Hold Monster

A
Control

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

See all Control spells →
 spell that can
paralyze

Hold Monster is a Save or Suck spell. Save or Suck spells fall entirely flat if the target succeeds on a saving throw.

See all Save or Suck spells →
 one creature, or
multiple creatures

Hold Monster 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 →
 at higher levels, until they shake free.

2024 Rules
Level & School
5th-level enchantment
Casting Time
Action
Range
90 feet
Components
V, S, M (a straight piece of iron)
Duration
Concentration, up to 1 minute
Classes
Bard, Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard

Choose a creature that you can see within range. The target must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or have the Paralyzed condition for the duration. At the end of each of its turns, the target repeats the save, ending the spell on itself on a success.

Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. You can target one additional creature for each spell slot level above 5.

2014 Rules
Level & School
5th-level enchantment
Casting Time
Action
Range
90 feet
Components
V, S, M (a small, straight piece of iron)
Duration
Concentration, 1 minute
Classes
Bard, Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard

Choose a creature that you can see within range. The target must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or be paralyzed for the duration. This spell has no effect on undead. At the end of each of its turns, the target can make another Wisdom saving throw. On a success, the spell ends on the target.

Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 6th level or higher, you can target one additional creature for each slot level above 5th. The creatures must be within 30 feet of each other when you target them.

Hold Monster 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

Hold Monster now works on undead, and its upcasting is broader: every slot level above 5th adds one extra target, with no 30-foot proximity requirement.

Hold Monster popularity

Hold Monster is a commonly chosen level 5 spell. Choosing it adds an established option to your spellbook.

Spells similar to Hold Monster

  • Hold Person 2nd-level enchantment

    It's the same enchantment effect but at a lower level, paralyzing humanoid targets on a failed Wisdom save for a short, concentration-limited duration.

  • Dominate Person 5th-level enchantment

    Also an enchantment that seizes control of a single creature via a save and concentration, offering a more active form of disabling at the same spell level for humanoids.

  • Telekinesis 5th-level transmutation

    It can impose strong control over a creature's movement with repeated saves and a sustained concentration duration, serving a similar battlefield-lockdown role.

  • Banishment 4th-level abjuration

    This spell removes a creature from the fight on a failed save for up to a minute with concentration, functioning as an alternative way to neutralize a dangerous foe temporarily.

  • Geas 5th-level enchantment

    A level-5 enchantment that enforces behavior through a save and long-lasting effects, making it a comparable option for exerting control over a single target.