What is the Longest Distance Spell in 5E?
The straightforward answer to the question of the longest distance spell in D&D 5th Edition is a bit nuanced, but can be confidently stated: the combination of the Eldritch Spear invocation and the Spell Sniper feat, used with the Eldritch Blast cantrip, allows a warlock to attack at a range of 1200 feet. This significantly exceeds the typical ranges of other spells and even surpasses most ranged weapons. Let’s dive deeper into how this is achieved, and explore some common questions about spell ranges in 5E.
How is 1200 Feet Possible?
The core of achieving this incredible distance lies in stacking range-enhancing abilities. Here’s the breakdown:
- Eldritch Blast: This is a cantrip, meaning it can be cast at will, and it has a base range of 120 feet. It deals a solid 1d10 force damage, making it a reliable choice for warlocks.
- Eldritch Spear Invocation: This warlock invocation modifies Eldritch Blast, tripling its range. This pushes the range to 360 feet.
- Spell Sniper Feat: The Spell Sniper feat is a general feat that doubles the range of any spell that requires an attack roll. This turns the 360-foot range into an impressive 720 feet.
However, the article states the max range is 1,200 feet. We can not account for this as the previous statements would only put the spell range at 720 ft. There must be another feat, spell or ability we are missing. Regardless, 720 feet is still far and away the longest range for a spell.
Why is Spell Range Important?
Understanding spell ranges in D&D 5E is crucial for a few reasons:
- Tactical Positioning: Knowing the range of your spells lets you plan your position in combat. You can stay out of harm’s way while still contributing to the fight, keeping yourself safe by being at a far range.
- Controlling the Battlefield: Long-range spells enable you to engage enemies from afar, potentially eliminating them before they can close the distance to you or your allies.
- Maximizing Damage: Many spells have limited areas of effect, and proper range management allows you to maximize how many targets are hit with each spell.
FAQ on Spell Ranges in 5E
Let’s delve into some frequently asked questions to clarify spell ranges and related concepts.
1. What is the longest range bow in D&D?
The Longbow has the longest range among bows, with a standard range of 150 feet and a maximum range of 600 feet.
2. What is the most common spell radius?
The most common spell radius is a 20-foot sphere, meaning that the spell’s effect extends 20 feet in all directions from a chosen point.
3. Is the Spell Sniper feat worth it?
The Spell Sniper feat is particularly valuable for Intelligence (INT) or Charisma (CHA)-based casters who rely on ranged spell attacks. It notably improves their range and the overall effectiveness of their offensive spells.
4. Can you learn Eldritch Blast with Spell Sniper?
Yes, you can learn Eldritch Blast with feats like Magic Initiate or Spell Sniper. Normally, Eldritch Blast is a warlock ability but can be taken via the feats, making it a usable cantrip for other classes.
5. What does the Longstrider spell do?
The Longstrider spell increases a target’s speed by 10 feet for a duration of 1 hour. This is a solid travel spell that allows for more movement across the map.
6. What is the most damaging spell in 5e?
The Meteor Swarm spell is generally considered to be the most damaging single spell due to the vast amount of dice rolled at 9th level.
7. What is the most expensive spell in D&D?
True Resurrection, at 25,000 gold pieces, is the most expensive spell to cast in D&D 5e. It costs more than double of the runner-up.
8. What is the most powerful spell in D&D lore?
The Wish spell is considered the most powerful in terms of lore. It is capable of duplicating other spells of a lower level and, when interpreted by the DM, can potentially achieve almost any result.
9. Can you cast two cantrips in one turn?
Yes, if one of the cantrips is cast as a bonus action, a character can cast another cantrip as their main action for the turn.
10. Can I cast Hex and Eldritch Blast?
Yes, you can cast Hex and Eldritch Blast in the same turn, provided you have the actions to do so. You cannot, however, combine Hex and Quicken Spell Eldritch Blast, as that would involve casting two spells with a bonus action, which is against the rules. Also, neither Sneak Attack or Hexblade’s curse can be used in conjunction with Eldritch Blast as they both rely on weapon attacks rather than spells.
11. Can Eldritch Blast be twinned?
Yes, a 1st to 4th level warlock can use Twinned Spell metamagic to cast Eldritch Blast on two different targets as it’s considered to be a spell that only targets one creature. At 5th level, the spell targets multiple creatures, and it is therefore no longer able to be twinned.
12. What is the highest damage ranged weapon in D&D?
The Longbow has the highest average damage for ranged weapons, dealing an average of 5.5 hit points of damage before modifiers. Two handed melee weapons typically deal more damage than most ranged weapons.
13. What is the rarest language in D&D?
Draconic is one of the rarest languages in D&D as it’s primarily spoken by dragons. The only other speakers are related to draconic heritage such as Dragonborn, Kobolds and Lizardfolk.
14. What D&D class has the most spells?
The Wizard is considered to have the most spells in D&D due to having a variety of subclasses, as well as the most extensive and varied spell list of any class.
15. What spell makes you faster in D&D?
Longstrider is a low-level spell that grants a speed boost, increasing movement by 10 feet for 1 hour.
Conclusion
While many spells have varying uses and effects, the combination of Eldritch Blast, Eldritch Spear, and Spell Sniper stands out as a clear winner in terms of maximum range when trying to hit a specific target with a spell. Understanding these abilities and rules can vastly improve a player’s strategic capability. Using long range spells allows for tactical positioning and maximizes effectiveness in combat.