Dungeons & Dragons: Wild Shape, Explained

thegamer.com:

In Dungeons & Dragons, the Druid class is capable of casting powerful spells that utilize the power of nature. In addition to its impressive spellcasting capabilities, one of the most iconic elements of the Druid class is Wild Shape.

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Available to all Druids as early as level two, Wild Shape allows a druid to assume the form of an animal, gaining benefits based on the animal a Druid chooses to transform into. While this ability is incredibly versatile, benefiting a Druid both in and out of combat, it is among the most complex class features in the game. So we're going to explore everything you need to know about Wild Shape.

Wild Shape is a multifarious and flexible feature that can be used as an action up to two times per long rest, allowing a druid to assume the form of an animal for up to a number of hours equal to half the druid's level. By default, the types of animals that a Druid can become are based on their level. Druids can assume the forms of animals with the following challenge ratings and features based on their levels seen below:

Despite the fact that a Druid is taking on an animal form, it's important to note that while transformed the Druid retains their mind. This means that not only do they retain their Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma ability scores, but they retain their skill and saving throw proficiencies, even gaining any additional proficiencies that a given beast form may provide.

Additionally, while Druids are primarily spellcasters, Druids are incapable of casting spells whilst in their animal forms as they lack the means of using verbal and somatic components. However, it's important to note that Druids are still capable of concentrating