Choosing spells in tabletop RPGs can feel like preparing for an exam. There are hundreds of options, limited slots, pressure to optimize, and a fear that if you choose wrong, you'll ruin your entire character. But here's the truth: spell selection doesn’t have to be stressful—it can actually be one of the most rewarding and creative parts of your game.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll show you how to approach spell selection in a way that’s simple, fun, and customized to your character. Whether you’re playing on physical maps or using virtual tabletop maps and high resolution fantasy maps, this guide will help you choose spells that you’ll love using over and over.
We’ll also talk about how platforms like Fantasy Grounds, often overshadowed by other VTTs, can supercharge your spellcasting strategy—especially when paired with printable dungeon maps PDFs.
Why Spell Selection Feels Overwhelming — And How to Make It Easier
Let’s be honest: spell lists are huge. Just in 5e D&D alone, there are over 300 spells. Add in homebrew content, expansions, or Pathfinder rules, and it’s no wonder new players panic. So why does it feel so daunting?
Common Stress Points:
- Fear of making “wrong” choices that don’t synergize with your class.
- Not knowing how spells work in actual gameplay versus what they look like on paper.
- Trying to maximize combat efficiency while also maintaining story relevance.
- Pressure from online “optimization” culture, which pushes min-maxing over creativity.
But guess what? The goal isn’t to find the mathematically perfect spellbook—it’s to build a spell list that fits your playstyle, party role, and campaign world.
Step 1: Know Your Party Role and Class Strengths
This might seem obvious, but it’s often overlooked. Start by asking yourself:
- Are you the main damage dealer?
- Is your character meant to support the party with buffs and debuffs?
- Will you be solving puzzles, talking to NPCs, or manipulating the environment?
Match Your Spell Types to Your Role
| Role | Suggested Spell Types |
|---|---|
| Blaster | Fireball, Scorching Ray, Eldritch Blast |
| Controller | Web, Hold Person, Hypnotic Pattern |
| Support/Buff | Bless, Aid, Haste |
| Utility/Explorer | Detect Magic, Feather Fall, Invisibility |
| Healer | Healing Word, Lesser Restoration, Mass Cure Wounds |
Understanding your intended role helps filter out spells you don’t need. This makes your selection process much faster and more focused.
Step 2: Build Around a Theme — Not Just Power
Here’s where things get fun. Instead of just picking spells because they’re “strong,” think about what makes your character thematically unique.
For example:
- A fey-touched warlock might focus on illusion and charm spells.
- A storm sorcerer could take lightning and wind-themed spells like Thunderwave, Gust of Wind, and Call Lightning.
- A grave cleric might lean into necrotic and anti-undead spells, like Gentle Repose or Revivify.
Choosing spells that reinforce your backstory or character theme helps your gameplay feel cohesive and immersive—not just effective.
Step 3: Use a Balanced Spell Selection Strategy
Rather than guessing, use this structure to round out your spell list. Try to include at least one spell from each of the following categories:
- Combat: These spells directly deal damage or control the battlefield. Ex: Magic Missile, Burning Hands, Wall of Fire
- Utility: Spells that solve problems, reveal secrets, or assist exploration. Ex: Comprehend Languages, Detect Magic, Knock
- Roleplay / Social: These spells are great for creative storytelling or interacting with NPCs. Ex: Disguise Self, Suggestion, Zone of Truth
- Emergency / Defense: Think “panic button” spells that help you or your team escape trouble. Ex: Shield, Misty Step, Counterspell
| Category | Example Spell | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Combat | Scorching Ray | Reliable targeted damage |
| Utility | Identify | Discover magical item properties |
| Roleplay | Charm Person | Influence NPCs or diffuse tension |
| Emergency | Feather Fall | Save allies from fatal falling damage |
This balanced approach ensures you’re never unprepared—and it keeps the game dynamic and interesting.
Step 4: Pick Spells That Fit the Game Map Style
Your map environment plays a huge role in how effective your spells are. Players often underestimate how much better their experience becomes when spells interact with terrain and layout—and that’s where fantasy battle maps and virtual tabletop maps truly shine.
AoE, Range, and Line-of-Sight Matter More Than You Think
- A spell like Wall of Ice becomes a tactical masterpiece when you can visualize a narrow dungeon hallway.
- Fog Cloud is exponentially more useful when you can see enemy archers on the cliffs of a high resolution fantasy map.
- Entangle works wonders in overgrown forest maps—but is useless in a stone tomb.
By aligning your spells with map style and environment, you get more creative plays, more rewarding combos, and a better overall experience.
Step 5: Embrace the Power of Fantasy Grounds
Let’s talk platforms. Fantasy Grounds is one of the most powerful yet underutilized VTTs in the community. While other platforms like Roll20 and Foundry are widely used, Fantasy Grounds offers deep automation and smoother gameplay for spellcasters.
Benefits of Fantasy Grounds for Spellcasters:
- Automated spell effects (damage rolls, saving throws, durations)
- Built-in SRD spellbooks and expansions for multiple systems
- Real-time dynamic lighting and vision cones
- Easy integration with high resolution fantasy maps and custom grids
If you’re already using printable dungeon maps PDFs or custom terrain, uploading those into Fantasy Grounds creates a hybrid physical/digital setup that’s incredibly immersive—especially for spells involving traps, AoEs, or puzzles.
Bonus: Printable Spell Trackers + PDF Spell Lists
Having a visual spell tracker during your sessions (digital or physical) can drastically reduce confusion and speed up your decision-making.
Here’s a simple spell tracker layout you can print or integrate into your VTT:
| Spell Name | Level | Type | Concentration | Duration | Use Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Magic Missile | 1 | Combat | No | Instant | High |
| Disguise Self | 1 | Roleplay | No | 1 hour | Medium |
| Web | 2 | Control | Yes | 1 min | Medium |
| Feather Fall | 1 | Emergency | No | 1 min | Low |
Want to build your own custom sheet? Many players overlay printable trackers onto fantasy battle maps for a seamless tabletop experience.
Mistakes to Avoid When Picking Spells
Even experienced casters fall into these traps:
- Choosing Only Damage Spells: Combat spells are satisfying, but they don’t solve puzzles, reveal clues, or open locked doors. A balanced spell list creates more memorable moments.
- Ignoring Concentration Rules: Only one concentration spell can be active at a time. Don’t load up your list with Invisibility, Fly, Haste, Web, and Bless—you’ll end up wasting slots.
- Forgetting to Think Ahead: Are you in a desert campaign? Maybe skip Control Water. Headed into a volcano? Cold-based spells may get a lot of play. Consider your campaign’s environment and structure.
How Maps Bring Magic to Life
Pairing your spell list with virtual tabletop maps or printable dungeon maps PDFs transforms the game into something tangible and reactive.
Here’s how you can use maps to maximize spell impact:
- Plan Fireball placement visually to avoid hitting allies.
- Use Wall of Force to split enemy lines in a narrow corridor.
- Cast Passwall or Dimension Door through illustrated terrain for smart movement.
By using high resolution fantasy maps, you’re not just picking spells—you’re creating battlefield art.
Final Thoughts: Pick Spells That Spark Creativity, Not Just Efficiency
Picking spells should feel exciting, not like homework. Yes, some spells are better than others in certain situations—but the best spell is the one that fits your character, your world, and your fun.
Whether you’re slinging spells in-person with printed maps or diving into a digital dungeon with Fantasy Grounds, the right mix of theme, strategy, and creativity will make your magic memorable.
Level Up Your Spellcasting with RPG Tabletops
Need maps that match your magic? RPG Tabletops has everything a spellcaster needs to enhance gameplay:
- Fantasy battle maps tailored for wizards, clerics, druids, and warlocks
- Virtual tabletop maps that integrate seamlessly with Fantasy Grounds and other VTTs
- Printable dungeon maps PDFs for in-person or hybrid sessions
- High resolution fantasy maps that make AoE, terrain, and spell range easier to visualize
Start building the spell list you’ll love to cast again and again—and bring it to life with the right maps and tools.