Preparing spells explanation?

[Medivh]

Hello, I have no idea how D&D rules work and I read about preparing spells and differences between sorc and wizard. So if I understand correctly wizard has to prepare spells, can someone explain how that works? Before every fight I have to rest and then if I cast a spell I can't cast it again during a fight? Or something else?

[KingOfFriedChicken]

Think of it like equipping them, some classes have access to a lot of spells but they cant have them all prepaired or equipped, you must chose a select smaller amount from the spell list to bring with you, and if you dont like 1 or more you can swap them out.

[Stubbieoz]

Also Cantrips are special spells that don't need the resting process. They are available to be cast over and over.

[BigAlzBub]

In tabletop you can prepare a number of spells equal to your Caster Level + your caster attribute modifier, so a first level wizard with 16 Int (+3) could learn 4 spells. After a long rest you change any of the spells you have learned for other spells in your spell book. In BG3 EA however, you can change what spells you prepared at any time (you are not in combat) without resting. You also have spell slots which are the energy you use to power the spells, you can push a lower level spell into a higher level slot, sometimes (like with Magic Missile) it has a greater effect if you do this, but other spells (such as Longstrider) don't gain any benefit from doing this, so you would only do this if you REALLY needed to cast the spell, didn't have an appropriate spell slot, and didn't want to long rest.