Does A Bard Have To Prepare Spells?

In D and D 5th edition, bards do not prepare spells and can cast them spontaneously. They work off of spells known, with every spell a bard has learned always prepared and ready to go. Bards have access to their full spell list but only know a limited number of spells. At 6th level, they learn two spells of their choice from any class, and a spell you choose must be of a level you can cast, as shown on the Bard table. You don’t need to have the spell prepared.

A musical instrument can be used as a spellcasting focus for bard spells. The chosen spells must be of a level for which you have spell slots. For example, if you’re a 3rd-level Bard, your list of prepared spells can include six.

Until level ten, you can only pick spells from the Bard list. Not every class has to do it; some, like bards and sorcerers, simply know a set number of spells. Any Bard may be prepared spellcaster via feats Corrupt Arcana and Arcane Preparation. Corrupt Arcana requires a certain level of skill and is a prerequisite for the Bard’s ability to cast a spell.

Bards are one of the most powerful 5e classes, but they are also one of the most difficult to learn. They have access to their full spell list but only know a limited number of spells. Bards should consider what they want their bard to excel at and have an even mix of combat magic and spells that can be used to trick opponents.