Dominate Monster

  • Level & School
    8th-level enchantment
  • Casting Time
    Action
  • Range
    60 feet
  • Components
    V, S
  • Duration
    Concentration, up to 1 hour
  • Classes
    Bard, Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard

One creature you can see within range must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or have the Charmed condition for the duration. The target has Advantage on the save if you or your allies are fighting it. Whenever the target takes damage, it repeats the save, ending the spell on itself on a success.

You have a telepathic link with the Charmed target while the two of you are on the same plane of existence. On your turn, you can use this link to issue commands to the target (no action required), such as "Attack that creature," "Move over there," or "Fetch that object." The target does its best to obey on its turn. If it completes an order and doesn't receive further direction from you, it acts and moves as it likes, focusing on protecting itself.

You can command the target to take a Reaction but must take your own Reaction to do so.

Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. Your Concentration can last longer with a level 9 spell slot (up to 8 hours).

Dominate Monster 5e 2024 vs. 2014 edition differences

The 2024 version specifies "up to 1 hour" duration, indicating concentration at higher levels, while the 2014 version states a fixed 1 hour duration without concentration. The 2024 version clarifies the target has advantage on saves if you or allies fight it, and explicitly states the target repeats the save when damaged. It also clarifies that you must use your own reaction to command a reaction, whereas the 2014 version allows the creature to use reactions if you do.