Can You Ready a Spell While Concentrating in D&D 5e?
The short answer is generally no. In Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, attempting to ready a spell that requires concentration while already concentrating on another spell will break your initial concentration. The act of casting and holding a spell readied via the Ready action requires your focus, making it mutually exclusive with maintaining another concentration spell.
Understanding Readying a Spell
The Ready action in 5e allows a character to prepare a spell and then release it in response to a specific trigger. When you ready a spell, you are essentially casting it, but the effects are held until the defined condition occurs. This means you are actively maintaining the spell’s magical energy, albeit in a suspended state.
Concentration and the Ready Action
The core mechanic that prevents readying a concentration spell while already concentrating is the limitation on simultaneous concentration. The rules clearly state that a character can only concentrate on one spell at a time. Since readying a spell involves holding its magical energies – a process akin to active spellcasting – it inherently conflicts with any existing concentration.
If you were already concentrating on a spell like Bless and attempted to ready a Hold Person, your Bless spell would immediately end as you began to focus on the Hold Person spell. You would then have the Hold Person spell readied, awaiting your trigger. This decision requires careful tactical consideration.
Tactical Implications
Knowing this limitation is crucial for strategic decision-making during combat. For example, a wizard concentrating on Hypnotic Pattern to control a group of enemies would be unwise to ready a Fireball, as they would lose their control over the enemies. However, they could ready a non-concentration spell like Shield to protect themselves from an incoming attack without interrupting their initial spell.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Concentration and Readying Spells
Can I Ready a Non-Concentration Spell While Concentrating?
Yes. The restriction only applies to spells that require concentration. You can freely ready a non-concentration spell while maintaining concentration on another spell. This is a common tactic for characters who want to react defensively or offensively without disrupting an existing spell effect.
What Happens if I Take Damage While Holding a Readied Spell?
If the readied spell requires concentration, taking damage forces a Constitution saving throw, just as if you were actively maintaining a concentration spell. The DC is either 10 or half the damage you take, whichever is higher. Failure results in the loss of the readied spell.
Can I Use Metamagic to Cast a Concentration Spell Without Concentrating?
Some metamagic options, like the Subtle Spell metamagic for sorcerers, can change aspects of the casting but don’t eliminate the concentration requirement itself. There are no metamagic options that remove the need to concentrate on a spell entirely.
If a Spell Doesn’t Take Effect (e.g., Target Saves), Do I Still Lose Concentration?
Yes. The rules state that even if the target succeeds on a saving throw against your concentration spell, you still lose concentration on the other spell. The act of casting the concentration spell is what breaks your original concentration.
Can I Use an Item or Ability to Maintain Multiple Concentrations?
Generally, no. The standard rules of 5e restrict a character to concentrating on only one spell at a time. There is at least one magic item called Circlet of Concentration that allows the wearer to maintain two concentration spells simultaneously for a very short period of time.
Can I Tell if Someone is Readying a Spell?
There is no explicit rule that lets you readily determine if someone is holding a readied spell. A perceptive character might notice subtle signs, such as arcane gestures or changes in magical energy.
Does Casting a Cantrip Break Concentration?
Only if the cantrip requires concentration. Most cantrips do not require concentration, and casting them will not break your concentration on another spell. However, cantrips like Toll the Dead or Fire Bolt are safe to use.
Can I Cast a Bonus Action Spell While Concentrating?
Yes, as long as the bonus action spell does not require concentration. You can cast a bonus action spell, like Healing Word, while concentrating on another spell.
What Breaks Concentration Besides Damage?
Besides taking damage, other factors can break your concentration:
- Casting another concentration spell: As discussed, this immediately ends your current concentration.
- Becoming incapacitated or killed: Any condition that prevents you from maintaining focus will break concentration.
- DM discretion: The DM has the final say on whether a specific circumstance is distracting enough to break concentration. For example, being thrown overboard in a storm might require a concentration check.
Can I Dispel Magic on a Concentration Spell?
Yes. Dispel Magic can be used to end the effects of a concentration spell. The caster of Dispel Magic makes an ability check using their spellcasting ability modifier + proficiency bonus against a DC of 10 + the spell’s level. If successful, the concentration spell ends immediately.
Can I Twin Spell a Concentration Spell?
Yes, you can use the Twinned Spell metamagic option to target two creatures with a single-target concentration spell. You are still only concentrating on one spell; the metamagic merely extends its effect to an additional target.
If I Lose Concentration, Can I Immediately Cast Another Spell?
Yes, you can cast another spell as long as you have the action economy to do so (i.e., you have an action or bonus action available). Losing concentration does not prevent you from casting a new spell on the same turn, provided you meet all the requirements.
Can I Ready a Spell Before Combat Begins?
Yes, you can ready a spell before combat begins, and it will remain readied until your specified trigger occurs. However, it’s essential to consider the duration of the readied spell. If the spell has a short duration, it may expire before the trigger condition is met.
Can a Warlock Regain Spell Slots Lost to Readying a Spell?
Yes, warlocks regain all their spell slots after a short rest. If a warlock readies a spell and loses it due to broken concentration, they can regain that spell slot after a short rest.
Where Can I Learn More About Spellcasting in D&D 5e?
Understanding the intricacies of spellcasting in D&D 5e requires a comprehensive grasp of the rules and continuous learning. For a deep dive into game mechanics, educational resources, and community discussions, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. They offer many resources for game-based learning, including content creation, analysis, and collaboration opportunities.