Identify

Utility Information

Level & School
1st-level divination
Casting Time
1 minute or Ritual
Range
Touch
Components
V, S, M (a pearl worth 100+ GP)
Duration
Instantaneous
Classes
Bard, Wizard

You touch an object throughout the spell's casting. If the object is a magic item or some other magical object, you learn its properties and how to use them, whether it requires Attunement, and how many charges it has, if any. You learn whether any ongoing spells are affecting the item and what they are. If the item was created by a spell, you learn that spell's name.

If you instead touch a creature throughout the casting, you learn which ongoing spells, if any, are currently affecting it.

Level & School
1st-level divination
Casting Time
1 minute
Range
Touch
Components
V, S, M (a pearl worth at least 100 gp and an owl feather)
Duration
Instantaneous
Classes
Bard, Wizard

You choose one object that you must touch throughout the casting of the spell. If it is a magic item or some other magic-imbued object, you learn its properties and how to use them, whether it requires attunement to use, and how many charges it has, if any. You learn whether any spells are affecting the item and what they are. If the item was created by a spell, you learn which spell created it.

If you instead touch a creature throughout the casting, you learn what spells, if any, are currently affecting it.

Identify 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

The 2024 version allows casting as a ritual, whereas the 2014 version does not. The 2024 version clarifies "ongoing spells" affecting the item, while the 2014 version states "spells" affecting it. The 2024 version specifies learning the spell's name if created by a spell; the 2014 version states "which spell created it."

Spells similar to Identify

  • Detect Magic, 1st-level divination

    Both are first‑level divination rituals that let casters gather information about magical auras and objects in a noncombat way.

  • Comprehend Languages, 1st-level divination

    Like Identify, this is a low‑level ritual divination that gives usable information to the caster and is frequently chosen for out‑of‑combat problem solving.

  • Dispel Magic, 3rd-level abjuration

    Although it operates at a higher level, it likewise inspects and interacts with ongoing magical effects on objects or creatures, making it a natural companion to Identify.

  • Arcane Eye, 4th-level divination

    This is a divination that provides remote information gathering over time, similar to how Identify is used for focused magical reconnaissance.

  • Augury, 2nd-level divination

    Both are divination rituals used for gaining specific kinds of information to guide decisions rather than producing direct combat effects.