Can You Target an Invisible Creature With a Spell? 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 short answer is: it depends on the spell. While the invisibility condition certainly makes targeting a creature more challenging, it doesn’t universally prevent spellcasting against them. The intricacies of targeting invisible foes lie in the specific wording of spells and the general rules of Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (5e). Let’s delve into the details.
The Core Rule: Line of Sight vs. Awareness
One of the most significant factors in determining whether you can target an invisible creature is whether the spell requires you to “see” the target. Many spells explicitly state “a creature you can see” in their description, and these spells cannot target an invisible creature. This requirement is primarily tied to the concept of having a clear line of sight to the intended target. However, invisibility does not provide full cover; it only conceals the target. The distinction between not being able to see and not knowing the location is key. You might not see the creature, but that doesn’t mean you are unaware of their presence.
When You Can Target an Invisible Creature
Spells that do not require the caster to see the target are perfectly capable of targeting an invisible creature. Here are a few factors that enable targeting invisible creatures:
- Awareness of Location: If you are aware of a creature’s general location, even if it’s invisible, you may still be able to target it. This awareness could come from the creature making noise, from their known presence within a specific area, or perhaps through successful Perception checks.
- Area of Effect (AoE) Spells: Many spells affect an area, not a specific creature. As long as the invisible creature is within that area, they are subject to the spell’s effects. These spells don’t typically require a specific target. For instance, a fireball doesn’t target, it affects an area.
- Spells Without Sight Requirement: Certain spells, like Eldritch Blast, have no specific clause stating “a creature you can see”. This allows them to target creatures, whether visible or not, as long as they are within the spell’s range.
- Touch-Based Spells: Certain spells, such as inflict wounds, require a successful melee spell attack. If you can touch the target, you can deliver a touch spell (with disadvantage on the attack roll).
When You Cannot Target an Invisible Creature
- “A Creature You Can See” Requirement: As mentioned earlier, spells that explicitly require a “creature you can see” can’t target invisible creatures. This is the most common limitation, and many spells fall into this category. For example, you can’t target an invisible creature with a magic missile.
- Complete Concealment: If the invisible creature successfully takes the Hide action and you lose all sense of its location, then targeting it even with a spell that does not require sight may not be possible, as you won’t know where to target the effect.
How to Deal With Invisible Creatures
Even if you can’t directly target them with all spells, there are a number of ways to handle invisible foes.
Perception and Awareness
A key element in combating invisibility is the use of Perception (Wisdom) checks. When a creature becomes invisible, most DMs will allow a player to make a Perception check to try and discern the invisible creature’s general location. Success allows you to attack them with disadvantage (since you can’t see them clearly), but at least you can target them.
Grappling
You can use an attack action to grapple an invisible creature. The grappling rules never specify you need to see a target, only that you make an attack action against them. If successful, you effectively pin down the creature and can prevent movement.
Environmental Clues
Look for environmental tells: puddles of water that ripple or rustling grass can give away the general location of an invisible opponent.
AoE Spells
As mentioned previously, AoE spells are useful because they hit a general area, not a specific target, making invisibility less effective against them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about targeting invisible creatures:
1. Can you target invisible creatures with Magic Missile?
No. The spell explicitly states, “a creature you can see”, therefore you cannot target an invisible creature with Magic Missile.
2. Does Eldritch Blast work against invisible creatures?
Yes. Eldritch Blast does not require you to see the target. As long as you are aware of its location, you can target an invisible creature within its range.
3. Can you use Dispel Magic on an invisible creature?
Yes. Dispel Magic does not require you to see the target and can end an invisibility spell. Moreover, any attack or spell cast by the invisible creature will automatically end their invisibility.
4. Does Detect Magic reveal invisible creatures?
No. Detect Magic will only show you that there is a magical effect present, but it does not pinpoint or reveal the invisible creature.
5. Do invisible creatures get advantage on stealth checks?
No. The invisibility condition itself doesn’t grant advantage on Stealth checks. Advantage or disadvantage is often provided by the DM based on circumstances, spells, actions, or class features.
6. Do you suffer attacks of opportunity from invisible creatures?
No. Attacks of opportunity are triggered by creatures you can see leaving your reach. If you cannot see the creature, they cannot trigger an attack of opportunity.
7. Can you target an invisible creature with Fire Bolt?
Yes. Fire Bolt does not require you to see the target, so if you’re aware of the creature’s location and they’re not behind full cover, you can target them.
8. Can you grapple an invisible creature?
Yes. The grappling rules don’t specify a need to see your target; therefore, if you know their general location, you can attempt to grapple them as a special melee attack.
9. Does Blindsight allow you to attack an invisible creature with normal rolls?
Yes. Blindsight allows you to see invisible creatures, typically allowing you to ignore the disadvantage on attack rolls normally caused by invisibility (though this may come down to DM discretion).
10. Can a cantrip remove invisibility?
No. Casting a cantrip itself doesn’t break invisibility. It’s casting a spell as an attack (such as Fire Bolt) that ends the condition for the caster of Invisibility.
11. Does Guiding Bolt negate invisibility?
Yes. While you still attack with disadvantage, the advantage granted by Guiding Bolt for the next attack against the target would negate that disadvantage.
12. Does being heavily obscured prevent you from targeting a creature?
Yes. If a creature is heavily obscured, you effectively suffer the blinded condition and can’t target a creature you cannot see.
13. Can you cast Invisibility on yourself?
Yes. If a spell targets a creature of your choice, you can choose yourself, unless the spell specifically states otherwise.
14. Does Eldritch Cannon break your invisibility?
If the cannon is used as a separate entity or pet, it can act without breaking your invisibility, but if the cannon becomes invisible with you then attacking with it breaks the invisibility effect.
15. Can you use Catapult on an Eldritch Cannon?
Yes, but the Eldritch Cannon could take damage, potentially even breaking on impact.
Conclusion
Targeting an invisible creature in D&D 5e is not straightforward but is far from impossible. The crucial factor is understanding the specific requirements of each spell and whether it requires you to see the target. Using tools like Perception checks, AoE spells, and environmental awareness can help you combat invisible foes effectively. Always work closely with your DM to resolve any edge cases and ensure a fair and engaging gaming experience.