Hypnotic Pattern

A
Control

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

See all Control spells →
 spell that lulls
multiple creatures

Hypnotic Pattern 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 →
 into a helpless stupor with a dazzling
save-or-suck

Hypnotic Pattern 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 →
 burst.

2024 Rules
Level & School
3rd-level illusion
Casting Time
Action
Range
120 feet
Components
S, M (a pinch of confetti)
Duration
Concentration, up to 1 minute
Classes
Bard, Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard

You create a twisting pattern of colors in a 30-foot Cube within range. The pattern appears for a moment and vanishes. Each creature in the area who can see the pattern must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or have the Charmed condition for the duration. While Charmed, the creature has the Incapacitated condition and a Speed of 0.

The spell ends for an affected creature if it takes any damage or if someone else uses an action to shake the creature out of its stupor.

2014 Rules
Level & School
3rd-level illusion
Casting Time
Action
Range
120 feet
Components
S, M (a glowing stick of incense or a crystal vial filled with phosphorescent material)
Duration
Concentration, 1 minute
Classes
Bard, Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard

You create a twisting pattern of colors that weaves through the air inside a 30-foot cube within range. The pattern appears for a moment and vanishes. Each creature in the area who sees the pattern must make a Wisdom saving throw. On a failed save, the creature becomes charmed for the duration. While charmed by this spell, the creature is incapacitated and has a speed of 0.

The spell ends for an affected creature if it takes any damage or if someone else uses an action to shake the creature out of its stupor.

Hypnotic Pattern 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

Effectively the same spell. The 2024 version is reworded but functions identically.

Hypnotic Pattern popularity

Hypnotic Pattern is a commonly chosen level 3 spell. Choosing it adds an established option to your spellbook.

Spells similar to Hypnotic Pattern

  • Sleep 1st-level enchantment

    Both incapacitate multiple creatures in an area with a saving/threshold effect and are commonly used as early crowd-control tools.

  • Color Spray 1st-level illusion

    This illusion creates a dazzling visual effect that incapacitates groups of foes in an area, making it a close thematic and tactical cousin.

  • Fear 3rd-level illusion

    Fear affects multiple creatures in an area and forces a save to avoid being shut down, serving a similar crowd-control battlefield role.

  • Calm Emotions 2nd-level enchantment

    It subdues or suppresses hostile behavior across several targets with a save, offering a non-damaging way to neutralize groups like Hypnotic Pattern does.

  • Hold Person 2nd-level enchantment

    Although usually single- or limited-target, it paralyzes a target on a failed save and is frequently chosen for the same goal of taking enemies out of the fight.

Hypnotic Pattern is featured in