Harnessing divine power to smite foes, Spiritual Weapon stands as one of the most versatile and useful spells in Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition. This comprehensive guide delves into everything a spellcaster needs to know to fully master Spiritual Weapon and unlock its incredible potential.
From thoroughly understanding its unique properties and casting mechanics to strategically positioning it and maximizing damage, this handbook empowers players to skillfully utilize Spiritual Weapon to devastating effect.
An In-Depth Overview of the Spiritual Weapon Spell
Spiritual Weapon is a 2nd-level evocation spell available to Clerics and Paladins. When cast, it summons a spectral weapon that hovers near you and can strike at enemies within range. The caster can use their bonus action to make a melee spell attack against a target within 5 feet of the weapon, using their own spellcasting ability modifier.
On a hit, the weapon deals 1d8 + the spellcaster’s spellcasting ability modifier in force damage. As a bonus action on subsequent turns, the caster can mentally direct the weapon to move up to 20 feet and make another attack. The spell lasts for 1 minute with concentration required to maintain control over the weapon.
Unique Properties of Spiritual Weapon
Several key properties make Spiritual Weapon such a versatile and useful spell:
- The force damage it deals is rarely resisted compared to other damage types
- No concentration is needed to make attacks with the weapon after summoning it
- It uses just a bonus action, leaving your action free each turn
- Has a long duration of 1 minute sustained by concentration
- Upcasting increases its damage output
These traits combine to make Spiritual Weapon extremely versatile and valuable. You can continue attacking round after round while still using your action to cast other spells, channel divinity, or make weapon attacks. It also combines especially well with a Cleric or Paladin’s own melee capabilities.
Verbal, Somatic, and Material Components
Casting Spiritual Weapon requires verbal and somatic components. The caster must be able to speak and gesture freely with at least one hand. There are no material components needed, meaning no cost and no chance of losing a material focus.
Spell Level, Range, and Duration
As a 2nd-level spell, Spiritual Weapon is available once a Cleric or Paladin reaches 3rd level. Its range is 60 feet, able to strike any target within 5 feet of the summoned weapon. Concentration maintains the spell’s effect for up to 1 minute.
Casting and Controlling Spiritual Weapon in Combat
Using Spiritual Weapon effectively in combat relies on smart positioning, maneuvering, and timing of attacks.
To cast Spiritual Weapon, the caster must have at least one free hand for the somatic component. The spectral weapon springs into existence in an unoccupied space within 60 feet of the caster. It takes on a form resembling a weapon associated with the caster’s faith, like a warhammer for a Cleric of Thor.
Initial Attack
On the same turn the spell is cast, the caster can immediately make a melee spell attack against any creature within 5 feet of the summoned weapon. This attack counts as the caster attacking, using their own spellcasting ability modifier for the attack and damage rolls.
Ongoing Actions
On subsequent turns, the caster uses their bonus action to mentally command the spiritual weapon. The caster decides whether it moves up to 20 feet, then makes an attack against a target within 5 feet of its new position. The caster still uses their own spellcasting modifier for the attack and damage rolls.
Concentration and Duration
Concentration is required to maintain control of the weapon. If concentration breaks, such as from taking damage, the spell ends immediately and the weapon vanishes. If concentration holds, the caster can continue attacking with it round after round for the full 1 minute duration.
Positioning Spiritual Weapon Effectively
Proper positioning is vital to maximize Spiritual Weapon’s impact. Since it can hover and move on its own, you have great flexibility in placing it strategically on the battlefield. Here are some effective tactics:
- Position it where enemies will approach or gather, such as near objectives or along their predicted path
- Use it to flank enemies, granting advantage to allies
- Hover it over hazardous terrain like spikes or lava
- Chase down fleeing enemies to make opportunity attacks
Clever positioning takes advantage of the weapon’s autonomous movement, letting you control areas and make additional attacks. Place it intelligently based on the environment and flow of combat to get the most value.
Maximizing Your Damage and Disruption
Beyond smart positioning, there are several ways to maximize the impact of your Spiritual Weapon during combat:
Upcast For Extra Damage
Casting Spiritual Weapon using a higher-level spell slot can significantly boost its damage output. Each slot above 2nd level increases the weapon’s damage by 1d8. Upcasting to 3rd level empowers it to deal 2d8 + your spellcasting modifier.
Combine With Other Spells
Spiritual Weapon combines perfectly with concentration spells like Bless or Spirit Guardians. This maintains your bonus action attack while supercharging the effect or damage of your main concentration spell.
Use Strategically Against Mobs
The autonomous weapon lets you make opportunity attacks without using your reaction. Push, pull, or fear effects that force enemy movement can trigger extra attacks against multiple foes at once.
The War Caster feat allows you to use Spiritual Weapon for opportunity attacks when enemies move in range. This greatly enhances its battlefield control and significantly boosts your potential damage per round.
Spiritual Weapon allows you to wreak havoc on the battlefield. Use this guide to gain mastery over this versatile spell.
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