Hunter's Mark

A
Damage

Hunter's Mark is a Damage spell. Damage spells focus on dealing harm to enemies.

See all Damage spells →
 spell that marks one prey for extra force damage,
tracking it

Hunter's Mark is a Information spell. Information spells provide ways to transmit, perceive, detect, or reveal hidden or unknown information.

See all Information spells →
 and
retargeting with a bonus action

Hunter's Mark is a Action Economy spell. Action Economy spells grant you more choices on future turns.

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.

2024 Rules
Level & School
1st-level divination
Casting Time
Bonus action
Range
90 feet
Components
V
Duration
Concentration, up to 1 hour
Classes
Ranger

You magically mark one creature you can see within range as your quarry. Until the spell ends, you deal an extra 1d6 Force damage to the target whenever you hit it with an attack roll. You also have Advantage on any Wisdom (Perception or Survival) check you make to find it.

If the target drops to 0 Hit Points before this spell ends, you can use a Bonus Action to mark a new creature you can see within range.

Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. Your Concentration can last longer with a spell slot of level 3-4 (up to 8 hours) or 5+ (up to 24 hours).

2014 Rules
Level & School
1st-level divination
Casting Time
Bonus action
Range
90 feet
Components
V
Duration
Concentration, 1 hour
Classes
Ranger

You choose a creature you can see within range and mystically mark it as your quarry. Until the spell ends, you deal an extra 1d6 damage to the target whenever you hit it with a weapon attack, and you have advantage on any Wisdom (Perception) or Wisdom (Survival) check you make to find it. If the target drops to 0 hit points before this spell ends, you can use a bonus action on a subsequent turn of yours to mark a new creature.

Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 3rd or 4th level, you can maintain your concentration on the spell for up to 8 hours. When you use a spell slot of 5th level or higher, you can maintain your concentration on the spell for up to 24 hours.

Hunter's Mark 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

The bonus damage now works on any attack roll, not just weapon attacks, and it deals Force damage instead of untyped damage. Marking a new target still takes a Bonus Action, but now the new creature only has to be one you can see within range.

Hunter's Mark popularity

Hunter's Mark is a commonly chosen level 1 spell. Choosing it adds an established option to your spellbook.

Spells similar to Hunter's Mark

  • Hex 1st-level enchantment

    It marks a target for up to an hour while you deal extra damage on hits, making it mechanically the closest analogue to this spell.

  • Ensnaring Strike 1st-level conjuration

    A ranger attack-focused spell that is cast in conjunction with an attack and then creates an ongoing effect tied to hitting a creature.

  • Mind Spike 2nd-level divination

    This divination can tag a creature for a duration and deals damage while also giving information about the target, echoing both halves of the target spell.

  • Faerie Fire 1st-level evocation

    It helps your allies (and you) hit a chosen creature or area by granting advantage against affected targets and lasts with concentration.

  • Hail of Thorns 1st-level conjuration

    A ranger first-level option that augments your attack to add extra damage effects when you hit, used in similar tactical moments.