Arcane Lock

A
Utility

Arcane Lock is a Utility spell. Utility spells solve problems outside of combat or provide unique situational advantages.

See all Utility spells →
 spell that seals doors, gates, and containers, shaping the
battlefield control

Arcane Lock is a Battlefield Shaping spell. Battlefield Shaping spells alter terrain, create obstacles, introduce hazards, and affect enemy positioning.

See all Battlefield Shaping spells →
 and opening only for those you choose.

2024 Rules
Level & School
2nd-level abjuration
Casting Time
Action
Range
Touch
Components
V, S, M (gold dust worth 25+ GP, which the spell consumes)
Duration
Until dispelled
Classes
Wizard

You touch a closed door, window, gate, container, or hatch and magically lock it for the duration. This lock can't be unlocked by any nonmagical means. You and any creatures you designate when you cast the spell can open and close the object despite the lock. You can also set a password that, when spoken within 5 feet of the object, unlocks it for 1 minute.

2014 Rules
Level & School
2nd-level abjuration
Casting Time
Action
Range
Touch
Components
V, S, M (gold dust worth at least 25 gp, which the spell consumes)
Duration
Until dispelled
Classes
Wizard

You touch a closed door, window, gate, chest, or other entryway, and it becomes locked for the duration. You and the creatures you designate when you cast this spell can open the object normally. You can also set a password that, when spoken within 5 feet of the object, suppresses this spell for 1 minute. Otherwise, it is impassable until it is broken or the spell is dispelled or suppressed. Casting knock on the object suppresses arcane lock for 10 minutes.

While affected by this spell, the object is more difficult to break or force open; the DC to break it or pick any locks on it increases by 10.

Arcane Lock 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

It now works on containers and hatches, not just entryways, and it also lets you open and close the object if you were designated. The old +10 DC to break or pick the lock is gone, and the lock is now explicitly immune to nonmagical unlocking. The password now unlocks it for 1 minute.

Arcane Lock popularity

Arcane Lock is one of the rarest level 2 spells in the game. Choosing it will set you apart from all other casters.

Spells similar to Arcane Lock

  • Glyph of Warding 3rd-level abjuration

    It creates a magical ward on an object or location that persists until dispelled and functions as a protective trap similar to placing a lock on an entry.

  • Knock 2nd-level transmutation

    This spell directly interacts with locks and doors as Arcane Lock does, serving as the obvious mechanical counterpoint for opening sealed objects.

  • Alarm 1st-level abjuration

    Alarm is a low-level, long-duration protective magic you place on doors or areas to guard them, matching Arcane Lock's utility for securing a space.

  • Magic Mouth 2nd-level illusion

    Magic Mouth attaches a magical effect to an object and can convey a spoken message or trigger condition, much like Arcane Lock's password and object-bound behavior.

  • Arcanist's Magic Aura 2nd-level illusion

    Both spells alter how an item is perceived or functions magically for an extended time, making Arcanist's Magic Aura a close analogue for object-focused utility magic.