Phantom Steed

A
Utility

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

See all Utility spells →
 spell that
summons a swift spectral mount

Phantom Steed is a Summoning spell. Summoning spells create new allies.

See all Summoning spells →
 for you or an ally, granting
impressive Mobility

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

See all Mobility spells →
 over long distances.

2024 Rules
Level & School
3rd-level illusion
Casting Time
1 minute or Ritual
Range
30 feet
Components
V, S
Duration
1 hour
Classes
Wizard

A Large, quasi-real, horselike creature appears on the ground in an unoccupied space of your choice within range. You decide the creature's appearance, and it is equipped with a saddle, bit, and bridle. Any of the equipment created by the spell vanishes in a puff of smoke if it is carried more than 10 feet away from the steed.

For the duration, you or a creature you choose can ride the steed. The steed uses the Riding Horse stat block, except it has a Speed of 100 feet and can travel 13 miles in an hour. When the spell ends, the steed gradually fades, giving the rider 1 minute to dismount. The spell ends early if the steed takes any damage.

2014 Rules
Level & School
3rd-level illusion
Casting Time
1 minute
Range
30 feet
Components
V, S
Duration
1 hour
Classes
Wizard

A Large quasi-real, horselike creature appears on the ground in an unoccupied space of your choice within range. You decide the creature's appearance, but it is equipped with a saddle, bit, and bridle. Any of the equipment created by the spell vanishes in a puff of smoke if it is carried more than 10 feet away from the steed.

For the duration, you or a creature you choose can ride the steed. The creature uses the statistics for a riding horse, except it has a speed of 100 feet and can travel 10 miles in an hour, or 13 miles at a fast pace. When the spell ends, the steed gradually fades, giving the rider 1 minute to dismount. The spell ends if you use an action to dismiss it or if the steed takes any damage.

Phantom Steed 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

Gained the Ritual tag. The steed’s travel speed changed from 10 miles per hour (13 at a fast pace) to 13 miles per hour. The spell no longer lets you end it early by dismissing it; now it only ends early if the steed takes damage.

Phantom Steed popularity

Phantom Steed is a seldom chosen level 3 spell. Choosing it adds a unique option to your spellbook.

Spells similar to Phantom Steed

  • Find Steed 2nd-level conjuration

    It also creates a mount-like companion for travel and utility, serving nearly the same tactical purpose despite being on a different class list and level.

  • Find Familiar 1st-level conjuration

    Both are ritual spells that summon a quasi-real creature that provides utility and lasts beyond an instant, trading combat potency for ongoing usefulness.

  • Conjure Animals 3rd-level conjuration

    This is a level-appropriate summoning option that produces creatures for utility and action-economy reasons rather than direct single-target damage.

  • Summon Fey 3rd-level conjuration

    Like Phantom Steed it’s a third-level spell that brings a creature into play to serve the caster’s needs, focusing on summoned aid rather than pure offense.

  • Rope Trick 2nd-level transmutation

    Although it doesn’t summon a creature, it’s a ritual-level mobility/utility spell that provides a temporary, travel- and safety-oriented benefit for an hour.