Can You Polymorph Yourself in 5e? A Comprehensive Guide
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The question of whether you can polymorph yourself in Dungeons and Dragons 5th edition (5e) is a common one, and the answer is a resounding yes. You absolutely can target yourself with the Polymorph spell. As a creature you can see within range, you fulfill the basic criteria for the spell. However, the mechanics of Polymorph and True Polymorph, along with their limitations, can lead to a lot of confusion. This article will clarify how you can use these spells on yourself, their restrictions, and address some common related questions.
Understanding Polymorph and True Polymorph
Before diving into specifics, it’s crucial to understand the two primary polymorph spells available to spellcasters in 5e:
Polymorph
This is a 4th-level spell that allows you to transform a creature into a beast. The key limitation is the challenge rating (CR) of the beast; it must be equal to or less than the target’s CR or level (if the target has no CR). This is crucial to understand, you cannot turn into just any creature. Additionally, Polymorph is a concentration spell, meaning the effect ends if you lose concentration. If the transformed creature is reduced to 0 hit points, the original creature reverts back to its normal form with any excess damage carrying over.
True Polymorph
This is a much more powerful 9th-level spell that allows you to transform a creature into either another creature or an object. True Polymorph is less restrictive regarding the type of target, meaning you can transform into a wider range of creatures. If you maintain concentration for the full duration (1 hour), the transformation becomes permanent until dispelled. However, unlike Polymorph, it is not a concentration spell after the first hour if you hold it for the full duration, therefore becoming permanent until dispelled. Furthermore, if the transformed target is reduced to 0 hit points, it will return to it’s original form.
Polymorphing Yourself: Key Considerations
While you can target yourself with both Polymorph and True Polymorph, certain limitations and considerations apply:
Target Restrictions
- Polymorph: As mentioned before, the spell is limited to beasts with a CR equal to or lower than your level. You can’t transform into a dragon, elemental, or any other type of creature using this spell. The spell also fails if a creature has a shapechanging ability.
- True Polymorph: While more versatile, True Polymorph still has limitations. If you choose to turn yourself into an object, remember that object will still be under the effects of True Polymorph.
Concentration
- Polymorph is a concentration spell, meaning any damage or loss of concentration will immediately end the effect. If you use Polymorph on yourself, you are still required to maintain concentration.
- True Polymorph is also a concentration spell, but after the initial 1 hour, it is not a concentration spell anymore, the spell only ends if you lose concentration before the 1 hour is up, or if the spell is dispelled. If you maintain concentration for the full hour, the spell becomes permanent until dispelled.
Loss of Abilities
When polymorphed, you lose access to many of your original abilities:
- You cannot speak or cast spells in your new form.
- You cannot use your equipment, as it melds into your new form.
- You are limited in the actions you can take based on your new form.
Advantageous Self-Polymorph
Despite the limitations, Polymorph and True Polymorph can be powerful tools when used on yourself. Imagine turning into a powerful beast to engage in melee combat or transforming yourself into a flying creature to bypass obstacles. True Polymorph is even more versatile and allows for more creative uses with its capability to transform into various creatures and objects.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about self-polymorph, to further clarify the rules:
1. Can you turn yourself into a dragon with Polymorph?
No, Polymorph only allows you to transform into beasts. Dragons are not beasts, so they are not a valid target.
2. Can True Polymorph be permanent?
Yes, if you concentrate on True Polymorph for the full duration (1 hour), the transformation becomes permanent until dispelled.
3. Does Polymorph interrupt concentration?
No, Polymorph does not interrupt concentration. Since Polymorph itself requires concentration, it wouldn’t work if it broke it.
4. Can you Polymorph yourself into an object?
No, Polymorph can only change a creature into another creature. You need True Polymorph to transform yourself into an object.
5. What happens if you drop to 0 hit points in Polymorph form?
If you drop to 0 hit points in Polymorph form, you revert to your original form, and any excess damage carries over to your original hit points.
6. Can you Polymorph into a Tarrasque?
No, you can’t Polymorph into a Tarrasque, because the creature has a CR 30, and player characters don’t exist above level 20. Polymorph only allows to turn into creatures that have a CR equal to or less than the targets.
7. Can you Polymorph a dragon?
Yes, you can Polymorph a dragon, but it will lose all its features, becoming a basic beast. You cannot use any of their legendary abilities.
8. What are the limitations of Polymorph?
- The transformed creature is limited in its actions.
- It can’t speak, cast spells, or use equipment.
- The transformation only lasts as long as you can maintain concentration (for Polymorph).
9. Can you Polymorph twice?
Yes, you can cast True Polymorph multiple times, however, the effects don’t combine, meaning they are two separate instances of the spell. If the spells reach their permanent stages, each instance needs to be dispelled separately.
10. Can you Awaken a Polymorphed creature?
Yes, you can Awaken a Polymorphed creature if it meets the requirements which is that it has 3 intelligence or less, is a beast or a plant, and you can touch it.
11. Can you live forever with True Polymorph?
No, True Polymorph isn’t a true path to immortality. Though the transformation can become permanent, the transformed creature is still vulnerable to damage and dispelling.
12. Can you Twin Spell True Polymorph?
Yes, you can use the Twin Spell metamagic option on True Polymorph.
13. What happens when a True Polymorphed creature dies?
When a True Polymorphed creature dies, the spell ends and the creature reverts back to its original form.
14. Is Shapechange or True Polymorph better?
Both spells have their unique uses. Shapechange is better for solo combat while True Polymorph is more versatile and can create strong companions.
15. What is the strongest creature you can Polymorph into?
The strongest beast you can typically Polymorph into is a Tyrannosaurus Rex at CR 8. This is a restriction of the Polymorph spell, since only beasts can be transformed into using this spell.
Conclusion
Using Polymorph and True Polymorph on yourself opens up a wide array of tactical possibilities within D&D 5e. While there are limitations, like concentration, loss of abilities, and creature type restrictions, the potential benefits are vast and rewarding. By fully understanding these spells, you can strategically utilize them to your advantage, shaping your gameplay and encounters in dynamic and memorable ways. The key takeaway is that yes, you can absolutely Polymorph yourself, and doing so can be quite powerful if used correctly.