The rules of Dungeons & Dragons strive to have no one class be more powerful than others. Despite this, wizards have historically ranked as one of the most effective options available in many versions of the game. Furthermore, due to their iconic place in fantasy tropes, wizards often play major roles across fiction in many settings.
The annals of history for many D&D settings contain powerful wizards who resemble gods. These casters often change the world with every step they take. There are those wizards in D&D history who stand above all others. They range from great heroes to unstoppable villains and everything in between.
Updated March 20, 2024, by John Curtin: The lore of Dungeons and Dragons extends deep and is ever-expanding as players rediscover ancient legends and new heroes are born. This list is expanded to include more wizards of note and meet CBR’s current style guide.
25
Citizens Across the Realms Know Otiluke’s Spells
This Wizard Is the Council of Eight’s Contact in Waterdeep
Otiluke is an aggressive and powerful wizard whose sphere-related spells make the mage a household name for magic casters across the Realms. Otiluke is one of the members of Mordenakainen’s Circle Of Eight and the group’s primary contact in the Free City Of Greyhawk. While his membership in the Circle is a secret, he publically holds political power in the city as he looks out for the organization’s interests.
Otiluke’s most famous role in DnD wizarding history is as a victim – specifically, as one of the three archmages defeated by Rary of Ket when Rary betrayed the Circle Of Eight. While the Greyhawk setting published by TSR in 1991 canonized Otiluke’s death at Rary’s hands, current editions of the game restored Otiluke to life with no reference to his betrayal and death. DMs might use this old Greyhawk history to explain Otiluke’s notoriously unfriendly attitude as the defeated wizard stews over his former ally’s betrayal. While his mighty and innovative sphere spells ensure him a spot on the list, such a public defeat does set Otiluke low among the strongest wizards in D&D.
24
Vajra Safahr Is a Wizarding Prodigy and High Wizard of Waterdeep
Vajra Is the Youngest Person to Ever Hold the Title of Blackstaff
The High Wizard of Waterdeep has many roles and responsibilities commensurate with her power. She was handpicked by her predecessor, Khelben Arunsun, to take the artifact, office and title of Blackstaff. Supplementing the spiritual ancestral knowledge contained in the powerful and useful artifact, the Blackstaff, she has her own network of spies to help her in her duties to Waterdeep. If that weren’t enough, she also runs the Blackstaff Academy to train up-and-coming mages and directs elite city defenses when necessary.
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Vajra is an 18th-level spellcaster in her Waterdeep: Dragon Heist stat block, able to cast 9th-level spells. The ability to consult with all the previous wielders of the Blackstaff gives her untold millennia of experience from which to draw. Jealous spellcasters dislike her, but they fear her power enough to not challenge her. Her blend of magical and political power makes her a potent threat to those who threaten the peace of Waterdeep.
23
Keraptis Is the Mastermind Behind White Plume Mountain
This Legendary Wizard Was Chased Underground For His Cruelty but Lived Another 1300 Years
Keraptis is a long-forgotten name from the Greyhawk setting. An evil wizard who used his powers for tyranny and subjugation, he was eventually overthrown and pursued across the lands of Flanaess. When he found White Plume Mountain and heard the stories about the allegedly haunted mountain, the wizard and his most trusted guards vanished beneath the peak, not to be heard from for centuries.
Players and DMs might recognize the name Keraptis if they played “White Plume Mountain” out of the adventure anthology Tales from the Yawning Portal, where this mighty wizard machinates the theft of three powerful artifacts to taunt and tempt adventurers to dare his deadly dungeon. While the wizard does not show himself in the course of the adventure and thus has no concrete statistics to analyze, the massive fortress complex, cunning traps, and dedicated guardians bound and employed in the fortress all speak to Keraptis’ power and resources.
22
Zagig Yragerne Was the Builder of Castle Greyhawk
The Mad Architect Built His Castle From His Adventuring Spoils and Ascended to Demigod Status
One of the members of Greyhawk’s legendary adventuring group, The Company Of Seven, Zagig Yragerne, was a wizard who was Tasha’s mentor before her rise to become Iggwilv The Witch Queen. After a successful career as an adventurer, Zagig retired to build a fortress outside of the Free City Of Greyhawk from his spoils. He helped the city Greyhawk become a political power in Flanaess while delving deep beneath his castle until he could trap nine demigods and raise himself to godhood with fragments of their godly powers.
Taking the name Zagyg, the former archmage serves in the court of Boccob, a god of magic. His castle remains storied in the Greyhawk setting, not least because it was the original DnD dungeon. The original 13 basement levels of Zagig’s castle are based upon the original campaign Gary Gygax started to playtest the in-progress Dungeons and Dragons rules. Players who successfully navigated the deadly traps and dangers of the magical dungeon met the unhinged designer Zagig at the castle’s lowest point. Even the wizard’s name is a reverse homophone of Gygax, and the surname rearranges the writer’s first and middle names, Ernest Gary.
21
Jace Beleren Is One of the Most Powerful Mages in the MtG Multiverse
This Planeswalker Was the Living Guildpact of Ravnica and a Potent Telepath
Jace Beleren is a planeswalker from Vryn’s obscure plane. A sphinx trained Jace as a teenager, helping him become a powerful mindmage and telepath. When Jace discovered that his teacher had betrayed him and kept a powerful secret about Jace’s powers from him, Jace erased his teacher’s mind and instinctively planeswalked away to Ravnica. Jace’s mastery of mental magic makes him adept at illusions and telepathy and able to put people to sleep, erase memories, or unravel entire minds. Jace’s abilities have served him in his adventures across Magic: The Gathering‘s Multiverse, where he is a powerful and respected leader and general of forces across multiple planes.
Jace’s arrival in Dungeons and Dragons came in Guildmaster’s Guide To Ravnica, where Jace had a critical civic role: serving as the Living Guildpact. Any law that Jace verbally affirmed in this magical duty received a magic-driven binding force. With Jace’s many obligations across the Multiverse, he is not always present in Ravnica, but given that he was able to unravel and defeat multiple Guild machinations even without his Guildpact powers, he remains one of the strongest wizards to appear in D&D.
20
Gale Dekarios’ Quest for Arcane Power and Recognition Was Almost His Downfall
Hailing From the Sword Coast, He Now Threatens Waterdeep With His Secret
Baldur’s Gate 3 begins all of its origin characters at level 1. However, many characters are far more powerful before the story, including the human wizard Gale Dekarios. Gale’s ambitions include becoming the most powerful wizard in all of Faerun, surpassing his old teacher Elmnister, and even rising to godhood if given the opportunity. His handle on the weave was so strong, he even impressed the goddess of magic, Mystra, and became her lover for a time.
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Unfortunately, in his hubris, Gale’s most impressive feat of magic backfired. He attempted to access a long-forgotten fragment of the Weave so he could return it to Mystra and prove not just his talent, but his worth when it came to accessing her most well-kept secrets. What Gale didn’t know, however, was that the fragment didn’t belong to Mystra, and dark magic within overtook him. With a Netherese destruction orb trapped within his body, he’s forced to feed it magical objects in order to keep it from killing him, but it’s a stopgap measure that won’t hold out forever. With his days numbered, and the device in his chest threatening to explode and take out a city-sized area if he doesn’t keep it suppressed, none can deny that Gale of Waterdeep is immensely powerful, but the power he has now is different from general arcane spellcasting.
19
Introduced in the Dragonlance Chronicles, Dalamar’s Craving for Power Turned Him Dark
Raistlin’s Former Apprentice Is a Mighty Wizard in His Own Right
Dalamar is a D&D wizard and sylvanesti elf from the Dragonlance world setting, known for its lower power level than many other worlds. Nonetheless, he became an accomplished arcane practitioner who could easily rank himself among the most powerful D&D wizards. Dalamar is a former apprentice of the iconic Raistlin Majere who has since delved into many powerful forbidden arts like necromancy, earning him the aliases Dalamar the Dark or Dalamar Nightson.
Dalamar has been Highmage of the Conclave for a time in D&D‘s Dragonlance setting, an iconic position few wizards can actually reach. In fact, he’s so powerful not even death can stop him. Despite being slain during the War of Souls, Dalamar was resurrected and continued to carry out his duties for the Order of High Sorcerer. He is also associated with the powerful wizards Mordekainen and Elminster through a group known as the Wizards Three, being three of the most famous wizards in D&D fiction.
18
Rary of Ket Betrayed His Circle In an Effort to Control Their Ability to Make Peace
He Fled His Homeland For the Brightlands After Defeating Three Other Archmages
Rary is an infamous and reviled wizard from the Greyhawk D&D setting. He’s a former ally of other famous D&D wizards like Bigby, Mordenkainen, and Otiluke. However, Rary’s greatest act is also his most notorious. Rary is known for betraying the Circle of Eight and living to tell the tale, earning him the epithet Rary the Traitor.
Even joining the Circle of Eight requires immense prowess. Rary dueled three of his fellows and walked away nearly unscathed. In an effort to keep the peace among the incredibly quarrelsome circle, he killed Tenser and Otiluke, and left Bigby heavily wounded. Downing three archmages is an act few wizards could ever dream of, even if Rary counted it as a failure because he didn’t eliminate them all.
17
Khelben Arunsun Was One of Mystra’s Chosen, Which Granted Him Immense Power
The Goddess of Magic Resurrected Him For His World-Changing Potential
Khelben Arunsun is better known as “Blackstaff” for his time as the Masked Lord of Waterdeep. He had a reputation for being dour and ruthless, but the truth was he simply felt like it was easier to deal with people if they felt intimidated by him. This iconic D&D wizard was one of several Chosen of Mystra, wizards selected by the goddess of magic to have special powers. In Arunsun’s case, Mystra also resurrected him due to the immense potential he possessed, and rumors persist that he still lives.
Arunsun’s natural magical abilities combine with his Chosen gifts to make him one of D&D‘s most powerful wizards. He has stood against some of the greatest threats, particularly those that targeted his home, Waterdeep, and triumphed. As a Chosen of Mystra, he could easily create silver fire, a pure magical energy made from the weave itself, that when combined with Shadow Magic could potentially tear the very fabric of the multiverse. Khelben has been also been credited with incredible deeds, like summoning Chain Lightning that could strike through dozens of people.
16
Mordenkainen Reached Levels No Player Character Could Ever Dream of Achieving
The Mad Mage of Baratok Has Travelled the Multiverse and Mastered Magic
The Circle of Eight is a vital part of the Greyhawk D&D setting. It is an immensely capable cabal of wizards — primarily composed of D&D creator Gary Gygax’s former characters — who influence the world with every action. At their head is one of the most famous wizards in all of D&D, Mordenkainen. He’s had numerous spells accredited to him over the years, like Mordenkainen’s Magnificent Mansion, Mordenkainen’s Sword and Mordenkainen’s Faithful Hound, all of which have been worked into Dungeons & Dragons Fifth Edition.
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Mordenkainen was Gary Gygax’s first-ever player character. He’s received a prominent role in-universe to match Gygax’s impact in the real world. He is more powerful than most player characters will ever become and capable of influencing the entire multiverse with his actions. However, Mordenkainen’s one drawback is his commitment to neutrality, which prevents him from solving every problem in every setting.
15
Undarl Dragonrider Was One of the Most Powerful Magelords of All Time
This Malaugrym From Athalantar Grew in Power by Killed Many Other Wizards
The Forgotten Realms have a group of spellcasters known as magelords. These are particularly unique and powerful wizards who train their magic to be versatile, fast, and powerful. Magelords only advance by overpowering their fellows and use their power to subjugate and dominate less powerful beings.
Undarl Dragonrider is one of the most powerful magelords ever. He is a malaugrym, an immortal shapeshifter that often aligns itself with the Forgotten Realms’ villains. Due to Undarl’s innate abilities and intense magical prowess, he is almost unbeatable by any D&D wizard until the famous Elminster takes him on. Considering that it was Undarl who killed Elminster’s father and mother, it’s not far-fetched to consider he had a hand in the making of one of D&D’s most powerful wizards of all time.
14
Darklord Azalin Rex’s Curse Holds Him Back From Achieving Epic Heights of Power
This Ambtious Lich Has Accumulated Much Power Over the Centuries
Born Firan Zal’honan, his parents’ disregard for him drove him to find dark comfort in learning and holding power over others. Following his master into exile after the death of his beloved brother, Firan did not return until the death of his father, when he claimed power and ruled the land using the title Azal’Lan, which meant wizard king. It wasn’t until fleeing persecution that Azalin Rex followed the Mists of Ravenloft into what would become his new domain. As a Darklord, Azalin rules over the region of Darkon with an iron fist. Like many powerful D&D wizards, Azalin is a lich. Despite his power, Azalin’s Darklord curse robs him of a lich’s greatest power. Azalin has infinite time to learn spells. However, his punishment is being unable to memorize any new magic.
Azalin Rex is static, something which distresses him greatly. His powers have reached their peak, and almost nothing can help them grow. However, this peak is still very high, making Azalin one of D&D‘s most powerful wizards and necromancers.
13
The Powerful Wizard Acererak Is One of Dungeons & Dragons’ Most Infamous Liches
This Cambion Lich From Oerth Is Also Known as the Devourer and the Eternal
Acererak isn’t just one of D&D‘s most infamous liches. He’s also a spellcaster who has grown steadily in power over many hundreds of years, using his iconic Tomb of Horrors dungeon to lure adventurers in, trap their souls, and devour them in order to become stronger. This has made Acererak one of the most powerful wizards in D&D, earning him the worship of many wizards in the School of Necromancy.
Acererak has long threatened adventures through several D&D editions. His appearance in the premade D&D 5e campaign Tomb of Annihilation makes him one of the edition’s hardest bosses. Acererak can threaten the entire Forgotten Realms with the Death Curse, and he wields unmatched spellcasting in combat, especially with two ninth-level spell slots available to him.
12
Tasha and Iggwilv Were Once Two Separate Entities Who Later Combined
Now an Archfey, the Witch Queen Lives in the Feywild
Not all of D&D’s most powerful characters are good or even neutral. Some are outright villains. Nobody calls the wizard Tasha — also known as Iggwilv — a good person, but few could deny her power. One of the greatest enemies of the Circle of Eight, she is also the adopted daughter of the powerful witch Baba Yaga, mother of D&D‘s demon prince Iuz, and lover of the demon lord Graz’zt.
The only reason Tasha can thrive in such powerful company is that she is an incredibly capable wizard. She is one of the foremost experts on demons in the world and the creator of the Hideous Laughter spell. Furthermore, Tasha shows her power in The Wild Beyond the Witchlight. In that premade D&D 5e campaign, she appears as an archfey well above the normal power level of a wizard.
11
Szass Tam Would Risk Everything for Ultimate Power and Eternal Life
The Lich Also Known as Tarlath Narmandur Rules the Red Wizards From Thaymount
A common fate for powerful wizards is that they begin to fear mortality, leading them to cross more and more moral lines to keep themselves and their power alive. This leads to them becoming D&D‘s iconic lich. They exist in a state of undeath that amplifies the wizard’s power. However, it turns them into an evil being that can only sustain themselves on the souls of others.
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While D&D is replete with liches, few are as powerful as Szass Tam. Tam is one of the eight rulers of the magocracy of Thay and one of the foremost necromancers in the entire Forgotten Realms setting. Szass Tam’s full power is shown in Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, where he turns thousands into his undead minions with a single spell.
10
Laeral Silverhand Was Born of a Goddess and Used Her Gifts to Craft Magic Items
She Wielded Both Magical Power as a Seven Sister and Political Power as Lord of Waterdeep
In the Forgotten Realms, Mystra is the goddess of magic and one of the most active gods in the setting. This extends to having several immensely powerful children known as the Seven Sisters. They are all incredibly capable spellcasters, outshining each other in different areas. The most accomplished of Mystra’s daughters was Laeral Silverhand.
Laeral was one of the most prolific creators of D&D magic items ever. She was also fully capable of overpowering most other spellcasters in the setting. She also expands her power to other areas. Laeral amassed political power during her time as Lord of Waterdeep, through her marriage to Blackstaff, and by being well-liked by almost everybody in one of Faerun’s strongest cities.
9
Raistlin Majere Is One of the Mightiest Heros of Krynn
The Legendary Hero of the Lance Battles Gods In a Low-Power Setting
Krynn, the world of the Dragonlance setting, has a lower power level than D&D settings like Greyhawk or The Forgotten Realms. Its gods are less involved in day-to-day affairs. Its wizards are more regulated and regimented. Furthermore, its characters rarely achieved levels over 20, even in older editions.
Despite this, Raistlin Majere’s sheer power allows him to compete against some of the setting’s most acclaimed wizards. He’s also one of Krynn’s most influential individuals. Raistlin has more than proven his strength by involving himself in the affairs of his setting’s gods. He’s even fought Taikhisis, head of the Dark Pantheon, showcasing his power as a D&D wizard.
8
Once Chosen of Mystra, Sammaster Sacrificed Her Divine Gifts for Ultimate Power
The First-Speaker Invented Dracoliches After Renouncing His Chosen Status
The Chosen of Mystra in the Forgotten Realms are those given a special blessing by the goddess of magic. This vastly increases their magical power. Most of these become great heroes of the setting and save Faerun time and time again. However, Mystra’s neutral alignment means they can become villains. This is exactly what the D&D wizard Sammaster does.
Sammaster is a former Chosen who has impacted the world in many ways. Using his immense power to lead a dragon cult, Sammaster is the one who discovered how to turn dragons into dracoliches. This is an unimaginable ritual with long-lasting effects on the world. He’s also shown his power by fighting an avatar of the god Lathander and surviving.
7
Emperor Duulket Ariakas Combines Dark Magic With Martial Might
This Human From Khur Led Dragonarmies for the Dark Queen Takhisis
Emperor Duulket Ariakas was one of the Dragonlance settings most dangerous villains. He doesn’t just restrict his power to spellcasting. Ariakas is also an immensely capable physical powerhouse. He channeled powerful dark magic from the goddess Takhisis, while also being an armed and armored knight. As a favorite of the Dark Queen, Takhisis not only granted him magical power, but martial prowess as well, encouraging him to lead the Dragonarmies in her name.
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Having levels in both wizard and fighter didn’t make Ariakas any less of a magical threat. He could physically tear a man’s head off with his bare hands. At the same time, his grasp over dark magic was enough to unnerve even the likes of Raistlin Majere. Ariakas went beyond Dragonlance‘s curtailed power levels to become one of the strongest and most famous wizards in D&D.
6
Alassra Silverhand Was Another of Mystra’s Incredibly Powerful Daughters
Her Power Is Only Matched by Her Volatility
Differing editions of D&D disagree on whether Alassra Silverhand — better known as the Simbul and Witch-Queen of Algarond — is primarily a sorcerer or wizard. In any edition, however, she has at least some levels in D&D wizard and is known as one of the most powerful spellcasters in all of Faerun.
As a daughter of Mystra, the Simbul was another of the Seven Sisters and one of their most proficient. To make her an even more imposing spellcaster, her power was matched only by her unpredictability. She was noted for having little control over her emotions and often unleashed her immense magical might at even the slightest provocation. Despite this, Alassra won the respect of many for how much raw power she could channel at-will.
