Shillelagh DnD 5e: Mechanics and Guide To Use

Spell Description:

The wood of a club or quarterstaff you are holding is imbued with nature’s power. For the duration, you can use your spellcasting ability instead of Strength for the attack and damage rolls of melee attacks using that weapon, and the weapon’s damage die becomes a d8.

The weapon also becomes magical, if it isn’t already. The spell ends if you cast it again or if you let go of the weapon.

What Is Shillelagh?

Shillelagh might be the most iconic Druid spell in Dungeons & Dragons. Besides its amusing name, Shillelagh alters a wooden club or quarterstaff. It raises the damage of the club or quarterstaff to a d8 if the weapon does not already have damage that great.

More importantly, it allows the caster to use their spellcasting modifier when attack with the weapon.

Who Can Cast Shillelagh?

Shillelagh is a Druid cantrip. Bards can take the spell with their Magical Secrets feature, available to all Bards by 10th level.

When and Where Should I Cast Shillelagh?

Shillelagh is an excellent early damaging spell. It gets out-scaled by Primal Savagery at the 5th level when the two cantrips get their first upgrade, but Shillelagh has the highest early level damage within the Druid cantrip list.

Why Should I Take Shillelagh?

Big damage, you get to look cool, and you get to shout “shillelagh!”, what’s not to love?

Alternatives to Shillelagh

• Primal Savagery

Common Questions About Shillelagh

Is Shillelagh a spell attack?

No. Shillelagh imbues a weapon with Druidic magic, which can then be used to make a weapon attack.

Is Shillelagh a melee weapon attack?

No. Shillelagh is not an attack in and of itself.

Is Shillelagh a magic weapon?

A weapon imbued with Shillelagh is considered to be a magical weapon.

Does Shillelagh get a Spell Attack bonus?

No. Shillelagh is not a spell attack and would not get the spell attack bonus.