War Caster

You have practiced casting spells in the midst of combat, learning techniques that grant you the following benefits:

Benefits

• Advantage on Concentration: You have advantage on Constitution saving throws that you make to maintain your concentration on a spell when you take damage.
• Somatic Components: You can perform the somatic components of spells even when you have weapons or a shield in one or both hands.
• Spell Opportunity Attacks: When a hostile creature's movement provokes an opportunity attack from you, you can use your reaction to cast a spell at the creature, rather than making an opportunity attack. The spell must have a casting time of 1 action and must target only that creature.

Analysis

War Caster is essential for gish builds (melee casters) and extremely valuable for any caster who expects to take damage. The advantage on concentration saves dramatically improves spell longevity. The ability to use weapons/shields while casting removes a major restriction. Spell opportunity attacks enable unique tactical options.

Best For

• Clerics: Frontline casters with shield and weapon
• Druids: Maintain concentration on powerful spells
• Paladins: Eldritch Knights and other gishes
• Sorcerers/Wizards: Who use Bladesinging or similar features
• Any Caster: Maintaining concentration on key spells

Popular Opportunity Attack Spells

• Booming Blade: High damage and movement control
• Shocking Grasp: Prevent reactions
• Dissonant Whispers: Force movement and damage