Polymorph

A
Control

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

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 and
Support

Polymorph is a Support spell. Support spells strengthen, protect, or buff allies.

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 spell that turns a foe into a beast,
failing a save

Polymorph 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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 for a shut-down form with
new mobility

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

See all Mobility spells →
 and
healing

Polymorph is a Healing spell. Healing spells restore hit points and bring characters back to life.

See all Healing spells →
.

2024 Rules
Level & School
4th-level transmutation
Casting Time
Action
Range
60 feet
Components
V, S, M (a caterpillar cocoon)
Duration
Concentration, up to 1 hour
Classes
Bard, Druid, Sorcerer, Wizard

You attempt to transform a creature that you can see within range into a Beast. The target must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or shape-shift into Beast form for the duration. That form can be any Beast you choose that has a Challenge Rating equal to or less than the target's (or the target's level if it doesn't have a Challenge Rating). The target's game statistics are replaced by the stat block of the chosen Beast, but the target retains its alignment, personality, creature type, Hit Points, and Hit Point Dice.

The target gains a number of Temporary Hit Points equal to the Hit Points of the Beast form. The spell ends early on the target if it has no Temporary Hit Points left.

The target is limited in the actions it can perform by the anatomy of its new form, and it can't speak or cast spells.

The target's gear melds into the new form. The creature can't use or otherwise benefit from any of that equipment.

2014 Rules
Level & School
4th-level transmutation
Casting Time
Action
Range
60 feet
Components
V, S, M (a caterpillar cocoon)
Duration
Concentration, 1 hour
Classes
Bard, Druid, Sorcerer, Wizard

This spell transforms a creature that you can see within range into a new form. An unwilling creature must make a Wisdom saving throw to avoid the effect. The spell has no effect on a shapechanger or a creature with 0 hit points.

The transformation lasts for the duration, or until the target drops to 0 hit points or dies. The new form can be any beast whose challenge rating is equal to or less than the target's (or the target's level, if it doesn't have a challenge rating). The target's game statistics, including mental ability scores, are replaced by the statistics of the chosen beast. It retains its alignment and personality.

The target assumes the hit points of its new form. When it reverts to its normal form, the creature returns to the number of hit points it had before it transformed. If it reverts as a result of dropping to 0 hit points, any excess damage carries over to its normal form. As long as the excess damage doesn't reduce the creature's normal form to 0 hit points, it isn't knocked unconscious.

The creature is limited in the actions it can perform by the nature of its new form, and it can't speak, cast spells, or take any other action that requires hands or speech.

The target's gear melds into the new form. The creature can't activate, use, wield, or otherwise benefit from any of its equipment.

Polymorph 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

Now the target keeps its own Hit Points and Hit Point Dice and gains Temporary Hit Points equal to the Beast’s Hit Points instead of using the beast’s HP. If those temp HP are gone, the spell ends. It also no longer fails automatically on shapechangers or creatures at 0 HP.

Polymorph popularity

Polymorph is a commonly chosen level 4 spell. Choosing it adds an established option to your spellbook.

Spells similar to Polymorph

  • True Polymorph 9th-level transmutation

    It is the higher‑level version that also transforms creatures into other forms and shares the same transmutation theme and long concentration duration.

  • Shapechange 9th-level transmutation

    It lets a caster assume different creature forms and trades a spellcaster's normal abilities for those of the new shape in a similar transformative way.

  • Animal Shapes 8th-level transmutation

    This druid spell turns multiple creatures into beasts for an extended time, matching Polymorph's use as a mass form‑change for battlefield control or support.

  • Alter Self 2nd-level transmutation

    Though lower level and personal, it is the same school and alters a target's physical form and capabilities for a short, concentration‑based duration.

  • Gaseous Form 3rd-level transmutation

    Another transmutation that changes a creature's physical state and limits what it can do while granting mobility options, making it tactically similar.

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