Knock

A
Utility

Knock is a Utility spell. Utility spells solve problems outside of combat or provide unique situational advantages.

See all Utility spells →
 spell that unlocks doors, chests, and manacles, or suppresses Arcane Lock; a loud knock echoes from the target.

2024 Rules
Level & School
2nd-level transmutation
Casting Time
Action
Range
60 feet
Components
V
Duration
Instantaneous
Classes
Bard, Sorcerer, Wizard

Choose an object that you can see within range. The object can be a door, a box, a chest, a set of manacles, a padlock, or another object that contains a mundane or magical means that prevents access. A target that is held shut by a mundane lock or that is stuck or barred becomes unlocked, unstuck, or unbarred. If the object has multiple locks, only one of them is unlocked.

If the target is held shut by Arcane Lock, that spell is suppressed for 10 minutes, during which time the target can be opened and closed.

When you cast the spell, a loud knock, audible up to 300 feet away, emanates from the target.

2014 Rules
Level & School
2nd-level transmutation
Casting Time
Action
Range
60 feet
Components
V
Duration
Instantaneous
Classes
Bard, Sorcerer, Wizard

Choose an object that you can see within range. The object can be a door, a box, a chest, a set of manacles, a padlock, or another object that contains a mundane or magical means that prevents access.

A target that is held shut by a mundane lock or that is stuck or barred becomes unlocked, unstuck, or unbarred. If the object has multiple locks, only one of them is unlocked.

If you choose a target that is held shut with arcane lock, that spell is suppressed for 10 minutes, during which time the target can be opened and shut normally.

When you cast the spell, a loud knock, audible from as far away as 300 feet, emanates from the target object.

Knock 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

The 2024 and 2014 versions are exactly the same.

Knock popularity

Knock is a seldom chosen level 2 spell. Choosing it adds a unique option to your spellbook.

Spells similar to Knock

  • Arcane Lock 2nd-level abjuration

    It directly sets the same kind of magical barrier that Knock specifically counters, so they pair as opposing object-lock spells.

  • Dispel Magic 3rd-level abjuration

    Both remove magical effects that prevent or alter access to things, making Dispel Magic a broader way to deal with enchanted locks or wards.

  • Mage Hand Conjuration cantrip

    Mage Hand is a cheap, ranged way to manipulate objects and open simple containers or doors, serving a similar object-focused utility role at lower power.

  • Magic Mouth 2nd-level illusion

    Magic Mouth attaches a magical effect to an object and produces an audible effect when triggered, echoing Knock's object-targeted casting and loud sound on use.

  • Find Traps 2nd-level divination

    Both are utility spells used when dealing with secured or dangerous objects and locations, helping handle obstacles like traps and locked mechanisms.