What Does Enlarge/Reduce Do? A Comprehensive Guide
The Enlarge/Reduce spell is a 2nd-level transmutation spell in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition that allows spellcasters to alter the size of a creature or object. It offers a powerful tactical advantage in combat and beyond. In essence, you can double or halve the size of the target, impacting its combat capabilities and physical presence. This effect is not merely cosmetic; it comes with mechanical implications for damage, weight, and maneuverability, making it a versatile tool for any party with access to the spell. The spell’s duration is up to one minute. This guide will explore the specifics of this transformative spell, answering common questions and offering insight into its optimal uses.
The Core Mechanics of Enlarge/Reduce
The spell’s impact is straightforward but far-reaching. A creature enlarged with the spell doubles its size in all dimensions, becoming a size category larger. Conversely, a creature reduced by the spell is halved in size, becoming a size category smaller.
Effects of Enlargement
- Size Increase: The creature’s size doubles, effectively increasing their reach and imposing advantages in certain situations.
- Weight Change: The creature’s weight is multiplied by eight. Be mindful of the impact this may have on carrying capacities and interactions with the environment.
- Damage Bonus: The creature’s attacks with weapons deal an extra 1d4 damage. This damage bonus is applicable to all weapon attacks, but not to spells or other magical damage.
- Advantage/Disadvantage: Large creatures may gain advantages in combat based on their physical presence. They can potentially grapple better or create difficult terrain by their sheer size.
Effects of Reduction
- Size Decrease: The creature’s size is halved, making it more difficult to target and possibly granting access to small spaces.
- Weight Change: The creature’s weight is reduced to one-eighth of its normal weight.
- Damage Penalty: While reduced, the creature’s damage is not directly penalized by the spell itself. However, a smaller creature may not be able to wield larger weapons effectively, potentially causing a reduction in damage due to weapon size.
- Advantages/Disadvantages: Small creatures may be more difficult to hit, especially in cramped environments. However, they may also have a harder time grappling or interacting with larger objects.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does Enlarge/Reduce Affect Movement Speed?
No, the Enlarge/Reduce spell does not directly change the movement rate. This is a consistent rule throughout D&D editions. While the target might become larger or smaller, their speed on the ground remains the same.
2. How Long Does Enlarge/Reduce Last?
The effect of the Enlarge/Reduce spell lasts for up to one minute, unless the spell’s concentration is broken before that time. This limited duration means careful timing is crucial for effective use.
3. What Classes Can Use Enlarge/Reduce?
The Enlarge/Reduce spell is primarily available to artificers, sorcerers, and wizards. Certain subclasses, like the Lore Bard (at level 6), Eldritch Knight, and Arcane Trickster (at level 8), also have access to the spell. It is generally not accessible through feats like Magic Initiate due to its 2nd-level status.
4. Does Enlarge/Reduce Change Weight?
Yes. When enlarged, the target’s weight increases eightfold. When reduced, the target’s weight is reduced to one-eighth of its normal weight. This can be a significant factor in puzzle-solving or overcoming physical challenges.
5. Does Enlarge/Reduce Increase Weapon Damage?
Yes, but only for enlarged targets. Specifically, enlarged creatures deal an additional 1d4 damage with weapon attacks. Smaller creatures don’t necessarily deal less damage by way of the spell, but may be penalized based on the size of the weapon wielded.
6. Does Enlarge/Reduce Increase Reach?
No, the spell does not explicitly increase reach. While a larger creature may occupy more space, the spell only affects the size of the creature, not its combat reach. The rules for reach remain as they were prior to casting the spell.
7. Can You Use Enlarge/Reduce On Yourself?
Yes, absolutely. You can choose yourself as the target. A sorcerer, for example, might twin-spell this on themselves to grow large while simultaneously reducing a foe to create a tactical advantage in battle.
8. Can You Use Enlarge/Reduce On Objects?
Yes, Enlarge/Reduce can be used on both creatures and objects. This opens possibilities for overcoming obstacles, like enlarging a rock to block a passage or shrinking a key to more easily conceal it.
9. How Does Enlarge/Reduce Interact With Unarmed Strikes?
Enlargement adds the 1d4 damage bonus to unarmed strikes, similar to how it affects weapon attacks. Reduced creatures are likely to find it more difficult to deal damage as their size is reduced, based on the rules for wielding weapons, but the spell itself does not reduce the damage of unarmed attacks.
10. Does Enlarge/Reduce Affect Armor Class?
No, the spell does not change the target’s Armor Class. While a smaller creature might be more difficult to hit due to its size, the spell doesn’t provide a mechanical AC bonus or penalty.
11. Does Being Enlarged Grant Advantages In Combat?
While there are no direct mechanical advantages or disadvantages listed as a result of a size change, being enlarged can make it easier to flank an enemy, due to the space the enlarged creature occupies. The potential to grapple more efficiently might also be realized. Conversely, being reduced may make the character more difficult to hit, particularly in close combat, because the character takes up less space.
12. How Does Enlarge/Reduce Interact With Other Spells?
The spell’s effect can synergize with other spells that interact with size, reach, or damage. Combining with spells like Giant Strength or spells that provide advantage on attacks can create very powerful combat combinations.
13. Is It Possible To Become Smaller Than Tiny With This Spell?
No. The spell cannot reduce a creature past the tiny size category. Likewise, a creature cannot exceed a large size category by being enlarged.
14. What Is The Best Use Of Enlarge/Reduce?
The best use varies by situation, but tactical application is essential. The twin-spell method for a sorcerer, allowing simultaneous enlargement on oneself while reducing a foe is powerful. Another use might be to enlarge an ally to overcome obstacles, or reduce an enemy to impede their movement or ability to attack.
15. How Does Enlarge/Reduce Compare To Other Size Alteration Methods?
While other methods like potions of giant size or specific monster abilities exist, Enlarge/Reduce is versatile due to its dual function. It’s a spell available to a broad number of classes and provides consistent alteration effects, unlike other circumstantial abilities. The relatively low spell level also makes it more accessible.
Conclusion
Enlarge/Reduce is a spell that rewards creative application. Its ability to alter a creature’s size for tactical advantage is a powerful tool. Understanding the rules—that it doesn’t affect movement speed or reach, but does affect weight and damage—allows players to leverage its potential fully, making it an indispensable spell for artificers, sorcerers, wizards, and some subclasses. Careful planning and clever use of this spell can make all the difference in your D&D adventures.