Contingency

A
Utility

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

See all Utility spells →
 spell that stores a protective or helpful spell to trigger later, letting you prepare for danger before it strikes.

2024 Rules
Level & School
6th-level abjuration
Casting Time
10 minute
Range
Self
Components
V, S, M (a gem-encrusted statuette of yourself worth 1,500+ GP)
Duration
10 days
Classes
Wizard
Source
Player's Handbook (2024)

Choose a spell of level 5 or lower that you can cast, that has a casting time of an action, and that can target you. You cast that spell—called the contingent spell—as part of casting Contingency, expending spell slots for both, but the contingent spell doesn't come into effect. Instead, it takes effect when a certain trigger occurs. You describe that trigger when you cast the two spells. For example, a Contingency cast with Water Breathing might stipulate that Water Breathing comes into effect when you are engulfed in water or a similar liquid.

The contingent spell takes effect immediately after the trigger occurs for the first time, whether or not you want it to, and then Contingency ends.

The contingent spell takes effect only on you, even if it can normally target others. You can use only one Contingency spell at a time. If you cast this spell again, the effect of another Contingency spell on you ends. Also, Contingency ends on you if its material component is ever not on your person.

2014 Rules
Level & School
6th-level evocation
Casting Time
10 minute
Range
Self
Components
V, S, M (a statuette of yourself carved from ivory and decorated with gems worth at least 1,500 gp)
Duration
10 days
Classes
Wizard
Source
Player's Handbook (2014)

Choose a spell of 5th level or lower that you can cast, that has a casting time of 1 action, and that can target you. You cast that spell—called the contingent spell—as part of casting contingency, expending spell slots for both, but the contingent spell doesn't come into effect. Instead, it takes effect when a certain circumstance occurs. You describe that circumstance when you cast the two spells. For example, a contingency cast with water breathing might stipulate that water breathing comes into effect when you are engulfed in water or a similar liquid.

The contingent spell takes effect immediately after the circumstance is met for the first time, whether or not you want it to, and then contingency ends.

The contingent spell takes effect only on you, even if it can normally target others. You can use only one contingency spell at a time. If you cast this spell again, the effect of another contingency spell on you ends. Also, contingency ends on you if its material component is ever not on your person.

Contingency 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

Contingency is now Abjuration instead of Evocation. No other table-facing mechanics changed.

Contingency popularity

How popular is Contingency? It is a seldom seen spell in the game, but is often chosen over other options when available. This spell could be a valuable addition for spellbooks.

Read about how this popularity data is calculated.

Spells similar to Contingency