Major Image

  • Level & School
    3rd-level illusion
  • Casting Time
    Action
  • Range
    120 feet
  • Components
    V, S, M (a bit of fleece)
  • Duration
    Concentration, up to 10 minutes
  • Classes
    Bard, Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard

You create the image of an object, a creature, or some other visible phenomenon that is no larger than a 20-foot Cube. The image appears at a spot that you can see within range and lasts for the duration. It seems real, including sounds, smells, and temperature appropriate to the thing depicted, but it can't deal damage or cause conditions.

If you are within range of the illusion, you can take a Magic action to cause the image to move to any other spot within range. As the image changes location, you can alter its appearance so that its movements appear natural for the image. For example, if you create an image of a creature and move it, you can alter the image so that it appears to be walking. Similarly, you can cause the illusion to make different sounds at different times, even making it carry on a conversation, for example.

Physical interaction with the image reveals it to be an illusion, for things can pass through it. A creature that takes a Study action to examine the image can determine that it is an illusion with a successful Intelligence (Investigation) check against your spell save DC. If a creature discerns the illusion for what it is, the creature can see through the image, and its other sensory qualities become faint to the creature.

Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. The spell lasts until dispelled, without requiring Concentration, if cast with a level 4+ spell slot.

Major Image 5e 2024 vs. 2014 edition differences

The 2024 version specifies "up to 10 minutes" duration, while 2014 states 10 minutes; no mechanical difference. The 2024 version states "can't deal damage or cause conditions," whereas 2014 specifies specific damage types and conditions. The 2024 version uses "Magic action" to move the image, while 2014 uses "action." The 2024 version states the spell lasts until dispelled if cast with a 4+ slot, removing the concentration clause; 2014 states it lasts until dispelled only at 6th level or higher. The interaction method changes from "use an action" to "take a Magic action" and "examine" to "Study" action, but these