Enhance Ability

A
Support

Enhance Ability is a Support spell. Support spells strengthen, protect, or buff allies.

See all Support spells →
 spell that boosts chosen abilities, giving
multiple allies

Enhance Ability is a Multi Target spell. Multi Target spells have an area of effect or can explicitly target multiple allies or enemies.

See all Multi Target spells →
 better odds on key checks.

2024 Rules
Level & School
2nd-level transmutation
Casting Time
Action
Range
Touch
Components
V, S, M (fur or a feather)
Duration
Concentration, up to 1 hour
Classes
Bard, Cleric, Druid, Ranger, Sorcerer, Wizard

You touch a creature and choose Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma. For the duration, the target has Advantage on ability checks using the chosen ability.

Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. You can target one additional creature for each spell slot level above 2. You can choose a different ability for each target.

2014 Rules
Level & School
2nd-level transmutation
Casting Time
Action
Range
Touch
Components
V, S, M (fur or a feather from a beast)
Duration
Concentration, 1 hour.
Classes
Bard, Cleric, Druid, Sorcerer

You touch a creature and bestow upon it a magical enhancement. Choose one of the following effects; the target gains that effect until the spell ends.

Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 3rd level or higher, you can target one additional creature for each slot level above 2nd.

Enhance Ability 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

The spell was mechanically reworked. It no longer uses the old menu of enhancement options; now you pick one ability and the target has Advantage on checks with that ability for the duration. The higher-slot version now lets each extra target get a different ability. Now also available to Rangers and Wizards.

Enhance Ability popularity

Enhance Ability is a commonly chosen level 2 spell. Choosing it adds an established option to your spellbook.

Spells similar to Enhance Ability

  • Guidance Divination cantrip

    Both give a temporary bonus for ability checks and are chosen when you want to help a creature succeed at noncombat tasks.

  • Pass without Trace 2nd-level abjuration

    It’s a level-2 concentration buff that helps a group on skill-based tasks (stealth), so players reach for it for the same party-focused, non-damaging support reasons.

  • Invisibility 2nd-level illusion

    Like this spell, it’s a level-2 touch spell that uses concentration for up to an hour to grant a targeted, game-changing benefit that helps skill and tactical options.

  • Barkskin 2nd-level transmutation

    It’s a level-2 transmutation touch spell with a one-hour duration that players cast to provide a defensive, non-damaging benefit to an ally.

  • Warding Bond 2nd-level abjuration

    This is another level-2 touch support spell with a one-hour duration that links caster and target to provide a protective benefit to an ally.