The first option is to use a material component that is not specifically associated with the spell being cast. For example, a wizard might use a piece of coal to cast the fireball spell. The second option is to use a material component that has been specifically prepared for the spell being cast. For example, a wizard might use an incense burner to cast the fireball spell. The third option is to use a material component that has been imbued with magical energy by the caster. For example, a wizard might hold an emerald in her hand while casting the fireball spell. ..
They can use either the spell components, or a component pouch, or a spellcasting focus.
Pouch: Spellcasting can be made easier by using a pouch. This is a small bag that can be worn around the neck. When needed, the user can pull out the spell components and cast the spell. Focus: Spellcasting can also be made easier by using a focus. This is a small object that is used to help focus the user’s thoughts on casting a spell. ..
An arcane focus can come in different forms including a crystal, orb, rod, staff or wand.
The prices for these focuses can be found in the Player’s Handbook Chapter 5.
An arcane focus staff can be used as a quarterstaff, but a regular quarterstaff cannot be used as an arcane focus.
Your DM might also allow you to use other items as your arcane focus. ..
Arcane Casters
In D&D 5e, arcane casters include bards, sorcerers, warlocks, wizards, artificers, eldritch knights (Fighter subclass) and arcane tricksters (Rogue subclass).
Bards, artificers, arcane tricksters, and eldritch knights cannot use an arcane focus. ..
Spellcasters can use component pouches to cast their spells. ..
Some casters can use other types of spellcasting foci. For example, a bard can use a musical instrument as a spellcasting focus, while an artificer can use thieves’ tools or artisan’s tools.
The arcane focus or component pouch is a helpful tool that can be used to cast spells. It requires a free hand to use, so it is not recommended for those with weak hands.
Some characters might find an alternative spellcasting focus if they are wielding a sword and shield. For example, an eldritch knight could drop their sword to cast a spell with S or M components.
Fortunately, the knight can pick up the sword and use it to fight.
There are magic items that can act as a spellcasting focus that might allow your character to use both hands.
Magical items can be used as spellcasting foci, depending on the item. For example, the Hat of Wizardry can act as a spellcasting focus for a wizard, or the Ruby of the War Mage can let you use a weapon as a spellcasting focus at the cost of an attunement slot. ..
The War Caster feat lets characters cast spells with a somatic (S) component, even if they have a weapon or shield in their hands. This allows them to use those weapons and shields to block or parry attacks, as well as to take damage from sources other than the attacker.
