Shillelagh 5e: Wisdom Attacks and Quarterstaff Damage

I like Shillelagh for a druid who wants a dependable weapon without building around Strength. A wooden staff can use the same ability as your spells, and the enchantment leaves concentration available. This guide starts with the 2014 rules.

Shillelagh 5e Quick Spell Reference

How Do Shillelagh Attacks and Damage Work?

Cast the cantrip as a bonus action on a wooden club or quarterstaff you’re holding. For up to one minute, melee attacks you make with it can use your spellcasting ability in place of Strength for both the attack and damage rolls. The weapon’s damage die becomes 1d8, and the weapon becomes magical for the duration. You still make a melee weapon attack against Armor Class.

For example, a proficient druid with Wisdom 16 and a +2 proficiency bonus attacks at +5. A hit deals 1d8 + 3 bludgeoning damage. The attack uses a magical weapon, which matters against resistance limited to nonmagical attacks. Your spellcasting ability replaces Strength for this attack, and proficiency applies in the usual way. Druid guide · Damage resistance

Wisdom applies when you learn it as a druid spell. Check the feature that granted it if you learn it another way. For example, a 2014 Pact of the Tome warlock can choose Shillelagh as a warlock cantrip and use Charisma. The substitution is optional, so you can still use Strength if you prefer. Warlock guide

Can You Use a Quarterstaff and Shield?

Yes. A one-handed quarterstaff normally uses a d6, and Shillelagh raises that to a d8. Holding the enchanted staff in two hands also uses a d8 in 2014. If you’re proficient with shields, you can use a shield and swing the enchanted staff one-handed for the full spell damage.

Check your hands when you cast. You need to hold the weapon and be able to handle the material components or an eligible focus. If your staff also serves as your druidic focus, that hand can hold the focus and make the somatic gestures. If you use a component pouch or a separate focus, plan to have a hand available to handle it. Spell components and focuses

When Should You Cast It?

On your turn, you can cast Shillelagh as your bonus action and use the Attack action with the enchanted weapon. If you cast another spell on the same turn under the 2014 rules, that spell must be a cantrip with a casting time of one action. This makes the first turn a choice when you’d rather open with a leveled spell such as entangle. Bonus action spellcasting · Entangle

When you can anticipate a fight, casting before you approach can leave your first combat turn open for a different bonus action. Account for the one-minute duration and the verbal component when timing the approach. Once the cantrip is active, you can concentrate on a separate spell while making staff attacks. Concentration

When Does Shillelagh End?

The effect ends after one minute, when you cast Shillelagh again, or when you let go of the weapon. Dropping the staff or handing it to a companion ends the enchantment at once. Picking it back up leaves you free to cast again. While the effect is active, every eligible melee attack with that weapon can use the spell’s benefits, including a qualifying opportunity attack. Opportunity attacks

Shillelagh 2014 vs. 2024 Rules

The 2014 cantrip uses a d8 at every character level and makes the weapon magical. The 2024 version gives you a choice of Force damage or the weapon’s normal damage type on an affected hit. Its listed range is Self, and mistletoe is the listed material component. You still need to hold a club or quarterstaff to enchant it.

Character level	2014 weapon damage dice	2024 weapon damage dice
1–4	1d8	1d8
5–10	1d8	1d10
11–16	1d8	1d12
17–20	1d8	2d6

Shillelagh FAQ

Does 2014 Polearm Master use a d8 for the bonus attack?

The feat’s attack with the opposite end of the quarterstaff uses 1d4. Sage Advice confirms that its specified die applies even when the staff’s normal damage die has changed. The feat’s bonus action also needs to be available, so a turn spent casting Shillelagh uses the bonus action you would need for that attack.