Heightening and Spell Ranks
Spells use ranks 1-10. Heightening casts a spell at a higher rank for increased effects. Cantrips and focus spells auto-heighten to half character level.
Spells in PF2e have ranks (1st through 10th) rather than the term "levels" to avoid confusion with character level. Many spells become more powerful when cast using a higher-rank slot.
Heightening: When you cast a spell in a slot higher than its base rank, it may gain additional effects. Heightening entries are listed in the spell description.
- Heightened (+1): The effect improves for each rank above the base. Example: Heal is a 1st-rank spell that restores 1d8 HP; heightened +1 adds another 1d8 per rank. A 3rd-rank Heal restores 3d8.
- Heightened (+2): Improves every other rank above base. Example: Fireball's damage increases by 2d6 for each rank above 3rd.
- Heightened (specific rank): The spell gains new effects only at a stated rank. Example: Invisibility at 4th rank can target multiple creatures.
Cantrips: Cantrips automatically heighten to half your character level (rounded up). A 5th-level character's cantrips function as 3rd-rank spells. This keeps cantrips relevant as free-use damage options.
Focus Spells: Focus spells also auto-heighten to half your level. They are cast using focus points (1-3 per pool) and recharge by Refocusing (10 minutes, 1 focus point recovered).
Innate Spells: Some ancestries, heritages, and feats grant innate spells. These are cast using a specific tradition (listed in the ability) and typically auto-heighten to half your level or are locked at a specific rank.