Crafting a Land Druid Circle in DnD: A Step-by-Step Guide

Understanding the Circle of the Land Druid in Dungeons & Dragons

In Dungeons & Dragons, druids are generally divided into two types: one that transforms into animals and charges into battle, and another that harnesses nature’s forces to eliminate evil. The Circle of the Land druids fall firmly into the latter category.

If your aim is to be a spellcasting druid who focuses on magic, then you should choose the Circle of the Land. These druids gain access to powerful spells based on their chosen terrain, along with a unique ability to recover spell slots during short rests, similar to wizards. Keep reading to discover how to master the role of a nature-inspired support caster by selecting the Circle of the Land.

Circle of the Land Druid Features

Opting for the Circle of the Land grants you the full spectrum of nature-infused magic. At level 2, you learn an additional cantrip and gain the Nature’s Recovery ability, enabling you to regain spell slots equal to half your druid level (rounded down) with every short rest.

Upon reaching level 3, you’ll start learning Circle Spells. The specific spells you acquire depend on the terrain type you’ve selected, as detailed in the following sections.

Terrain-Based Spell Selections

Here’s a look at the spells you can learn based on different terrains:

Arctic

Druid Level	Spells
Third Level	[Empty]
Fifth Level	[Empty]
Seventh Level	Freedom of Movement, Ice Storm
Ninth Level	Commune with Nature, Cone of Cold

Coast

Druid Level	Spells
Third Level	[Empty]
Fifth Level	Water Breathing, Water Walk
Seventh Level	Control Water, Freedom of Movement
Ninth Level	Conjure Elemental, Scrying

Desert

Druid Level	Spells
Third Level	[Empty]
Fifth Level	Create Food and Water, Protection from Energy
Seventh Level	Blight, Hallucinatory Terrain
Ninth Level	Insect Plague, Wall of Stone

Forest

Druid Level	Spells
Third Level	[Empty]
Fifth Level	Call Lightning, Plant Growth
Seventh Level	Divination, Freedom of Movement
Ninth Level	Commune With Nature, Tree Stride

Mountain

Druid Level	Spells
Third Level	Spider Climb, Spike Growth
Fifth Level	Lightning Bolt, Meld Into Stone
Seventh Level	[Empty]
Ninth Level	[Empty]

Grassland

Druid Level	Spells
Third Level	Invisibility, Pass Without Trace
Fifth Level	[Empty]
Seventh Level	Divination, Freedom of Movement
Ninth Level	[Empty]

Swamp

Druid Level	Spells
Third Level	[Empty]
Fifth Level	Water Walk, Stinking Cloud
Seventh Level	Freedom of Movement, Locate Creature
Ninth Level	[Empty]

Underdark

Druid Level	Spells
Third Level	[Empty]
Fifth Level	Gaseous Form, Stinking Cloud
Seventh Level	Greater Invisibility, Stone Shape
Ninth Level	[Empty]

As you can see, while some terrains offer fewer spells, you can switch among options depending on the needs of your adventure.

Key Features and Abilities

Upon reaching level 6, you’ll gain Land’s Stride, allowing you to traverse non-magical difficult terrains effortlessly. You won’t take damage from non-magical plants either. At level 10, Nature’s Ward grants immunity against charm and fear effects from fey and elementals, while also providing immunity to poison and diseases.

At level 14, Nature’s Sanctuary enables plants and creatures to make a Wisdom saving throw before they can attack you. If they fail, they must target someone else or miss their attack.

2024 Player’s Handbook Updates

Changes in the 2024 Handbook adjust how Circle of the Land druids engage with their chosen terrain. While spellcasting remains their primary feature, your options have become more streamlined. You can now swap your selected land during a long rest, allowing more flexibility in your spellcasting strategy.

Selecting the Best Species for Your Druid

Any D&D species can embrace the path of nature, but some provide distinct advantages for a Circle of the Land druid:

Autognome: Access to Mending without using a spell slot and poison immunity.
Elf: High-elf subclass offers access to a useful wizard cantrip like Produce Flame.
Firbolg: Receive Disguise Self and Detect Magic, plus the ability to communicate with plants and animals.
Human: Variants provide early access to a free feat, giving an edge in spellcasting.

Best Ability Scores

To maximize your potential as a Circle of the Land druid, focus on Wisdom (for spellcasting) and Constitution (to maintain concentration and improve hit points). Ideally, your score distribution might look like this when using the point buy method:

Strength	Dexterity	Constitution	Intelligence	Wisdom	Charisma
8(-1)	14(+2)	16(+3)	10(0)	17(+3)	8(-1)

Starting Equipment Recommendations

Your equipment choices should primarily support your spellcasting goals. Opt for a wooden shield over a weapon, along with either a quarterstaff or a sling for cantrip use. For armor, leather armor, an explorer’s pack, and a druidic focus will set you up nicely for your adventures.

Ideal Spells for Your Circle of the Land Druid

Given the importance of spells to your role, here are some solid choices across different levels:

Cantrips: Guidance, Produce Flame, Thorn Whip
1st Level: Animal Friendship, Detect Magic, Goodberry
2nd Level: Enhance Ability, Lesser Restoration
3rd Level: Conjure Animals, Revive
4th Level: Dominate Beast, Polymorph
5th Level: Greater Restoration, Awaken
6th Level: Heal, Sunbeam
7th Level: Fire Storm, Plane Shift
8th Level: Earthquake, Tsunami
9th Level: Shapechange, True Resurrection

By choosing your spells wisely, you can optimize your spellcasting prowess and make a significant impact in-game, embodying the full essence of nature in your adventures.