Does Dispel Magic Dispel All Spells on a Creature?

The short answer is: no, Dispel Magic does not automatically dispel all spells on a creature. While this spell is a powerful tool for removing magical effects, its effectiveness is limited by the spell’s level and the mechanics of how it interacts with different types of magic. Let’s dive into the specifics of how Dispel Magic works and what it can and cannot do.

How Dispel Magic Works

Dispel Magic, as described in the Player’s Handbook (PHB), targets one creature, object, or magical effect within range. When cast on a creature, it attempts to end spells currently affecting the target. However, it doesn’t just automatically wipe away every magical effect. The key factors influencing its success are:

• Spell Level: Dispel Magic automatically ends any spell of 3rd level or lower on the target.
• Higher Level Spells: For spells of 4th level or higher, the caster must make an ability check using their spellcasting ability. The DC for this check is 10 + the spell’s level. A successful check ends the targeted higher-level spell. If the check fails, the higher-level spell remains unaffected.
• Specificity: You must be able to target the creature or effect that you wish to dispel. This also means that if you want to dispel a specific spell of the creature (such as the one making the target invisible), you must successfully target the creature, then make a spellcasting ability check if the targeted spell is of 4th-level or higher.
• Targeting the Spell: According to Jeremy Crawford, you must cast Dispel Magic on the creature or object affected by the spell, not on the caster of the spell.

Therefore, while Dispel Magic can be very effective at removing low-level magical effects, it becomes less reliable when dealing with more powerful, higher-level spells due to the reliance on ability checks. It is not a catch-all removal spell.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions about Dispel Magic to further clarify its capabilities and limitations:

1. Does Dispel Magic work on magical effects that are not spells?

No. Dispel Magic only affects spells. This is a key limitation. It does not work on magic items, magical abilities (such as a vampire’s charm), or other magical effects that aren’t explicitly spells. For instance, a magic item’s inherent properties cannot be suppressed by Dispel Magic, although it can end a spell cast from a magic item.

2. Can I use Dispel Magic to counter a spell?

No. Dispel Magic can’t substitute for Counterspell. While you can use Dispel Magic as a reaction via the Ready action if you are able to see a spell being cast, you won’t counter the spell before it takes place. You will only be able to cast Dispel Magic on the target that spell affects after it is already cast.

3. Can Dispel Magic remove curses?

It depends. Many curses are not spells, but certain curses that are created by spells can be dispelled with Dispel Magic. However, not all curses are spells. For a regular curse, consider using spells like Remove Curse. Additionally, Dispel Magic works only on unattended cursed items.

4. Does Dispel Magic work on summoned creatures?

Dispel Magic will not make a summoned creature disappear; summoned creatures remain until the spell that summoned them runs out or the summoner loses their concentration. Dispel Magic may, however, cause the caster to lose control of a summoned creature, but only one per cast of Dispel Magic.

5. Can Dispel Magic end permanent spells?

No. Permanent spells cannot be dispelled using Dispel Magic once they are made permanent. There is no such verbiage in Dispel Magic’s description, implying this as both Rules as Written (RAW) and Rules as Sensible (RAS).

6. Can Dispel Magic end a Polymorph effect?

Yes, it can, but it depends on the type of Polymorph. If a creature is under the effect of True Polymorph, targeting the resulting object with Dispel Magic will end the spell, returning the creature to its original form. Similarly, if the object’s hit points reach 0, the True Polymorph spell is ended.

7. Can Dispel Magic remove madness?

It might, but it depends on the source of the madness. Spells like Remove Curse or Dispel Evil might prove effective in some cases. However, greater restoration or more powerful magic is generally required to remove indefinite madness.

8. Can Dispel Magic remove confusion?

Yes, but it requires a specific use of the spell. To dispel the effects of Confusion, the caster needs to use Dispel Magic, Greater and cast it as an area dispel. The base Dispel Magic spell will not fully dispel Confusion.

9. Can Dispel Magic be used on endless spells?

Yes, but it depends on the game system. In systems that include “Endless Spells”, such as Warhammer Age of Sigmar, players can attempt to dispel endless spells during the hero phase by using Wizards or Priests.

10. Can you use Dispel Magic on invisibility?

Yes. Casting any spell, including Dispel Magic, against an invisible target automatically ends the Invisibility effect on the target. Attacking or casting a spell cause the invisibility spell to fail.

11. Can Dispel Magic remove a charm effect?

No, because Charm is not a spell, but a magical ability. It has no effect on magical effects that aren’t spells. However, it can end a spell cast from a magic item or another source that is causing the charm.

12. Can Dispel Magic get rid of a familiar?

No, it cannot. Dispel Magic doesn’t do anything to a summoned familiar. The magic to summon a familiar is a magical effect, not a spell, so Dispel Magic does not affect it.

13. Can Dispel Magic remove Globe of Invulnerability?

Yes, you can use Dispel Magic on Globe of Invulnerability, but it depends on the targeted spell. The caster can target the highest-level spell present, or they can name the specific spell, such as Globe of Invulnerability itself.

14. Can Dispel Magic remove Wild Shape?

No. Wild Shape is a magical ability, not a spell. Although Wild Shape can be detected by Detect Magic, it is not affected by Dispel Magic.

15. Can Dispel Magic remove the enchantment of a magical weapon?

No. Dispel Magic only works on spells. It does not affect magic items or their inherent properties. It can, however, dispel the effect of a spell cast from a magical weapon.

Conclusion

In summary, Dispel Magic is a powerful tool, but it is not a panacea. It’s crucial to understand its limitations: it only affects spells, its effectiveness against higher-level spells is dependent on successful ability checks, and it can’t dispel magical items, summoned creatures, or innate magical effects. When used correctly, Dispel Magic can be essential in overcoming spell-based challenges, but a thorough understanding of its rules is crucial for its effective implementation in gameplay. This knowledge will ensure you use this potent magic tool to its full potential without overestimating its capabilities.