Escaping the Gilded Cage: A Comprehensive Guide to Dispelling Forcecage in 5E

Ah, Forcecage. That shimmering, impenetrable prison crafted from raw magical force. It’s a spell that strikes fear into the hearts of players and delights many a Dungeon Master. Getting trapped inside can feel like a death sentence, but fear not, adventurers! Understanding its limitations and exploiting its weaknesses is key to freedom.

How do you get rid of Forcecage in 5E?

The most direct answer is through spells or abilities that can either dispel magic, bypass the cage entirely, or destroy it outright. This hinges on two vital factors: the shape of the cage and the material components used when it was cast. Let’s break it down:

• Dispel Magic (9th level): If the Forcecage was created without the material component (worth 1,500gp), then a 9th level casting of Dispel Magic automatically destroys the cage. If the material component was used, Dispel Magic has no effect.
• Disintegrate: This spell instantly obliterates one 10-foot cube of the barrier if the cage is the barred version. The cage has AC 15, 30 hit points per 5-foot section, and is immune to poison and psychic damage.
• Plane Shift: If you possess the ability to Plane Shift, you can simply transport yourself and anyone else within the cage to another plane of existence, effectively escaping the confinement.
• Teleportation: Spells like Teleport and Dimension Door can bypass the cage entirely, assuming the caster is outside the cage and can target someone inside. These are primarily for rescuing allies.
• Wish: The ultimate trump card. The Wish spell can replicate the effect of any other spell, including those listed above, or directly unravel the Forcecage’s magical weave.
• Strategic Movement (Barred Cage Only): If trapped in the barred cage, and you can squeeze through gaps, you could attempt to squeeze through the bars. This requires clever use of abilities like Wild Shape or spells like Gaseous Form.

The key is understanding the specific Forcecage variant used by the caster. Did they opt for the solid box, or the barred cage? And most importantly, did they use the costly material component? These details dictate your escape options. If the expensive material component was used during casting, Dispel Magic is rendered completely useless!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Forcecage

Q1: Can I attack the Forcecage?

Yes, but only if it’s the barred cage variant. The solid box is completely immune to all damage. The bars have an AC of 15 and 30 hit points per 5-foot section. They are also immune to poison and psychic damage. Be aware that attacking the cage will likely alert anyone nearby.

Q2: Does antimagic field work on Forcecage?

No. Forcecage specifically states that it can’t be dispelled by Antimagic Field.

Q3: Can I cast spells out of Forcecage? Can people cast spells into Forcecage?

Yes. Forcecage does not block line of sight or line of effect. You can freely cast spells both into and out of the cage. This makes spells like Heal, Bless, or even Fireball viable options for allies both inside and outside the prison.

Q4: Can a creature with Legendary Resistance automatically succeed on the saving throw against Forcecage?

Yes. Legendary Resistance allows a creature to choose to succeed on a failed saving throw. Forcecage requires a Dexterity saving throw. A creature with Legendary Resistance can expend one use to automatically succeed on the save and avoid being trapped.

Q5: What happens if the caster of Forcecage loses concentration?

If the caster loses concentration, the Forcecage immediately disappears. Freedom! This is a major weakness, making the caster vulnerable to attacks or distractions that might break their concentration.

Q6: Can I grapple or shove someone into a Forcecage?

Generally no, not directly. You can’t move someone into the space occupied by the already created Forcecage. However, a clever strategy might involve grappling someone and then casting Forcecage around both of you. This requires careful planning and positioning.

Q7: Is there any way to prevent someone from casting Forcecage in the first place?

Absolutely! Counterspell is the most direct answer. Preventing the spell from being cast at all is often the best defense. Also, consider abilities or spells that inflict the stunned or incapacitated conditions, as these prevent spellcasting.

Q8: Can I use Passwall to escape a Forcecage?

No. The spell Passwall specifically states that it cannot be used to create an opening in a permanent structure. Forcecage, while magical, is a quasi-permanent barrier for its duration.

Q9: If someone outside casts Greater Restoration on someone inside, can that break the Forcecage?

No. Greater Restoration removes conditions. It doesn’t directly dispel magical effects that create physical barriers.

Q10: Does Misty Step allow me to escape Forcecage?

Yes, if used by someone outside the cage to teleport inside. It is more difficult for someone inside to teleport out using Misty Step, as the spell has a range of 30 feet and the cage itself occupies space. However, it might be possible to target a point just outside the cage if it’s close enough. This will depend on the DM’s interpretation of the spell’s targeting.

Q11: If I’m a Shadow Monk, can I use Shadow Step to escape?

Similar to Misty Step, it’s easier to use Shadow Step to enter the cage than to exit. While technically, you could attempt to teleport to a shadow just outside the cage, this is heavily reliant on available shadows and the DM’s interpretation.

Q12: Can I use a Portable Hole or Bag of Holding to create a tear in the Astral Plane inside the Forcecage and escape through that?

This is a creative, albeit risky, proposition. The interaction between extradimensional spaces and Forcecage is not explicitly defined in the rules. A DM might allow it, reasoning that the tear in reality bypasses the Forcecage’s magical barrier. However, they could also rule that the Forcecage prevents the creation of such a tear. Prepare for a high-stakes ruling!

Q13: If I Wild Shape into a tiny creature (like a mouse), can I squeeze through the bars of the barred Forcecage?

This is a common tactic! The barred cage is a prison but not airtight. If your Wild Shape form allows you to squeeze through tiny spaces, you have a good chance of escaping. Remember that the bars are still solid, so you need a form capable of truly squeezing through narrow gaps.

Q14: Can a Rogue with Expertise in Thieves’ Tools pick the lock on the barred Forcecage?

The Forcecage’s bars are not conventional locks. They are magical constructs. Thieves’ Tools would be ineffective against them. You would need to rely on damaging the bars, not picking them.

Q15: What are some creative ways to use Forcecage offensively?

Forcecage is a fantastic control spell. Here are a few ideas:

• Isolate a Powerful Enemy: Trap a powerful enemy in the cage, separating them from their allies. This allows you to focus your party’s attacks on the remaining threats.
• Protect a Vulnerable Ally: Enclose a wounded ally in the cage to protect them from incoming attacks, giving them time to heal or regroup.
• Deny Escape: Prevent enemies from fleeing a battle by trapping them within the cage.
• Create Choke Points: Use the cage strategically to funnel enemies into narrow corridors or areas where they are vulnerable to area-of-effect spells.

Forcecage is a powerful and versatile spell. Understanding its limitations and exploiting its weaknesses is crucial for both players and Dungeon Masters. So, the next time you find yourself staring at a shimmering cage of magical force, remember this guide, think creatively, and plot your escape! It is also worth reading more about the use of games in learning such as those discussed by the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. They can help you think about the ways games can enhance learning and creativity.