Spell Components

Most spells require specific components to cast. A spell's entry lists which of the three types are needed: Verbal (V), Somatic (S), and Material (M).

Verbal components are spoken words of power. A character who is gagged, in a zone of silence, or otherwise unable to produce sound cannot cast spells with verbal components.

Somatic components are precise gestures made with at least one free hand. A character whose hands are bound or who is holding items in both hands (without a free hand) cannot provide somatic components. A spellcaster can use the same hand holding a spellcasting focus to perform somatic components.

Material components are physical substances or objects. Unless the spell text specifies a gold piece cost or states the material is consumed, a component pouch or spellcasting focus (arcane focus, holy symbol, druidic focus) can substitute for the material.

• Consumed components: If a spell says the material is consumed, you must have the actual material — a focus cannot replace it.
• Costly components: If a material has a listed gold piece value (e.g., "a diamond worth 300 gp"), you must have the actual material — a focus cannot replace it.
• Free materials: Materials with no listed cost and that are not consumed can be replaced by a focus.

The War Caster feat allows performing somatic components while holding weapons or a shield in both hands, and grants advantage on Constitution saves to maintain concentration.