Multitarget & AoE Spells
Multitarget spells in D&D 5e allow a single casting to impact more than one creature at a time either through multitarget selection or the spell having an area of effect (AoE). These spells are especially valuable when facing groups of enemies, supporting multiple allies, or applying pressure efficiently across the battlefield.
Unlike single-target spells that focus power on one creature, multitarget spells reward positioning, timing, and encounter awareness. Whether you're clearing clustered enemies, bolstering your party before a fight, or applying control effects to multiple foes, multitarget spells often provide some of the best value for a spell slot.
When should you choose a multitarget spell?
Multitarget spells shine when:
- Enemies are grouped together or likely to cluster
- Multiple allies need support at the same time
- You want to influence the flow of combat with a single action
- Action efficiency matters more than raw single-target damage
They are less effective when:
- Fights revolve around a single powerful enemy
- Friendly fire is difficult to avoid
- Precision matters more than coverage
Damage Spells
Multitarget damage spells excel at clearing groups of enemies or spreading damage across multiple threats. They reward good positioning and can turn the tide of combat when enemies cluster together.
- Fireball — The iconic area damage spell that defines multitarget offense. A 20-foot radius sphere of explosive fire that can devastate clustered enemies.
- Spirit Guardians — A mobile damage zone that punishes enemies for staying near you. Excellent for clerics who want to control space while dealing consistent damage.
- Magic Missile — Choose exactly what targets you'd like to hit and how many times. These don't do a ton of damage, but in all but the most unusual circumstances they're guaranteed to hit.
- Lightning Bolt — A line of electricity that rewards positioning and can hit multiple enemies in a row. Great when enemies are lined up or in corridors.
Control Spells
Multitarget control spells allow you to lock down multiple enemies at once, disrupting their plans and creating tactical advantages. These spells shine when you need to manage several threats simultaneously.
- Hypnotic Pattern — Arguably the best 3rd-level control spell. Incapacitates multiple enemies in a 30-foot cube, often ending encounters before they begin.
- Web — A low-level classic that restrains multiple creatures in an area. Excellent for controlling chokepoints and slowing enemy advances.
- Gust of Wind — A line of wind that pushes multiple creatures away from you and slows down their ability for them to catch up.
- Slow — Debilitates up to six creatures, halving their speed and limiting their actions and may even have them failing their spellcasting.
Support Spells
Multitarget support spells let you bolster multiple allies with a single action, making them incredibly efficient for party-wide buffs and enhancements. Perfect for preparing your team before or during combat.
- Bless — One of the most efficient low-level buffs. Helps three allies hit more often and resist effects, and scales up to more allies as you upcast the spell.
- Enhance Ability — A situational spell that can be used to boost your allies skills in a big way. You can buff an additional ally for each slot level you upcast with.
- Mass Cure Wounds — Heals up to six creatures at once. Perfect for recovering from area damage or preparing for a final push.
- Animal Shapes — Transform your entire party into various beasts of your choice, giving them big buffs and mobility as you battle or travel.
Defense Spells
Multitarget defensive spells protect multiple allies at once, providing crucial damage mitigation or protection effects across your party. These spells are invaluable when your entire group faces danger.
- Feather Fall — When you or up to five creatures around you start falling, you can slow down their fall and prevent them from taking damage.
- Circle of Power — Protect all your allies within 30 feet of you with advantages on saves against spells and other magical effects.
- Globe of Invulnerability — Creates a barrier that blocks spells of 5th level or lower. Incredible protection against enemy spellcasters for you and any allies that stick with you in the globe.
- Holy Aura — Grant advantage on saving throws to creatures of your choice within 30 feet. Fiends and undead melee attackers of your allies can be blinded.
Utility Spells
Multitarget utility spells offer versatile solutions that affect multiple creatures or areas, providing creative problem-solving options both in and out of combat.
- Dimension Door — You and an optional buddy beside you can teleport to any location within 500 feet of you, just ensure it's an unoccupied space.
- Pass Without Trace — Conceal yourself and any creatures you choose that stay within 30 feet of you in a shroud of concealment to stay stealthy.
- Teleportation Circle — Teleport your party to a network of teleportation circles, or put in the time to create your own permanent ones. The ultimate long-term utility investment for high-level parties.
- Plant Growth — Turns a 100 foot sphere of plants into difficult terrain or with a long casting time, enriches farmland. Creative applications in and out of combat.