Arcane Arsenal: The 20 Most Powerful Spells in Dungeons & Dragons

• 20. Contingency

  

  This spell lets you choose another spell to be cast automatically when a specific condition you define is met. It's like having a magical insurance policy, ensuring that when things go south, you'll have a backup plan to get back on track. Whether it's a quick escape or a last-ditch defense, Contingency gives you a safety net in the heat of battle.

  Via Creature College
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• 19. Teleport

  

  With Teleport, you and your companions can travel vast distances in the blink of an eye, allowing you to escape danger, reach distant allies, or bypass obstacles. This spell is perfect for those times when your trusty steed just won't cut it, and you need to get somewhere fast – no more waiting around for pesky transport!

  Via Hendry Iwanaga

• 18. Finger of Death

  

  This spell deals significant necrotic damage to a target, with the potential to kill them outright. If the target is slain, they may rise again as a loyal undead servant under your control. Finger of Death can swing a battle in your favor and make an enemy regret ever crossing your path, while expanding your entourage with some undead muscle.

  Via Creature College

• 17. Reverse Gravity

  

  Defy the laws of nature and change the direction of gravity, sending creatures and objects hurtling through the air. Not only does this spell inflict damage upon those caught in its effect, but it can also disrupt enemy formations and tactics, leaving them helplessly suspended in mid-air or crashing back down to earth.

  Via scribbler's fantastical workshop
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• 16. Simulacrum

  

  Create a duplicate of yourself or another creature, complete with a portion of their abilities, spells, and memories. A Simulacrum can serve as an invaluable ally, bolstering your ranks and sharing the burden of spellcasting, combat, and exploration. Two heads are better than one, especially when they belong to powerful spellcasters!

  Via BoLS

• 15. Sunburst

  

  This powerful evocation spell deals radiant damage and blinds creatures within a large area. Particularly effective against undead and oozes, Sunburst can decimate enemy ranks and turn the tide of battle in your favor. When the darkness threatens to overwhelm you, let the light of Sunburst be your beacon of hope!

  Via Evyn Fong

• 14. Maze

  

  Banish a creature to an extradimensional maze, where they must solve their way out to return. This spell can buy precious time in a tense battle, sidelining a powerful enemy while you deal with their minions or strategize with your allies. Sometimes, the most effective solution is simply to remove an enemy from the equation.

  Via Conceptopolis
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• 13. Forcecage

  

  Imprison a creature within an invisible, impenetrable cage of force, preventing escape and nullifying their ability to harm your party. Whether you need to contain a rampaging beast or give your foes a time-out, Forcecage is an excellent crowd-control option that ensures nothing gets in or out without your permission.

  Via DM David

• 12. Disintegrate

  

  This devastating spell deals massive force damage to a target, with the potential to reduce them to mere dust if the damage is enough to kill them. Disintegrate can eliminate powerful enemies in a single, decisive blow, or make short work of obstacles that stand in your way. When you need to make a problem disappear, Disintegrate is your go-to solution.

  Via Jan Duursema, Rick Magyar, Matt Webb

• 11. Dominate Monster

  

  Seize control of a creature's mind and bend them to your will, effectively making them your ally. This spell can turn the tide of battle, forcing your adversaries to contend with one of their own or adding a powerful ally to your ranks. With Dominate Monster, you'll always have the upper hand in the art of magical persuasion.

  Via Chase Stone
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• 10. Prismatic Wall

  

  Create a shimmering, multi-layered barrier of magical energy that can repel, damage, or imprison foes who attempt to pass through it. Prismatic Wall is an exceptional defensive spell that provides unmatched protection and control over the battlefield, keeping your enemies at bay while you plot their doom.

  Via David Martin

• 9. True Polymorph

  

  Unleash your creativity with the ability to permanently transform a creature or object into another form. Whether you need to turn an enemy into a harmless critter, give yourself the powers of a mighty dragon, or turn a pebble into a powerful magic item, True Polymorph is a versatile and potent spell with nearly limitless potential.

  Via Steve Prescott

• 8. Foresight

  

  Bestow the gift of uncanny predictions upon yourself or an ally, granting numerous bonuses and advantages in combat, exploration, and social interactions. With Foresight, you'll always be one step ahead of your foes, anticipating their moves and reacting with lightning-fast reflexes.

  Via gamers decide
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• 7. Imprisonment

  

  Condemn a creature to an eternal prison, whether by trapping them in an extradimensional sphere, burying them deep within the earth, or chaining them with magical bonds. Imprisonment is a potent means of neutralizing even the most dangerous foes, ensuring they'll never threaten you or your allies again.

  Via OSR

• 6. Shapechange

  

  Embrace your inner shapeshifter and assume the form of any familiar creature, gaining its abilities and traits. Whether you want to soar through the skies as a majestic eagle, dive into the depths as a fearsome kraken, or rampage through the battlefield as a towering giant, Shapechange allows you to adapt to any situation and unleash your full potential.

  Via Conceptopolis

• 5. Gate

  

  Open a portal between two planes, allowing travel, summoning powerful beings, or even redirecting the flow of planar energy. Gate is a formidable spell that can turn the tide of any conflict, bring allies to your side, or simply provide a means to explore the far reaches of the multiverse. With the power to connect planes and manipulate the fabric of reality, Gate is a testament to the boundless potential of arcane magic.

  Via Terry Dykstra
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• 4. Meteor Swarm

  

  Unleash a barrage of fiery meteors upon your foes, dealing massive fire and bludgeoning damage over a wide area. Meteor Swarm is the ultimate in magical artillery, capable of wiping out entire armies or reducing a fortress to rubble. When you need to make a big impact, nothing compares to the destructive power of Meteor Swarm.

  Via Olivier Bernard

• 3. Time Stop

  

  Gain the ability to momentarily stop time itself, allowing you to act freely while the world around you stands still. Time Stop provides invaluable opportunities to set up intricate traps, heal allies, or escape from seemingly impossible situations. With this spell, you'll always have time on your side.

  Via Conceptopolis

• 2. Power word, kill

  

  Utter a single, deadly word that can instantly snuff out the life force of a weak or wounded creature. Power Word Kill is a terrifying and lethal spell that can end a battle in an instant, striking fear into the hearts of your enemies and showing them the true power of your arcane might.

  Via Izzy Medrano
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• 1. Wish

  

  The most versatile and powerful spell in any wizard's arsenal, Wish grants you the ability to reshape reality itself to fulfill your desires. From duplicating any lower-level spell without the need for components, to achieving nearly any effect you can imagine, Wish is the ultimate expression of magical prowess and the pinnacle of a spellcaster's power.

  Via Ekaterina Burmak

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