Magic is a pillar of Dungeons & Dragons, and similarly, so is homebrew. Much like a wizard creating spells in their tower, homebrew is also a creation of sorts using the magic of imagination, where you create custom content to add to your games. Now with the internet and a D&D renaissance, homebrew is more popular than ever with videos, websites and even a section of the official DnDBeyond website dedicated to it.
Sometimes you come across the perfect item, weapon or spell that you just have to add to your game. Thankfully we got you sorted with some of the best homebrew spells for your Dungeons & Dragons campaigns.
6 Analyze Blood
Analyze Blood by AsMOdeus324159 is a first-level spell that gets better with each higher level it can be cast at. The spell allows for the casters to analyze a drop of blood that is no longer than a month old, and the same drop of blood is used as a material component of the spell. The spell is even more interesting, as there is something that you gain when you cast it at higher levels. For example, at one level, you can find out whether the creature is still alive, and then at a higher level, you can even determine if the creature is on the same plane as you.
It's rare for spells to have so many effects for each level above first, and to see a necromancy spell that isn't healing, but is more utility based. The spell would be a fine addition to most games and has options for different classes to take it, meaning that it's available for different classes to pick up and use.
5 Close Wound
Close Wound, a useful spell by Purius, is a homebrew cantrip, meaning it's a spell that'll be easy access to the classes that can cast it and is more tempting to be added to your arsenal. It's a basic healing spell that allows a single ally with one hit point to spend one of its Hit Dice, adding their Constitution modifier to the result. They regain hit points equal to the result, and like other cantrips, this spell improves with each character level. (You're able to let the target spend two Hit Dice at Level 5, three Hit Dice at Level 11, etc.)
This is a helpful spell, one that manages to achieve balance without being too overpowered. Though many D&D players dislike spells like Healing Word, which can get a player up and running with a bonus action, this spell isn't too powerful to not be considered a good addition to your game.
4 Origami
From the good spells to the absolutely fantastic, Origami by CaelReader is a tough one to rank. The spell lets the caster fold and magically animate a small piece of paper or similar material into an origami creature. The spell features different abilities, such as being able to make the origami creature a crane that can be directed to a location you know of within a mile to a flower, which then opens during the day and closes when it's night.
It's safe to say that this is a utilitarian spell, with its only downfall being that it isn't available for Rangers who'd likely get a lot more pull out of such a spell than other classes. Either way, this is an inventive and well-balanced spell that would be perfect for any campaigns focused on exploration.
3 Test Strike
Test Strike by GygaxFan is the type of spell that definitely seems made for intellectuals like the wizard. As a cantrip, the spell allows the caster to make an attack roll against a target. On a hit, the target suffers one point of non-magical slashing damage, non-magical bludgeoning damage and non-magical piercing damage. At higher levels, more damage types are unlocked such as fire, force, lightning and more.
Though the formatting of the spell is a little confusing, the spell itself is so good that it almost seems like an official spell from Wizards of the Coast. This is a clever way of allowing you to test for the resistances or immunities of different creatures, especially for something like a War Wizard who gets a boost to their initiative, and so can go first and test out the damage before other party members enter the fray.
2 Lavorre's Zone of Truth or Dare
Lavorre's Zone of Truth or Dare by JamesHaeck is one of those fun spells that once again seems so good that it's close to seeming like official content by Wizards of the Coast themselves. The spell is based on Zone of Truth, except this time with a twist. Instead of just a magical zone where creatures must tell a version of the truth depending on if they fail a saving throw, the target must answer truth or dare.
If it's truth, they must answer a certain question with some version of the truth (equivocating is allowed). But if it's a dare, unless the act puts them in danger, they have to carry it out. It's a fun little twist on an already great spell that is both well-designed and well-balanced.
1 Spellsteal
Spellsteal by Fly is the perfect homebrew spell. It is strong yet not overpowered, inspired but also unique enough that it has its own twist and recognisability. Spellsteal allows a caster to siphon a spell and be able to cast it on their next turn without the use of material components. The original caster still loses their spell slot as if they had cast the spell. If they do not cast the spell on their next turn, then the magical energy dissipates and the spell fails.
The spell can only steal spells that are first-level, except if it's cast a higher slot — then you can steal more powerful spells. This is a remarkable and well-balanced spell that does something every wizard dreams of, being able to absorb and redirect magic. It's a great concept that is done well and for that, it's one of the best homebrew spells to add to your campaign.