What’s the difference between the find steed and find greater steed spells?
I found the find steed and find greater steed spells while playing 5e. By the rules as written, they seem almost identical except for the spell level and what they have listed as an example for the creature summoned. Is that the only difference, or is there something I’m missing?
Find Greater Steed generally provides more powerful creatures
Below is a table showcasing the creatures that can be summoned by each spell.
Find Steed
Name CR HP Speed Attack(s) Special
Warhorse 1/2 19 (11AC) 60ft. +6: 2d6+4 Trampling Charge
Pony 1/8 11 (10AC) 40ft. +4: 2d4+2
Camel 1/8 15 (9AC) 50ft. +5: 1d4
Elk 1/4 13 (10AC) 50ft. +5: 1d6+3 Charge
Mastiff 1/8 5 (12AC) 40ft. +3: 1d6+1 Hearing
Find Greater Steed
Name CR HP Speed Attack(s) Special
Griffon 2 59 (12AC) 80ft.* 2x(+6: 2d6+4) Keen Sight
Pegasus 2 59 (12AC) 90ft.* +6: 2d6+4
Peryton 2 33 (13AC) 60ft.* 2x(+5: 1d8+3) Flyby; Dive Attack
Dire Wolf 1 37 (14AC) 50ft. +5: 2d6+3 Pack Tactics
Rhinoceros 2 45 (11AC) 40ft. +7: 2d8+5 Charge
Saber-Toothed Tiger 2 52 (12AC) 40ft. +6: 2d6+5 Pounce
*Flying Speed
†Full name: Keen Hearing and Smell
Although these stats don’t tell the full story, it’s pretty clear that the Find Greater Steed creatures are not just more powerful, but substantially more powerful. Their stats are a lot better, their features are a lot better, their movement speeds are higher, and many of them can fly, providing powerful mobility advantages.
So the difference between the spells isn’t incidental: the Find Greater Steed creatures are simply stronger in nearly every way, hence the increased Spell Level.