Passwall

A
Utility

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

See all Utility spells →
 spell that carves a hidden passage through walls, floors, or ceilings, reshaping terrain with
battlefield control

Passwall is a Battlefield Shaping spell. Battlefield Shaping spells alter terrain, create obstacles, introduce hazards, and affect enemy positioning.

See all Battlefield Shaping spells →
.

2024 Rules
Level & School
5th-level transmutation
Casting Time
Action
Range
30 feet
Components
V, S, M (a pinch of sesame seads)
Duration
1 hour
Classes
Wizard

A passage appears at a point that you can see on a wooden, plaster, or stone surface (such as a wall, ceiling, or floor) within range and lasts for the duration. You choose the opening's dimensions: up to 5 feet wide, 8 feet tall, and 20 feet deep. The passage creates no instability in a structure surrounding it.

When the opening disappears, any creatures or objects still in the passage created by the spell are safely ejected to an unoccupied space nearest to the surface on which you cast the spell.

2014 Rules
Level & School
5th-level transmutation
Casting Time
Action
Range
30 feet
Components
V, S, M (a pinch of sesame seeds)
Duration
1 hour
Classes
Wizard

A passage appears at a point of your choice that you can see on a wooden, plaster, or stone surface (such as a wall, a ceiling, or a floor) within range, and lasts for the duration. You choose the opening's dimensions: up to 5 feet wide, 8 feet tall, and 20 feet deep. The passage creates no instability in a structure surrounding it.

When the opening disappears, any creatures or objects still in the passage created by the spell are safely ejected to an unoccupied space nearest to the surface on which you cast the spell.

Passwall 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

The 2024 and 2014 versions are exactly the same.

Passwall popularity

Passwall is a commonly chosen level 5 spell. Choosing it adds an established option to your spellbook.

Spells similar to Passwall

  • Wall of Stone 5th-level evocation

    Both alter stone surfaces to create or reshape physical barriers and are chosen to change the battlefield's layout.

  • Wall of Force 5th-level evocation

    Like Passwall, it creates a long-lasting, precise opening or barrier in the environment to control movement and access.

  • Stone Shape 4th-level transmutation

    This spell also manipulates rock directly to form openings or features, making it a close lower-level analogue for carving passages.

  • Fabricate 4th-level transmutation

    Both let a caster transform raw material into a purposeful structure or feature, useful for creating routes or objects out of the environment.

  • Arcane Gate 6th-level conjuration

    Although higher level, it provides controlled movement through created portals and is picked for similar tactical repositioning and access.