Darkness

A
Control

Darkness is a Control spell. Control spells restrict enemy options through debuffs or denial effects.

See all Control spells →
 spell that blankets an area in magical darkness, creating
battlefield control

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

See all Battlefield Shaping spells →
 and smothering lesser light.

2024 Rules
Level & School
2nd-level evocation
Casting Time
Action
Range
60 feet
Components
V, M (bat fur and a piece of coal)
Duration
Concentration, 10 minutes
Classes
Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard
Source
Player's Handbook (2024)

For the duration, magical Darkness spreads from a point within range and fills a 15-foot-radius Sphere. Darkvision can't see through it, and nonmagical light can't illuminate it.

Alternatively, you cast the spell on an object that isn't being worn or carried, causing the Darkness to fill a 15-foot Emanation originating from that object. Covering that object with something opaque, such as a bowl or helm, blocks the Darkness.

If any of this spell's area overlaps with an area of Bright Light or Dim Light created by a spell of level 2 or lower, that other spell is dispelled.

2014 Rules
Level & School
2nd-level evocation
Casting Time
Action
Range
60 feet
Components
V, M (bat fur and a drop of pitch or piece of coal)
Duration
Concentration, 10 minutes
Classes
Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard
Source
Player's Handbook (2014)

Magical darkness spreads from a point you choose within range to fill a 15-foot-radius sphere for the duration. The darkness spreads around corners. A creature with darkvision can't see through this darkness, and nonmagical light can't illuminate it.

If the point you choose is on an object you are holding or one that isn't being worn or carried, the darkness emanates from the object and moves with it. Completely covering the source of the darkness with an opaque object, such as a bowl or a helm, blocks the darkness.

If any of this spell's area overlaps with an area of light created by a spell of 2nd level or lower, the spell that created the light is dispelled.

Darkness 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

You can now cast it on an object that isn’t being worn or carried, creating a 15-foot Emanation from that object instead of the old “held object” version. It now dispels any 2nd-level-or-lower spell creating Bright Light or Dim Light, not just “light” areas.

Darkness popularity

How popular is Darkness? It is a commonly found spell in the game, and is often chosen over other options when available. This spell is a reliable addition to any spellbook.

Read about how this popularity data is calculated.

Spells similar to Darkness