Overview of Cleric Spells in Xanathar's Guide to Everything
Xanathar's Guide to Everything (XGtE) expands the cleric's spell options with new cantrips, prepared spell lists, ritual spells, and domain-relevant choices. This reference brings together every cleric spell presented in the supplement, explains how they interact with class features, and highlights practical uses for each level. You will find curated lists, quick rules clarifications, and guidance on selecting spells for both optimized builds and flexible play. The focus remains on clear, evergreen explanations that help you use these options at table regardless of campaign timing.
Spell Organization and Preparation in Cleric Play
How Clerics Learn and Prepare Spells from XGtE
Clerics prepare their spells from the class spell list, selecting from all cleric spells in XGtE that are on their domain's expanded list (if applicable) and from the general cleric list. A cleric can change their list of prepared spells after a long rest, and the number prepared is determined by their level and Wisdom modifier. Ritual spellcasting allows eligible cleric spells cast at higher level to also be performed as rituals, provided the cleric has the ritual feature and the spell has the ritual tag. These baseline rules frame how every new cleric option from XGtE is integrated into your repertoire.
Quick Reference: New Cleric Cantrips and Low-Level Options
- Cantrip options: Sacred Flame and Thaumaturgy remain core; Guidance is available as a bonus spell from the Magic Initiate feat, not as a cleric cantrip in XGtE.
- 1st-level staples: Bless, Command, Cure Wounds, Detect Magic, Detect Poison and Disease, Guidance (via feat), Healing Word, Identify, Protection from Evil and Good, and Thunderwave.
- Ritual value: Identify and Comprehend Languages are full cleric ritual spells, enabling resource-efficient utility at higher levels.
Core Cleric Spell Lists by Level in Xanathar's Guide
1st-Level Spells: Early Utility and Support
At 1st level, clerics gain access to foundational options that shape day-to-day adventuring. These include Bless for group offense, Command for versatile control, Cure Wounds and Healing Word for burst or sustained healing, and Detect Magic and Detect Poison and Disease for investigation. Protection from Evil and Good anchors your defensive toolkit, while Thunderwave adds battlefield control. Many of these remain optimal through higher tiers when combined with concentration strategies and domain choices.
2nd-Level and Mid-Tier Expansions
2nd-level cleric spells in XGtE include Calm Emotions, Detect Thoughts, Enhance Ability, Hold Person, Lesser Restoration, and Prayer of Healing, enabling more complex social and exploration plays. At 3rd level, clerics access Counterspell, Dispel Magic, Feign Death, Hardiness of Mind, and Spirit Guardians, broadening defensive and reactive options. By 4th and 5th levels, spells such as Aura of Life, Aura of Purity, Death Ward, Freedom of Movement, and Guardian of Faith support survivability and party mobility in demanding encounters.
Higher-Level and Niche Options in XGtE
Advanced cleric spells from XGtE highlight specialized roles. Mass Healing Word and Revivify emphasize burst healing, while Synesthesia, Transport via Plants, and Umbral Sight cater to exploration and niche problem solving. Spells such as Control Undead and Turn Undead (when available via subclass) reinforce anti-undead focus. The selection intentionally favors flexibility and thematic coherence over raw damage, aligning with cleric identities as support, control, or durable buffer/healers.
Ritual, Domain, and Feature Interactions
Ritual Casting for Clerics in XGtE
Several cleric spells in XGtE are eligible for ritual casting, including Identify, Comprehend Languages, Locate Object, and Remove Curse. Ritual casting conserves spell slots for utility and scouting, letting clerics contribute outside combat without depleting daily resources. This is especially valuable for non-damage focused domains and exploration-heavy campaigns. Note that the Devotion domain's additional features do not change ritual eligibility; they enhance abjuration and concentration support instead.
Domain Expansions and Spell Choices
| Domain | XGtE-Relevant Expansions or Guidance | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Devotion | Improved Channel Divinity options; synergy with concentration buffs like Prayer of Healing | XGtE core text |
| Forge | Expanded spell list including protection variants and combat buffs | XGtE expanded list |
| Grave | Interaction with necromancy opposition and Turn Undead usage | XGtE class text |
| Knowledge | Access to Identify, Legend Lore, and other ritual-friendly options | XGtE spell list |
| Life | Mass healing and durability focus; synergy with high-level healing spells | XGtE presentation |
| Light | Enhanced control in darkness and undead-focused scenarios | XGtE class description |
Subclass and Feature Considerations
Subclass features such as Twilight Sanctuary and Circle of the Moon Druid interactions may expand spell utility, but cleric spell rules in XGtE remain focused on the cleric class. Channel Divinity usage, timing, and resource trade-offs should be tracked alongside spell slot management. When comparing multiclass or feat routes (e.g., Magic Initiate for bonus cantrips), consider how each affects concentration, action economy, and ritual coverage.
Notable Mechanics and Practical Tips
Concentration, Slot Economy, and Action Choices
Many cleric spells from XGtE require concentration, limiting you to one at a time unless you use subclass features or specific items. Plan your concentration target around party needs: Healing Word and Aura of Life for burst sustain, or utility spells like Locate Object for exploration. Use bonus action spells such as Healing Word to maintain action economy, and reserve higher-level slots for critical waves or ritual utility on downtime days.
Spell Selection and Party Role Alignment
- Healer: Prioritize Healing Word, Mass Healing Word, Cure Wounds, and Revivify; consider Life domain for added durability.
- Controller/Support: Leverage Bless, Thunderwave, Command, and 2nd-level options like Calm Emotions; Protection from Evil and Good for defense.
- Exploration/Utility: Rituals like Identify, Comprehend Languages, Locate Object, and Remove Curse shine when slot conservation matters.
- Undead Focus: Turn Undead and Grave domain spells align strongly against undead-heavy campaigns.
Balance prepared spells between daily needs and contingency options; include at least one ritual and one action-efficient support spell per short rest window.
Compatibility and Common Questions
XGtE cleric spells follow standard rules for somatic and material components unless a feature waives them. Divine Intervention remains a separate, high-level class feature and is not part of the spell list. When in doubt, consult your DM about timing, spell list updates, or homebrew changes; XGtE text is consistent across official errata, and any corrections are typically minor and clearly documented in official sources.
Summary and Reference Takeaways
Xanathar's Guide to Everything enriches cleric play with a robust set of spells, rituals, and domain interactions. By understanding spell levels, concentration trade-offs, and ritual eligibility, you can build a versatile cleric capable of healing, control, support, and exploration. Use the lists above to plan your spell preparations, compare domain choices, and optimize your features for the campaign ahead. This reference is designed to stay useful across many sessions, helping you make confident, consistent choices with every cleric spell from XGtE.