of that spell level or lower. Your first choices for your free spells are False Life and Blindness/Deafness.

False Life gives you a little bit of temporary health as you need, and while this isn’t too exciting, it is good enough to be considered.

Blindness/Deafness, on the other hand, is a solid CC spell that is really good at demolishing spellcasters as not being able to see will generally stop people from casting any spell. If you know you’re going to be facing some casters soon, this can be really potent.

Your second ability is Grim Harvest, which is a bit of a temporary health dispenser if you build around it. While you’ll never get triple temporary health as Necromancy damage spells suck, being able to snag a bit of health when you crisp enemies with a Chromatic Orb or higher level options later. Not an incredible ability, but not a terrible one.

For your spell choices this level, you’re picking up and preparing Misty Step and Web.

Misty Step is a staple on any caster that can afford it as getting out of danger for a second level spell slot is more than worth it.

Web is an excellent battlefield control spell that can tangle up enemies, or at worst, make a good amount of difficult terrain. You could take Suggestion instead as that’s also an excellent spell, but I’m picking that up next level anyway and I find Web to be slightly more effective at lower levels.

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Level 4

Feat: War Caster (INT)

Spell Change Log: + Mage Hand + Augury + Suggestion

SPELL LEVEL	SPELL NAME
Cantrip	Fire Bolt
Cantrip	Light (Aasimar)
Cantrip	Mage Hand
Cantrip	Minor Illusion
Cantrip	Prestidigitation
1st Level Spell	Absorb Elements
1st Level Spell	Comprehend Languages (R)
1st Level Spell	Detect Magic (R)
1st Level Spell	False Life (Necromancy)
1st Level Spell	Feather Fall*
1st Level Spell	Find Familiar (R)
1st Level Spell	Magic Missile*
1st Level Spell	Shield*
1st Level Spell	Silvery Barbs*
2nd Level Spell	Augury (R)
2nd Level Spell	Blindness/Deafness* (Necromancy)
2nd Level Spell	Misty Step*
2nd Level Spell	Suggestion*
2nd Level Spell	Web*

Level 4 brings your first feat, and you absolutely have to pick up War Caster. Buffing your intelligence to 18, getting advantage on concentration checks, and being able to spellcast when you don’t have two free hands is excellent.

For your cantrip choice this level, I like picking up Mage Hand. It’s one of the better utility cantrips so it’s always good to have.

For your spells, this is a good time to grab Augury and Suggestion.

Your first spell is Augury, and this is a nice spell to have in the book to get a little bit of divination once per day. Unsure how your plan may turn out? Cast Augury and find out! It’s not foolproof as your actions may change the outcome of the plan, but information gathering is much more powerful than many players give it credit for.

Your second option is the excellent Suggestion. Being able to charm an enemy and make them do anything you want them to is obviously extremely powerful for a second level spell slot. Facing a few tough enemies? Convince one to just up and leave! While that’s my favorite application of Suggestion, the use cases are pretty much limitless making this an invaluable spell.

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Level 5

Class Feature: Memorize Spell

Spell Change Log: + Counterspell + Hypnotic Pattern + Summon Undead (Necromancy)

SPELL LEVEL	SPELL NAME
Cantrip	Fire Bolt
Cantrip	Light (Aasimar)
Cantrip	Mage Hand
Cantrip	Minor Illusion
Cantrip	Prestidigitation
1st Level Spell	Absorb Elements
1st Level Spell	Comprehend Languages (R)
1st Level Spell	Detect Magic (R)
1st Level Spell	False Life (Necromancy)
1st Level Spell	Feather Fall*
1st Level Spell	Find Familiar (R)
1st Level Spell	Magic Missile*
1st Level Spell	Shield*
1st Level Spell	Silvery Barbs*
2nd Level Spell	Augury (R)
2nd Level Spell	Blindness/Deafness (Necromancy)
2nd Level Spell	Misty Step*
2nd Level Spell	Suggestion*
2nd Level Spell	Web*
3rd Level Spell	Counterspell*
3rd Level Spell	Hypnotic Pattern*
3rd Level Spell	Summon Undead (Necromancy)

Level 5 brings a class ability and third level spells, which means a round of Necromancy Savant!

You get your next class feature with Memorize Spell. Now with each short rest you can swap around what spells you have prepared. This is a really powerful ability that’s wholly unique to Wizards as you never have to be stuck with what you originally picked.

For your free spell, I like Summon Undead. While this isn’t too exciting of a Necromancy spell, the Ghost form on this summon can be relatively potent if you have been looking for a new ghastly companion.

For your spell choices this level, I like grabbing Counterspell and Hypnotic Pattern.

Counterspell is simply the best third level spell in the game, even when nerfed, so there’s no consideration here.

Hypnotic Pattern is a fantastic bit of CC that can affect a bunch of enemies as the AOE on this is pretty large. Trade your spell slot and your action to deprive many actions from your enemies is a great trade.

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Level 6

Class Feature: Undead Thralls

Spell Change Log: + Animate Dead (Undead Thralls) + Dispel Magic + Tiny Hut

SPELL LEVEL	SPELL NAME
Cantrip	Fire Bolt
Cantrip	Light (Aasimar)
Cantrip	Mage Hand
Cantrip	Minor Illusion
Cantrip	Prestidigitation
1st Level Spell	Absorb Elements
1st Level Spell	Comprehend Languages (R)
1st Level Spell	Detect Magic (R)
1st Level Spell	False Life (Necromancy)
1st Level Spell	Feather Fall*
1st Level Spell	Find Familiar (R)
1st Level Spell	Magic Missile
1st Level Spell	Shield*
1st Level Spell	Silvery Barbs*
2nd Level Spell	Augury (R)
2nd Level Spell	Blindness/Deafness (Necromancy)
2nd Level Spell	Misty Step*
2nd Level Spell	Suggestion*
2nd Level Spell	Web*
3rd Level Spell	Animate Dead* (Undead Thralls)
3rd Level Spell	Counterspell*
3rd Level Spell	Dispel Magic*
3rd Level Spell	Hypnotic Pattern*
3rd Level Spell	Summon Undead (Necromancy)
3rd Level Spell	Tiny Hut (R)

Not only does Undead Thralls give you Animate Dead for free, it juices it up by giving it an additional target and makes the undead better! If you’re playing as a Necromancer, you probably want to be dedicating as many slots to this as possible to raise an army while adventuring. You will need to do some resource management as you will need enough slots to keep control over your undead as well, though Animate Dead is kind enough to allow you to target way more undead to keep in control of versus raising them for the first time. At this point, you should also be looking for some interdimensional storage where you can keep corpses for when you need new Undead and a place to store some undead as well. A Portable Hole would work really well here, but there could be other items that function similarly. If that’s not possible, you’ll just have to collect them as you adventure. Furthermore, you definitely want to invest in some Shortbows and a lot of arrows if you can afford to as well. Giving these Skeletons Shortbows can keep them further from danger while still allowing them to deal a lot of damage. The logistics of this can definitely be a pain, but it’s well worth it if you can make it happen.

With your spell choices this level, you can pick up Dispel Magic and Tiny Hut.

Counterspell isn’t always going to save you from a magical effect, so having Dispel Magic to help you with the rest of the things that might snag you up is excellent.

An excellent ritual and perfect for sleeping out or even sneak attacks, Tiny Hut is an incredible spell to pick up with next to no opportunity cost to have.

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Level 7

Spell Change Log: + Speak with Dead (Necromancy) + Dimension Door + Polymorph

SPELL LEVEL	SPELL NAME
Cantrip	Fire Bolt
Cantrip	Light (Aasimar)
Cantrip	Mage Hand
Cantrip	Minor Illusion
Cantrip	Prestidigitation
1st Level Spell	Absorb Elements
1st Level Spell	Comprehend Languages (R)
1st Level Spell	Detect Magic (R)
1st Level Spell	False Life (Necromancy)
1st Level Spell	Feather Fall
1st Level Spell	Find Familiar (R)
1st Level Spell	Magic Missile
1st Level Spell	Shield*
1st Level Spell	Silvery Barbs*
2nd Level Spell	Augury (R)
2nd Level Spell	Blindness/Deafness (Necromancy)
2nd Level Spell	Misty Step*
2nd Level Spell	Suggestion*
2nd Level Spell	Web*
3rd Level Spell	Animate Dead* (Undead Thralls)
3rd Level Spell	Counterspell*
3rd Level Spell	Dispel Magic*
3rd Level Spell	Hypnotic Pattern*
3rd Level Spell	Speak with Dead (Necromancy)
3rd Level Spell	Summon Undead (Necromancy)
3rd Level Spell	Tiny Hut (R)
4th Level Spell	Dimension Door*
4th Level Spell	Polymorph*

Level 7 brings fourth level spells and your next round of Necromancy Savant!

For Necromancy Savant, I like picking up Speak with Dead. This spell can be extremely unreliable, especially if you’re the one who happened to kill the target of this spell, but there are worse ways to gather information in a pinch.

For your spell choices, you get to pick up and prepare some excellent ones with Dimension Door and Polymorph.

Dimension Door is a great utility spell that you’re going to get a lot of mileage out of. Teleportation without seeing where you’re going is generally reserved for higher level spells and you even get to bring a friend along! Just an excellent spell all around.

For your second spell choice, you have to take one of the best – Polymorph. This is just an excellent spell to have in case you or an ally are nearly out of the fight, whether it’s because of low health, spell slots, or otherwise, to turn into a Giant Ape or Tyrannosaurus Rex, and get right back into the fight. This can even be used as CC on hostile targets in a pinch making it extremely reliable all around.

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Level 8

Feat: Resilient (CON)

Spell Change Log: + Conjure Minor Elementals + Wall of Fire

SPELL LEVEL	SPELL NAME
Cantrip	Fire Bolt
Cantrip	Light (Aasimar)
Cantrip	Mage Hand
Cantrip	Minor Illusion
Cantrip	Prestidigitation
1st Level Spell	Absorb Elements
1st Level Spell	Comprehend Languages (R)
1st Level Spell	Detect Magic (R)
1st Level Spell	False Life (Necromancy)
1st Level Spell	Feather Fall*
1st Level Spell	Find Familiar (R)
1st Level Spell	Magic Missile
1st Level Spell	Shield*
1st Level Spell	Silvery Barbs*
2nd Level Spell	Augury (R)
2nd Level Spell	Blindness/Deafness (Necromancy)
2nd Level Spell	Misty Step*
2nd Level Spell	Suggestion*
2nd Level Spell	Web*
3rd Level Spell	Animate Dead* (Undead Thralls)
3rd Level Spell	Counterspell*
3rd Level Spell	Dispel Magic*
3rd Level Spell	Hypnotic Pattern*
3rd Level Spell	Speak with Dead (Necromancy)
3rd Level Spell	Summon Undead (Necromancy)
3rd Level Spell	Tiny Hut (R)
4th Level Spell	Conjure Minor Elementals
4th Level Spell	Dimension Door*
4th Level Spell	Polymorph*
4th Level Spell	Wall of Fire*

You get your next feat, and while you could push your Intelligence to 20, I recommend picking up Resilient (CON) instead. Proficiency in Constitution saving throws on top of getting the +3 modifier is extremely good for more health and substantially better concentration saves.

For what you’re adding to your spell list, you can grab Conjure Minor Elementals and Wall of Fire.

To be frank, the new iteration of Conjure Minor Elementals is absolutely busted. While an additional 2d8 damage per attack roll is solid by itself, when upcast, all attacks you do deal an additional 2d8 damage per spell level. That can get out of control really quickly, especially as you start getting higher level spell slots as you can combine this with anything that has multiple attack rolls (so Scorching Ray in a few levels) to deal an obscene amount of damage.

Wall of Fire.is one of my favorite fourth level spells as it has good range, great AOE coverage, and good damage to absolutely incinerate enemies. Use this to bisect a battlefield and you’ll make tougher fights a lot easier, especially if you have allies that can force enemies to move around.

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Level 9

Spell Change Log: + Danse Macabre (Necromancy) + Telepathic Bond + Wall of Force

SPELL LEVEL	SPELL NAME
Cantrip	Fire Bolt
Cantrip	Light (Aasimar)
Cantrip	Mage Hand
Cantrip	Minor Illusion
Cantrip	Prestidigitation
1st Level Spell	Absorb Elements
1st Level Spell	Comprehend Languages (R)
1st Level Spell	Detect Magic (R)
1st Level Spell	False Life (Necromancy)
1st Level Spell	Feather Fall*
1st Level Spell	Find Familiar (R)
1st Level Spell	Magic Missile
1st Level Spell	Shield*
1st Level Spell	Silvery Barbs*
2nd Level Spell	Augury (R)
2nd Level Spell	Blindness/Deafness (Necromancy)
2nd Level Spell	Misty Step*
2nd Level Spell	Suggestion*
2nd Level Spell	Web*
3rd Level Spell	Animate Dead* (Undead Thralls)
3rd Level Spell	Counterspell*
3rd Level Spell	Dispel Magic*
3rd Level Spell	Hypnotic Pattern*
3rd Level Spell	Speak with Dead (Necromancy)
3rd Level Spell	Summon Undead (Necromancy)
3rd Level Spell	Tiny Hut (R)
4th Level Spell	Conjure Minor Elementals
4th Level Spell	Dimension Door*
4th Level Spell	Polymorph*
4th Level Spell	Wall of Fire*
5th Level Spell	Danse Macabre
5th Level Spell	Telepathic Bond (R)
5th Level Spell	Wall of Force*

You now get fifth level spells and yet another round of Necromancy Savant, and another free spell with Danse Macabre. Danse Macabre is similar to Animate Dead, but better as it targets more undead, makes them stronger, and doesn’t turn them against you once the spell is up. This is decent to Memorize Spells into, but not one I would have prepared on hand unless you had a body of corpses to help.

For spell choices, you can pick up two excellent ones with Telepathic Bond and Wall of Force.

Telepathic Bond is a great option to talk covertly with your buds which is stronger than it may seem, and since it’s a ritual, it doesn’t eat into one of your precious fifth level spell slots nor your prepared spell list!

For your second spell, you have to grab Wall of Force. Splitting an encounter in half is unbelievable or even just trapping the main enemy of the encounter, taking out all of the minions, and then going after the boss is an incredible use of this. You do have to be careful how often you use this as your DM might start preparing more active countermeasures to not have their encounters hosed by this, but otherwise, this is going to be incredible.

---

Level 10

Class Feature: Inured to Undeath

Spell Change Log: + Toll the Dead + Scorching Ray + Fly

SPELL LEVEL	SPELL NAME
Cantrip	Fire Bolt
Cantrip	Light (Aasimar)
Cantrip	Mage Hand
Cantrip	Minor Illusion
Cantrip	Prestidigitation
Cantrip	Toll the Dead
1st Level Spell	Absorb Elements*
1st Level Spell	Comprehend Languages (R)
1st Level Spell	Detect Magic (R)
1st Level Spell	False Life (Necromancy)
1st Level Spell	Feather Fall*
1st Level Spell	Find Familiar (R)
1st Level Spell	Magic Missile
1st Level Spell	Shield*
1st Level Spell	Silvery Barbs*
2nd Level Spell	Augury (R)
2nd Level Spell	Blindness/Deafness (Necromancy)
2nd Level Spell	Misty Step*
2nd Level Spell	Scorching Ray*
2nd Level Spell	Suggestion*
2nd Level Spell	Web
3rd Level Spell	Animate Dead* (Undead Thralls)
3rd Level Spell	Counterspell*
3rd Level Spell	Dispel Magic*
3rd Level Spell	Fly
3rd Level Spell	Hypnotic Pattern*
3rd Level Spell	Speak with Dead (Necromancy)
3rd Level Spell	Summon Undead (Necromancy)
3rd Level Spell	Tiny Hut (R)
4th Level Spell	Conjure Minor Elementals*
4th Level Spell	Dimension Door*
4th Level Spell	Polymorph*
4th Level Spell	Wall of Fire
5th Level Spell	Danse Macabre
5th Level Spell	Telepathic Bond (R)
5th Level Spell	Wall of Force*

I’ll just come right out with it, Inured to Undeath kind of sucks. It may be useful in some campaign settings, but it’s just not that great. So be it.

For your cantrip, I recommend taking Toll the Dead. You might encounter some enemies with fire resistance, so this is a good cantrip to have just in case you need it.

For your spell choices this level, you’re going to go back a few levels to grab and prepare Scorching Ray and Fly.

As mentioned before, Scorching Ray works phenomenally well with Conjure Minor Elementals as each ray counts as its own attack so the damage can stack up extremely quickly. For example, if you upcast Conjure Minor Elementals so each attack deals an additional 4d8 damage and use your other fifth level spell slot for Scorching Ray, each ray would deal 4d8+2d6 damage on hit (an average of 25 damage per hit). So if you hit with just three of them, that’s 75 damage and you still have Conjure Minor Elementals active! If you’re in a tough fight, it’s really easy to absolutely shred a tough enemy with this combination.

Fly is a great buff spell to have on hand whether you’re in a combat with creatures that exclusively attack on the ground or for when you’re exploring places with sheer cliffs. Either way, having this in your spellbook is really nice.

---

Level 11

Spell Change Log: + Contingency + Mass Suggestion + Soul Cage (Necromancy)

SPELL LEVEL	SPELL NAME
Cantrip	Fire Bolt
Cantrip	Light (Aasimar)
Cantrip	Mage Hand
Cantrip	Minor Illusion
Cantrip	Prestidigitation
Cantrip	Toll the Dead
1st Level Spell	Absorb Elements*
1st Level Spell	Comprehend Languages (R)
1st Level Spell	Detect Magic (R)
1st Level Spell	False Life (Necromancy)
1st Level Spell	Feather Fall*
1st Level Spell	Find Familiar (R)
1st Level Spell	Magic Missile
1st Level Spell	Shield*
1st Level Spell	Silvery Barbs*
2nd Level Spell	Augury (R)
2nd Level Spell	Blindness/Deafness (Necromancy)
2nd Level Spell	Misty Step*
2nd Level Spell	Scorching Ray*
2nd Level Spell	Suggestion*
2nd Level Spell	Web
3rd Level Spell	Animate Dead* (Undead Thralls)
3rd Level Spell	Counterspell*
3rd Level Spell	Dispel Magic*
3rd Level Spell	Fly
3rd Level Spell	Hypnotic Pattern*
3rd Level Spell	Speak with Dead (Necromancy)
3rd Level Spell	Summon Undead (Necromancy)
3rd Level Spell	Tiny Hut (R)
4th Level Spell	Conjure Minor Elementals*
4th Level Spell	Dimension Door*
4th Level Spell	Polymorph*
4th Level Spell	Wall of Fire
5th Level Spell	Danse Macabre
5th Level Spell	Telepathic Bond (R)
5th Level Spell	Wall of Force*
6th Level Spell	Contingency
6th Level Spell	Mass Suggestion*
6th Level Spell	Soul Cage (Necromancer)

Sixth level spells time and more Necromancy Savant spells, and you can grab an excellent one with Soul Cage. Soul Cage is a really unique spell that you can only cast when something dies, but once it’s active, you can use it to heal, ask that soul questions, get advantage on a roll, or a functional scrying spell. This is a super versatile spell, and while none of the modes are that potent, having the option to do any is what makes this spell so interesting.

For your spell choices this level, you get to pick up Contingency and Mass Suggestion.

Contingency is a very weird spell and this current spell list doesn’t have too many targets for it, but assigning a codeword or condition to get a free Polymorph is more than good enough to make this spell excellent. I would never prepare this at the beginning of the day, but instead use Memorize Spell to swap around spells to prepare this and then use this before bed.

Mass Suggestion is an incredibly powerful AOE spell that has the potential to absolutely obliterate some encounters by convincing up to TWELVE enemies to stop fighting you. Suggestion is already great, how about 12 of them?

---

Level 12

Feat: Intelligence to 20

Spell Change Log: + Bubbling Cauldron + Scatter

SPELL LEVEL	SPELL NAME
Cantrip	Fire Bolt
Cantrip	Light (Aasimar)
Cantrip	Mage Hand
Cantrip	Minor Illusion
Cantrip	Prestidigitation
Cantrip	Toll the Dead
1st Level Spell	Absorb Elements*
1st Level Spell	Comprehend Languages (R)
1st Level Spell	Detect Magic (R)
1st Level Spell	False Life (Necromancy)
1st Level Spell	Feather Fall*
1st Level Spell	Find Familiar (R)
1st Level Spell	Magic Missile
1st Level Spell	Shield*
1st Level Spell	Silvery Barbs*
2nd Level Spell	Augury (R)
2nd Level Spell	Blindness/Deafness (Necromancy)
2nd Level Spell	Misty Step*
2nd Level Spell	Scorching Ray*
2nd Level Spell	Suggestion*
2nd Level Spell	Web
3rd Level Spell	Animate Dead* (Undead Thralls)
3rd Level Spell	Counterspell*
3rd Level Spell	Dispel Magic*
3rd Level Spell	Fly
3rd Level Spell	Hypnotic Pattern*
3rd Level Spell	Speak with Dead (Necromancy)
3rd Level Spell	Summon Undead (Necromancy)
3rd Level Spell	Tiny Hut (R)
4th Level Spell	Conjure Minor Elementals*
4th Level Spell	Dimension Door*
4th Level Spell	Polymorph*
4th Level Spell	Wall of Fire
5th Level Spell	Danse Macabre
5th Level Spell	Telepathic Bond (R)
5th Level Spell	Wall of Force*
6th Level Spell	Contingency
6th Level Spell	Mass Suggestion*
6th Level Spell	Soul Cage (Necromancer)

Your third feat and now it’s time to max out your Intelligence. Having the most powerful spells possible is definitely in your best interest.

For your spell choices you get some nice ones with Bubbling Cauldron and Scatter.

Bubbling Cauldron is a cool utility spell in which you can grab any common or uncommon potion, and while none of them are going to be super powerful, having this level of utility is really powerful.

Scatter is a really unique spell as it allows you to reposition allies freely and potentially move enemies away from allies or into more dangerous terrain which is really nice. This is excellent in any fight that’s not going as planned as shuffling allies and enemies around can generally make a huge impact.

---

Level 13

Spell Change Log: + Crown of Stars + Finger of Death (Necromancy) + Teleport

SPELL LEVEL	SPELL NAME
Cantrip	Fire Bolt
Cantrip	Light (Aasimar)
Cantrip	Mage Hand
Cantrip	Minor Illusion
Cantrip	Prestidigitation
Cantrip	Toll the Dead
1st Level Spell	Absorb Elements*
1st Level Spell	Comprehend Languages (R)
1st Level Spell	Detect Magic (R)
1st Level Spell	False Life (Necromancy)
1st Level Spell	Feather Fall*
1st Level Spell	Find Familiar (R)
1st Level Spell	Magic Missile
1st Level Spell	Shield*
1st Level Spell	Silvery Barbs*
2nd Level Spell	Augury (R)
2nd Level Spell	Blindness/Deafness (Necromancy)
2nd Level Spell	Misty Step*
2nd Level Spell	Scorching Ray*
2nd Level Spell	Suggestion*
2nd Level Spell	Web
3rd Level Spell	Animate Dead* (Undead Thralls)
3rd Level Spell	Counterspell*
3rd Level Spell	Dispel Magic*
3rd Level Spell	Fly
3rd Level Spell	Hypnotic Pattern*
3rd Level Spell	Speak with Dead (Necromancy)
3rd Level Spell	Summon Undead (Necromancy)
3rd Level Spell	Tiny Hut (R)
4th Level Spell	Conjure Minor Elementals*
4th Level Spell	Dimension Door*
4th Level Spell	Polymorph*
4th Level Spell	Wall of Fire
5th Level Spell	Danse Macabre
5th Level Spell	Telepathic Bond (R)
5th Level Spell	Wall of Force*
6th Level Spell	Contingency
6th Level Spell	Mass Suggestion*
6th Level Spell	Soul Cage (Necromancer)
7th Level Spell	Crown of Stars*
7th Level Spell	Finger of Death (Necromancer)
7th Level Spell	Teleport*

Seventh level spell time and another round of Necromancy Savant.

To be honest, you’re running out of good options at this point, but you can do worse than Finger of Death. Rather than constantly using this in battle, you’d be better off setting up a situation where you know you’re going to get a kill and use this to turn that target into a thrall. Since this is a permanent member of the squad, this is really powerful, but this is a high level spell slot so you have to be conservative about it.

For your spell choices, you get to pick up Crown of Stars and Teleport!

Crown of Stars is a good damage spell that can be set up ahead of time, requires no Concentration, and only takes future bonus actions. Nothing too showstopping, but very solid.

Teleport, on the other hand, is a really good utility spell to substantially cut down on travel time and can be a decent escape mechanism if you can get your party close enough to you when casting it.

---

Level 14

Class Feature: Command Undead

Spell Change Log: + Reverse Gravity + Simulacrum

SPELL LEVEL	SPELL NAME
Cantrip	Fire Bolt
Cantrip	Light (Aasimar)
Cantrip	Mage Hand
Cantrip	Minor Illusion
Cantrip	Prestidigitation
Cantrip	Toll the Dead
1st Level Spell	Absorb Elements*
1st Level Spell	Comprehend Languages (R)
1st Level Spell	Detect Magic (R)
1st Level Spell	False Life (Necromancy)
1st Level Spell	Feather Fall*
1st Level Spell	Find Familiar (R)
1st Level Spell	Magic Missile
1st Level Spell	Shield*
1st Level Spell	Silvery Barbs*
2nd Level Spell	Augury (R)
2nd Level Spell	Blindness/Deafness (Necromancy)
2nd Level Spell	Misty Step*
2nd Level Spell	Scorching Ray*
2nd Level Spell	Suggestion*
2nd Level Spell	Web
3rd Level Spell	Animate Dead* (Undead Thralls)
3rd Level Spell	Counterspell*
3rd Level Spell	Dispel Magic*
3rd Level Spell	Fly
3rd Level Spell	Hypnotic Pattern*
3rd Level Spell	Speak with Dead (Necromancy)
3rd Level Spell	Summon Undead (Necromancy)
3rd Level Spell	Tiny Hut (R)
4th Level Spell	Conjure Minor Elementals*
4th Level Spell	Dimension Door*
4th Level Spell	Polymorph*
4th Level Spell	Wall of Fire
5th Level Spell	Danse Macabre
5th Level Spell	Telepathic Bond (R)
5th Level Spell	Wall of Force*
6th Level Spell	Contingency
6th Level Spell	Mass Suggestion*
6th Level Spell	Soul Cage (Necromancer)
7th Level Spell	Crown of Stars*
7th Level Spell	Finger of Death (Necromancer)
7th Level Spell	Reverse Gravity*
7th Level Spell	Simulacrum
7th Level Spell	Teleport*

You get your final subclass feature with Command Undead, so if you didn’t have enough undead yet, you can try to take control of enemy undead as well! This likely won’t happen often, but the few times it does, this will be a new friend of yours.

For your spell choices you can grab Reverse Gravity and Simulacrum.

Reverse Gravity is a unique CC spell that, as the spell states, reverses gravity. The spell itself is a little ambiguous as what exactly happens when an enemy makes the save is unclear, but this spell is brutal for any enemy who primarily (or exclusively) attacks at melee range.

Simulacrum, while a spell you won’t prepare often, is very messed up. This will break easily and none of the spells nor abilities refresh, but having a mini-me can be invaluable if you know you’re heading into a really tough encounter. Look to prepare this only if you intend on spending a day to cast this rather than having it perpetually prepared. Furthermore, remember that any spells you have prepared on the day you cast this will be what it has access to, so be mindful of that.

---

Level 15

Spell Change Log: + Clone (Necromancy) + Dominate Monster + Maze

SPELL LEVEL	SPELL NAME
Cantrip	Fire Bolt
Cantrip	Light (Aasimar)
Cantrip	Mage Hand
Cantrip	Minor Illusion
Cantrip	Prestidigitation
Cantrip	Toll the Dead
1st Level Spell	Absorb Elements*
1st Level Spell	Comprehend Languages (R)
1st Level Spell	Detect Magic (R)
1st Level Spell	False Life (Necromancy)
1st Level Spell	Feather Fall*
1st Level Spell	Find Familiar (R)
1st Level Spell	Magic Missile
1st Level Spell	Shield*
1st Level Spell	Silvery Barbs*
2nd Level Spell	Augury (R)
2nd Level Spell	Blindness/Deafness (Necromancy)
2nd Level Spell	Misty Step*
2nd Level Spell	Scorching Ray*
2nd Level Spell	Suggestion*
2nd Level Spell	Web
3rd Level Spell	Animate Dead* (Undead Thralls)
3rd Level Spell	Counterspell*
3rd Level Spell	Dispel Magic*
3rd Level Spell	Fly
3rd Level Spell	Hypnotic Pattern*
3rd Level Spell	Speak with Dead (Necromancy)
3rd Level Spell	Summon Undead (Necromancy)
3rd Level Spell	Tiny Hut (R)
4th Level Spell	Conjure Minor Elementals*
4th Level Spell	Dimension Door*
4th Level Spell	Polymorph*
4th Level Spell	Wall of Fire
5th Level Spell	Danse Macabre
5th Level Spell	Telepathic Bond (R)
5th Level Spell	Wall of Force*
6th Level Spell	Contingency
6th Level Spell	Mass Suggestion*
6th Level Spell	Soul Cage (Necromancer)
7th Level Spell	Crown of Stars*
7th Level Spell	Finger of Death (Necromancer)
7th Level Spell	Reverse Gravity*
7th Level Spell	Simulacrum
7th Level Spell	Teleport*
8th Level Spell	Clone (Necromancy)
8th Level Spell	Dominate Monster
8th Level Spell	Maze*

You’re almost at ninth level spells, but until then, you get eighth level spells and another Necromancy Savant spell!

Once again, you’re still pretty much out of free spell options, but you can pick up Clone.

Clone is a super weird spell that lets you have a fresh body in storage as needed. This can be awkward as you’ll be brought back without any of your items, but that is probably better than dying a permanent death.

For your spell choices, you can grab Dominate Monster and Maze.

While really swingy, Dominate Monster is one of the highest impact (and swingiest) spells in the game that can instantly end an encounter if the target fails their save. While that may be hard when more and more enemies have legendary resistances, when this works, it is unbelievable.

Maze is always a fun one as Intelligence saving throws are pretty hard to pass for most characters, and if you’re facing an enemy with a negative bonus to Intelligence, they literally can’t escape (barring your DM doesn’t rule nat 20s as auto-successes no matter the DC like Baldur’s Gate 3 does), making this excellent.

---

Level 16

Feat: Constitution to 18

Spell Change Log: + Antimagic Field + Antipathy/Sympathy

SPELL LEVEL	SPELL NAME
Cantrip	Fire Bolt
Cantrip	Light (Aasimar)
Cantrip	Mage Hand
Cantrip	Minor Illusion
Cantrip	Prestidigitation
Cantrip	Toll the Dead
1st Level Spell	Absorb Elements*
1st Level Spell	Comprehend Languages (R)
1st Level Spell	Detect Magic (R)
1st Level Spell	False Life (Necromancy)
1st Level Spell	Feather Fall*
1st Level Spell	Find Familiar (R)
1st Level Spell	Magic Missile
1st Level Spell	Shield*
1st Level Spell	Silvery Barbs*
2nd Level Spell	Augury (R)
2nd Level Spell	Blindness/Deafness (Necromancy)
2nd Level Spell	Misty Step*
2nd Level Spell	Scorching Ray*
2nd Level Spell	Suggestion*
2nd Level Spell	Web
3rd Level Spell	Animate Dead* (Undead Thralls)
3rd Level Spell	Counterspell*
3rd Level Spell	Dispel Magic*
3rd Level Spell	Fly
3rd Level Spell	Hypnotic Pattern*
3rd Level Spell	Speak with Dead (Necromancy)
3rd Level Spell	Summon Undead (Necromancy)
3rd Level Spell	Tiny Hut (R)
4th Level Spell	Conjure Minor Elementals*
4th Level Spell	Dimension Door*
4th Level Spell	Polymorph*
4th Level Spell	Wall of Fire
5th Level Spell	Danse Macabre
5th Level Spell	Telepathic Bond (R)
5th Level Spell	Wall of Force*
6th Level Spell	Contingency
6th Level Spell	Mass Suggestion*
6th Level Spell	Soul Cage (Necromancer)
7th Level Spell	Crown of Stars*
7th Level Spell	Finger of Death (Necromancer)
7th Level Spell	Reverse Gravity*
7th Level Spell	Simulacrum
7th Level Spell	Teleport*
8th Level Spell	Antimagic Field
8th Level Spell	Antipathy/Sympathy
8th Level Spell	Clone (Necromancy)
8th Level Spell	Dominate Monster*
8th Level Spell	Maze*

You get your final feat, and while not super exciting, getting 18 Constitution for the most health and best saves possible is where you want to be.

This is kind of a gap level where you don’t need anything in particular, but you still get some solid options with Antimagic Field and Antipathy/Sympathy.

This is yet another spell you won’t need often, but Antimagic Field can be really potent in the right scenarios. Need to make magic worthless? Here’s your solution.

Antipathy/Sympathy is a super weird spell that you really have to prepare ahead of time, but if you have a grand plan of luring an enemy into a known location, this is a spell you’ll probably have interest in.

---

Level 17

Spell Change Log: + Magic Jar (Necromancy) + True Polymorph + Wish

SPELL LEVEL	SPELL NAME
Cantrip	Fire Bolt
Cantrip	Light (Aasimar)
Cantrip	Mage Hand
Cantrip	Minor Illusion
Cantrip	Prestidigitation
Cantrip	Toll the Dead
1st Level Spell	Absorb Elements*
1st Level Spell	Comprehend Languages (R)
1st Level Spell	Detect Magic (R)
1st Level Spell	False Life (Necromancy)
1st Level Spell	Feather Fall*
1st Level Spell	Find Familiar (R)
1st Level Spell	Magic Missile
1st Level Spell	Shield*
1st Level Spell	Silvery Barbs*
2nd Level Spell	Augury (R)
2nd Level Spell	Blindness/Deafness (Necromancy)
2nd Level Spell	Misty Step*
2nd Level Spell	Scorching Ray*
2nd Level Spell	Suggestion*
2nd Level Spell	Web
3rd Level Spell	Animate Dead* (Undead Thralls)
3rd Level Spell	Counterspell*
3rd Level Spell	Dispel Magic*
3rd Level Spell	Fly
3rd Level Spell	Hypnotic Pattern*
3rd Level Spell	Speak with Dead (Necromancy)
3rd Level Spell	Summon Undead (Necromancy)
3rd Level Spell	Tiny Hut (R)
4th Level Spell	Conjure Minor Elementals*
4th Level Spell	Dimension Door*
4th Level Spell	Polymorph*
4th Level Spell	Wall of Fire
5th Level Spell	Danse Macabre
5th Level Spell	Telepathic Bond (R)
5th Level Spell	Wall of Force*
6th Level Spell	Contingency
6th Level Spell	Magic Jar (Necromancy)
6th Level Spell	Mass Suggestion*
6th Level Spell	Soul Cage (Necromancer)
7th Level Spell	Crown of Stars*
7th Level Spell	Finger of Death (Necromancer)
7th Level Spell	Reverse Gravity
7th Level Spell	Simulacrum
7th Level Spell	Teleport*
8th Level Spell	Antimagic Field
8th Level Spell	Antipathy/Sympathy
8th Level Spell	Clone (Necromancy)
8th Level Spell	Dominate Monster*
8th Level Spell	Maze*
9th Level Spell	True Polymorph*
9th Level Spell	Wish*

If you’ve made it this far in your campaign, congratulations as stuff gets weird at this point with some ninth level spells and your final Necromancy Savant spell.

For your Necromancy Savant spell, you may as well pick up Magic Jar.

This spell is weird, but if you’ve made it this far, maybe you’re interested in weird. You can use this to swap bodies with someone, and why you’d want to do this, I have no idea, but why not?

For your actual spell choices, you have to pick up True Polymorph and Wish as they are two of the most game breaking spells out there.

True Polymorph has all the advantages of Polymorph, but you get to pick from any creature that’s your CR or lower, and if you hold Concentration for an hour, the change is permanent* (once you lose the temp HP pool, you revert, but this is still pretty good). While the old version of this spell was stronger, you can use the “permanent” transformation more liberally as you can always revert once you take enough damage. Better yet, once your Simulacrum has almost run its course, you can just permanently change it into a huge threat to get more use out of it!

Wish is the best spell in the game, but can come with some real drawbacks depending on what you wish for, one of them being the potential to lose the ability to cast Wish. You can safely replicate eighth level spell effects or lower, but it’s just pure chaos from that point. Know who wouldn’t mind casting Wish though? Your Simulacrum! Make them cast the Wish for you and then True Polymorph them into something better. What a combo!

---

Level 18

Class Feature: Spell Mastery (False Life/Suggestion)

Spell Change Log: + Meteor Swarm + Shapechange

SPELL LEVEL	SPELL NAME
Cantrip	Fire Bolt
Cantrip	Light (Aasimar)
Cantrip	Mage Hand
Cantrip	Minor Illusion
Cantrip	Prestidigitation
Cantrip	Toll the Dead
1st Level Spell	Absorb Elements*
1st Level Spell	Comprehend Languages (R)
1st Level Spell	Detect Magic (R)
1st Level Spell	False Life (Necromancy)
1st Level Spell	Feather Fall*
1st Level Spell	Find Familiar (R)
1st Level Spell	Magic Missile
1st Level Spell	Shield*
1st Level Spell	Silvery Barbs*
2nd Level Spell	Augury (R)
2nd Level Spell	Blindness/Deafness (Necromancy)
2nd Level Spell	Misty Step*
2nd Level Spell	Scorching Ray*
2nd Level Spell	Suggestion*
2nd Level Spell	Web
3rd Level Spell	Animate Dead* (Undead Thralls)
3rd Level Spell	Counterspell*
3rd Level Spell	Dispel Magic*
3rd Level Spell	Fly
3rd Level Spell	Hypnotic Pattern*
3rd Level Spell	Speak with Dead (Necromancy)
3rd Level Spell	Summon Undead (Necromancy)
3rd Level Spell	Tiny Hut (R)
4th Level Spell	Conjure Minor Elementals*
4th Level Spell	Dimension Door*
4th Level Spell	Polymorph*
4th Level Spell	Wall of Fire
5th Level Spell	Danse Macabre
5th Level Spell	Telepathic Bond (R)
5th Level Spell	Wall of Force*
6th Level Spell	Contingency
6th Level Spell	Magic Jar (Necromancy)
6th Level Spell	Mass Suggestion*
6th Level Spell	Soul Cage (Necromancer)
7th Level Spell	Crown of Stars*
7th Level Spell	Finger of Death (Necromancer)
7th Level Spell	Reverse Gravity
7th Level Spell	Simulacrum
7th Level Spell	Teleport*
8th Level Spell	Antimagic Field
8th Level Spell	Antipathy/Sympathy
8th Level Spell	Clone (Necromancy)
8th Level Spell	Dominate Monster*
8th Level Spell	Maze*
9th Level Spell	Meteor Swarm
9th Level Spell	Shapechange*
9th Level Spell	True Polymorph*
9th Level Spell	Wish*

With level 18 you get an innocuously powerful ability in Spell Mastery. Unfortunately this ability got nerfed so you have to pick spells that have a cast timing of one action, so you have to pick up False Life and Suggestion. Unfortunately, none of your first level spell choices are great, but False Life is ok if you can justify ever preparing it for free temporary health. For your second level spell, I like Suggestion. Suggestion is going to be a solid spell no matter the level, so may as well get it for free!

In terms of spells, you get two more excellent ninth level options with Meteor Swarm and Shapechange.

Meteor Swarm is the best damage spell in the game, hands down. With a massive AOE and incredible damage, this can flatten enemies in an instant, but can be dangerous to use when your allies are also on the battlefield. Powerful, yet a bit unwieldy.

Shapechange does a very similar thing as True Polymorph, but instead of being able to make the transformation permanent, you can change forms in order to reset health and any other abilities the new form you’re switching to will have. Excellent for tough fights, just a bit less versatile than True Polymorph.

---

Level 19

Epic Boon: Boon of Fate

Spell Change Log: + Plane Shift + Gate

SPELL LEVEL	SPELL NAME
Cantrip	Fire Bolt
Cantrip	Light (Aasimar)
Cantrip	Mage Hand
Cantrip	Minor Illusion
Cantrip	Prestidigitation
Cantrip	Toll the Dead
1st Level Spell	Absorb Elements*
1st Level Spell	Comprehend Languages (R)
1st Level Spell	Detect Magic (R)
1st Level Spell	False Life (Necromancy)
1st Level Spell	Feather Fall*
1st Level Spell	Find Familiar (R)
1st Level Spell	Magic Missile
1st Level Spell	Shield*
1st Level Spell	Silvery Barbs*
2nd Level Spell	Augury (R)
2nd Level Spell	Blindness/Deafness (Necromancy)
2nd Level Spell	Misty Step*
2nd Level Spell	Scorching Ray*
2nd Level Spell	Suggestion*
2nd Level Spell	Web
3rd Level Spell	Animate Dead* (Undead Thralls)
3rd Level Spell	Counterspell*
3rd Level Spell	Dispel Magic*
3rd Level Spell	Fly
3rd Level Spell	Hypnotic Pattern*
3rd Level Spell	Speak with Dead (Necromancy)
3rd Level Spell	Summon Undead (Necromancy)
3rd Level Spell	Tiny Hut (R)
4th Level Spell	Conjure Minor Elementals*
4th Level Spell	Dimension Door*
4th Level Spell	Polymorph*
4th Level Spell	Wall of Fire
5th Level Spell	Danse Macabre
5th Level Spell	Telepathic Bond (R)
5th Level Spell	Wall of Force*
6th Level Spell	Contingency
6th Level Spell	Magic Jar (Necromancy)
6th Level Spell	Mass Suggestion*
6th Level Spell	Soul Cage (Necromancer)
7th Level Spell	Crown of Stars*
7th Level Spell	Finger of Death (Necromancer)
7th Level Spell	Plane Shift
7th Level Spell	Reverse Gravity*
7th Level Spell	Simulacrum
7th Level Spell	Teleport*
8th Level Spell	Antimagic Field
8th Level Spell	Antipathy/Sympathy
8th Level Spell	Clone (Necromancy)
8th Level Spell	Dominate Monster*
8th Level Spell	Maze*
9th Level Spell	Gate
9th Level Spell	Meteor Swarm
9th Level Spell	Shapechange*
9th Level Spell	True Polymorph*
9th Level Spell	Wish*

Level 19 brings your Epic Boon, and it’s hard to go wrong with Boon of Fate. Being able to potentially turn a failure into a success and vice versa, even if it’s once per short or long rest, can be the difference between surviving an encounter and not.

For your spell choices, I like picking up Plane Shift and Gate.

Plane Shift is not a spell you’ll need often, but if you need to get onto a different plane, this is how you’d do it.

Similarly, Gate is super weird and you’ll only want it for niche scenarios, but being able to use it for extraplanar transport or to forcibly bring an extraplanar entity to you is really nice. Not many use cases, but really helpful when you need it.

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Level 20

Class Feature: Signature Spells (Counterspell/Dispel Magic)

Spell Change Log: + Forcecage + Demiplane

SPELL LEVEL	SPELL NAME
Cantrip	Fire Bolt
Cantrip	Light (Aasimar)
Cantrip	Mage Hand
Cantrip	Minor Illusion
Cantrip	Prestidigitation
Cantrip	Toll the Dead
1st Level Spell	Absorb Elements*
1st Level Spell	Comprehend Languages (R)
1st Level Spell	Detect Magic (R)
1st Level Spell	False Life (Necromancy)
1st Level Spell	Feather Fall*
1st Level Spell	Find Familiar (R)
1st Level Spell	Magic Missile
1st Level Spell	Shield*
1st Level Spell	Silvery Barbs*
2nd Level Spell	Augury (R)
2nd Level Spell	Blindness/Deafness (Necromancy)
2nd Level Spell	Misty Step*
2nd Level Spell	Scorching Ray*
2nd Level Spell	Suggestion*
2nd Level Spell	Web
3rd Level Spell	Animate Dead* (Undead Thralls)
3rd Level Spell	Counterspell*
3rd Level Spell	Dispel Magic*
3rd Level Spell	Fly
3rd Level Spell	Hypnotic Pattern*
3rd Level Spell	Speak with Dead (Necromancy)
3rd Level Spell	Summon Undead (Necromancy)
3rd Level Spell	Tiny Hut (R)
4th Level Spell	Conjure Minor Elementals*
4th Level Spell	Dimension Door*
4th Level Spell	Polymorph*
4th Level Spell	Wall of Fire
5th Level Spell	Danse Macabre
5th Level Spell	Telepathic Bond (R)
5th Level Spell	Wall of Force*
6th Level Spell	Contingency
6th Level Spell	Magic Jar (Necromancy)
6th Level Spell	Mass Suggestion*
6th Level Spell	Soul Cage* (Necromancer)
7th Level Spell	Crown of Stars*
7th Level Spell	Finger of Death* (Necromancer)
7th Level Spell	Forcecage*
7th Level Spell	Plane Shift
7th Level Spell	Reverse Gravity*
7th Level Spell	Simulacrum
7th Level Spell	Teleport*
8th Level Spell	Antimagic Field
8th Level Spell	Antipathy/Sympathy
8th Level Spell	Clone (Necromancy)
8th Level Spell	Demiplane
8th Level Spell	Dominate Monster*
8th Level Spell	Maze*
9th Level Spell	Gate
9th Level Spell	Meteor Swarm
9th Level Spell	Shapechange*
9th Level Spell	True Polymorph*
9th Level Spell	Wish*

For your final level up, you get an alright ability and your last two spells.

Signature Spells is similar to Spell Mastery, but you only get one free cast of the chosen spells per day. Still, as you get some spells for free, you’ll likely just want two excellent ones with Counterspell and Dispel Magic. Having free castings of two really important spells is great, and while picking both Counterspell and Dispel Magic may be a bit overkill, I like having as many chances to get these to work as possible.

For your final spell choices, I like picking up Forcecage and Demiplane.

Forcecage was the best CC spell in 5e, but with the nerfs, it’s still a reasonable, but costly option. That said, the 1,500 gp material component should be no issue for level 20 adventurers, so I like having this as a solid CC option at this point.

Demiplane is not a spell you want prepared often, but it can helped when you need to hide out somewhere, access your portable storehouse, or whatever other reason you may need this for.