Locate Object

A
Utility

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

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 spell that reveals
useful information

Locate Object is a Information spell. Information spells provide ways to transmit, perceive, detect, or reveal hidden or unknown information.

See all Information spells →
 about a familiar object or the nearest one of its kind, including its direction and movement.

2024 Rules
Level & School
2nd-level divination
Casting Time
Action
Range
Self
Components
V, S, M (a forked twig)
Duration
Concentration, up to 10 minutes
Classes
Bard, Cleric, Druid, Paladin, Ranger, Wizard

Describe or name an object that is familiar to you. You sense the direction to the object's location if that object is within 1,000 feet of you. If the object is in motion, you know the direction of its movement.

The spell can locate a specific object known to you if you have seen it up close—within 30 feet—at least once. Alternatively, the spell can locate the nearest object of a particular kind, such as a certain kind of apparel, jewelry, furniture, tool, or weapon.

This spell can't locate an object if any thickness of lead blocks a direct path between you and the object.

2014 Rules
Level & School
2nd-level divination
Casting Time
Action
Range
Self
Components
V, S, M (a forked twig)
Duration
Concentration, 10 minutes
Classes
Bard, Cleric, Druid, Paladin, Ranger, Wizard

Describe or name an object that is familiar to you. You sense the direction to the object's location, as long as that object is within 1,000 feet of you. If the object is in motion, you know the direction of its movement.

The spell can locate a specific object known to you, as long as you have seen it up close-within 30 feet-at least once. Alternatively, the spell can locate the nearest object of a particular kind, such as a certain kind of apparel, jewelry, furniture, tool, or weapon.

This spell can't locate an object if any thickness of lead, even a thin sheet, blocks a direct path between you and the object.

Locate Object 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

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

Locate Object popularity

Locate Object is a commonly chosen level 2 spell. Choosing it adds an established option to your spellbook.

Spells similar to Locate Object

  • Locate Animals or Plants 2nd-level divination

    It's the closest thematic match: a 2nd-level divination that pinpoints the location of specific natural targets near you.

  • Locate Creature 4th-level divination

    This spell does almost the same job for living targets, giving directional location information over a similar range and duration.

  • Find Traps 2nd-level divination

    Like Locate Object, it’s a short-range divination used to sense the presence and position of nearby non-hostile hazards or items.

  • Augury 2nd-level divination

    A 2nd-level divination ritual that provides practical information about immediate situations, making it similar in role and level despite different scope.

  • Arcane Eye 4th-level divination

    A longer-range divination that gives remote information about a place, serving similar scouting and locating needs but with visual detail.