Does Enlarge/Reduce Increase Reach in 5e? A Comprehensive Guide
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The short and direct answer is: No, the enlarge/reduce spell in 5th Edition Dungeons & Dragons (5e) does not increase the reach of a creature’s melee attacks. While the spell dramatically alters a creature’s size, it specifically does not grant an increase in the distance they can reach with their weapons or natural attacks. This crucial distinction is often misunderstood, leading to confusion at the gaming table. Let’s delve into the details and clarify how enlarge/reduce functions regarding reach and other related mechanics.
Understanding the Mechanics of Enlarge/Reduce
The enlarge/reduce spell is a 2nd-level transmutation spell that allows a spellcaster to alter the size of a creature or object. Here’s a breakdown of its core effects:
- Size Alteration: The target grows one size category larger (e.g., from Medium to Large) or shrinks one size category smaller (e.g., from Medium to Small).
- Strength Advantage: When enlarged, the target gains advantage on Strength checks and Strength saving throws. This reflects the increased physical power that comes with a larger form.
- Weapon Size Adjustment: Weapons used by an enlarged creature grow to match its new size, effectively increasing their damage dice. This means a greatsword that normally does 2d6 damage could do 3d6 damage for a Large character.
- Weight Modification: The target’s weight is affected by size changes. When enlarged, the target’s carry capacity doubles and their weight increases by a factor. When reduced, their weight is diminished.
- Duration: The spell’s effect typically lasts for up to a minute, requiring concentration to maintain.
- Targeting: The spell targets a creature or object that is not being carried or worn. If a creature is unwilling, it can make a Constitution saving throw to resist.
- Classes: The enlarge/reduce spell is primarily available to Artificers, Sorcerers, and Wizards.
Why Reach Doesn’t Change
The rules of 5e are very specific: Spells do only what they say they do. While enlarge/reduce explicitly increases a creature’s size and weapon damage, it doesn’t mention anything about reach. Reach is determined by a creature’s base statistics and is not altered by this spell. A character with a 5-foot reach will still have a 5-foot reach when enlarged; the same is true for a reduced creature.
This design is intentional. If enlarge/reduce also increased reach, it would drastically shift the game balance, making the spell far more powerful and universally desirable. By keeping reach static, the spell remains useful but balanced within the overall game system.
Common Misconceptions about Size and Reach
It’s easy to confuse size and reach. Here’s what you need to know:
- Not All Large Creatures Have Increased Reach: While some large creatures have a reach of 10 feet, that isn’t an automatic attribute of being Large. Many Large creatures, such as horses and wolves, still have a 5-foot reach.
- Size Isn’t the Only Factor: A creature’s basic body shape often influences its reach. For example, a Large ogre has a 10-foot reach because it can easily extend its arms and club, while a Large horse has a 5-foot reach due to its quadrupedal shape.
- Weapon Reach is Separate: Some weapons may have reach (e.g., whips, halberds), but this is independent of the enlarge/reduce spell and size.
Enlarge/Reduce and the Oversized Rule
When discussing weapon damage, one may stumble upon the oversized weapon rule, which states that a Large creature doubles the damage dice of weapons wielded and a Huge creature triples the damage dice, and so on. It’s crucial to note that this is the ONLY rule in place that allows damage changes. No other attributes change in a standard sense.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about enlarge/reduce and its effects on reach, along with comprehensive answers:
1. Does enlarge/reduce increase or decrease movement speed?
No, the spell does not affect a creature’s movement speed. Whether enlarged or reduced, their base movement remains unchanged.
2. Does enlarge/reduce increase carrying capacity?
Yes, the spell alters carrying capacity. When enlarged, a creature’s carrying capacity doubles. The weight of the items carried by the enlarged creature is affected by a multiplier. This means a character carrying 200 lbs would have a carrying capacity of 400 lbs when enlarged.
3. Does enlarge/reduce affect a character’s weight?
Yes, it does. The weight of the target changes in proportion to their size change. When enlarged, the target’s weight increases, and when reduced, the target’s weight decreases.
4. Can enlarge/reduce be used on objects?
Yes. The spell can target objects that are neither being worn nor carried, allowing for alteration in the size and mass of various inanimate items.
5. How long does enlarge/reduce last?
The duration of enlarge/reduce is up to one minute, and it requires concentration to maintain.
6. Can enlarge/reduce be stacked with other size-altering effects?
No, two instances of the same spell do not stack. However, it can be combined with the Rune Knight fighter’s Giant’s Might feature for an additional size increase.
7. Do Large creatures always have a 10-foot reach?
No, not all Large creatures have a 10-foot reach. Many Large creatures, especially those on four legs, have a 5-foot reach, much like Medium-sized creatures.
8. What happens if an enlarged creature doesn’t have enough space to double in size?
If there isn’t enough room, the target grows to the maximum possible size within the available space.
9. Does enlarge/reduce affect weapon damage?
Yes, when a creature is enlarged, its weapons also grow to match the new size, effectively increasing their damage. If the creature is Large, it will double the weapon dice, Huge triples, etc.
10. Can druids use enlarge/reduce while in Wild Shape?
No. The spell must be cast on the creature, so if the Druid is already wild shaped, they can not be targeted by the spell. Additionally, if the spell is cast before wildshaping, the effects are lost. Polymorphing removes the spells’ effects from the previous form and if the Druid attempts to use enlarge/reduce on their wild shaped form, it does not work.
11. What is the difference between increase and enlarge?
While the two words are often used interchangeably, the word “enlarge” properly signifies an addition of extent, while “increase” applies more to number, height, or quantity.
12. How is reach determined in D&D 5e?
Reach is based on a creature’s base statistics and body type, not necessarily just its size category. Many creatures have a reach of 5 feet.
13. Can I use a potion of enlarge?
Yes, potions of enlarge/reduce exist, they grant the “enlarge” effect of the spell, without needing concentration, for 1d4 hours.
14. Why would you use enlarge/reduce?
Enlarge/reduce has many uses, such as increasing the damage output of a melee character, bypassing weight capacity, or even gaining an advantage on Strength checks to move heavy objects. It can also be a powerful spell in certain combat situations, especially when combined with the aforementioned effects.
15. What are the classes that can cast enlarge/reduce?
The spell is available to three classes: Artificers, Sorcerers, and Wizards. No subclasses grant the spell, and it isn’t accessible through the Magic Initiate feat due to being a 2nd level spell.
Conclusion
The enlarge/reduce spell is a versatile tool, but it’s essential to understand its specific effects. While it dramatically alters size, it does not change reach. By keeping this crucial point in mind, players and DMs can ensure a more accurate and enjoyable gaming experience. Understanding these rules ensures a fair and balanced game, allowing players to strategize and optimize their characters’ capabilities within the designed parameters of 5e.