Levitate

A
Control

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

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 spell that lifts a target out of reach and limits
movement

Levitate is a Mobility spell. Mobility spells augment or allow for new ways of moving.

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. Spend an
action

Levitate is a Action Economy spell. Action Economy spells grant you more choices on future turns.

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 to move it, and an unwilling creature may fail a save for a
save-or-suck

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

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 effect.

2024 Rules
Level & School
2nd-level transmutation
Casting Time
Action
Range
60 feet
Components
V, S, M (a metal spring)
Duration
Concentration, up to 10 minutes
Classes
Sorcerer, Wizard

One creature or loose object of your choice that you can see within range rises vertically up to 20 feet and remains suspended there for the duration. The spell can levitate an object that weighs up to 500 pounds. An unwilling creature that succeeds on a Constitution saving throw is unaffected.

The target can move only by pushing or pulling against a fixed object or surface within reach (such as a wall or a ceiling), which allows it to move as if it were climbing. You can change the target's altitude by up to 20 feet in either direction on your turn. If you are the target, you can move up or down as part of your move. Otherwise, you can take a Magic action to move the target, which must remain within the spell's range.

When the spell ends, the target floats gently to the ground if it is still aloft.

2014 Rules
Level & School
2nd-level transmutation
Casting Time
Action
Range
60 feet
Components
V, S, M (either a small leather loop or a piece of golden wire bent into a cup shape with a long shank on one end)
Duration
Concentration, 10 minutes
Classes
Sorcerer, Wizard

One creature or loose object of your choice that you can see within range rises vertically, up to 20 feet, and remains suspended there for the duration. The spell can levitate a target that weighs up to 500 pounds. An unwilling creature that succeeds on a Constitution saving throw is unaffected.

The target can move only by pushing or pulling against a fixed object or surface within reach (such as a wall or a ceiling), which allows it to move as if it were climbing. You can change the target's altitude by up to 20 feet in either direction on your turn. If you are the target, you can move up or down as part of your move. Otherwise, you can use your action to move the target, which must remain within the spell's range.

When the spell ends, the target floats gently to the ground if it is still aloft.

Levitate 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

The 2024 and 2014 versions are exactly the same.

Levitate popularity

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

Spells similar to Levitate

  • Fly 3rd-level transmutation

    Both grant vertical mobility to a creature for a concentrated duration and are chosen when you need to change elevation without using terrain.

  • Telekinesis 5th-level transmutation

    Like levitate, it lets you lift and manipulate creatures or objects at range to control positioning, often for battlefield manipulation or restraint.

  • Reverse Gravity 7th-level transmutation

    It also manipulates vertical space to move creatures and objects en masse, making it a heavier-hitting version of levitating foes or terrain.

  • Spider Climb 2nd-level transmutation

    This spell similarly changes how a target interacts with vertical surfaces, enabling unconventional movement and positioning on walls and ceilings.

  • Feather Fall 1st-level transmutation

    Both are used to manage vertical threats and falls, with Feather Fall offering quick mitigation while levitate controls sustained elevation.