Shadow Blade
2014 Rules
- Level & School
- 2nd-level illusion
- Casting Time
- Bonus action
- Range
- Self
- Components
- V, S
- Duration
- Concentration, 1 minute
- Classes
- Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard
- Source
- Xanathar's Guide to Everything
You weave together threads of shadow to create a sword of solidified gloom in your hand. This magic sword lasts until the spell ends. It counts as a simple melee weapon with which you are proficient. It deals 2d8 psychic damage on a hit and has the finesse, light, and thrown properties (range 20/60). In addition, when you use the sword to attack a target that is in dim light or darkness, you make the attack roll with advantage.
If you drop the weapon or throw it, it dissipates at the end of the turn. Thereafter, while the spell persists, you can use a bonus action to cause the sword to reappear in your hand.
Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. When you cast this spell using a 3rd- or 4th-level spell slot, the damage increases to 3d8. When you cast it using a 5th- or 6th-level spell slot, the damage increases to 4d8. When you cast it using a spell slot of 7th level or higher, the damage increases to 5d8.
Shadow Blade 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences
Shadow Blade is currently only available in the 2014 edition.
Shadow Blade popularity
How popular is Shadow Blade? It is a seldom seen spell in the game, and is chosen less than other options when available. This spell may fill a specific niche for a spellbook.
- Bottom 50% of all 5e spells
- Bottom 25% picked level 2 Warlock spell
- Bottom 25% picked level 2 Wizard spell
- Bottom 25% of all level 2 spells
- Bottom 25% picked level 2 Sorcerer spell
Read about how this popularity data is calculated.
Spells similar to Shadow Blade
Spiritual Weapon 2nd-level evocation
Like Shadow Blade, it gives you a persistent magical weapon and uses your bonus action to keep pressure on enemies.
Players prefer Spiritual Weapon over Shadow Blade
Flame Blade 2nd-level evocation
It also creates a conjured melee weapon you keep swinging for a set time, and it boosts your close-range damage while you concentrate.
Players prefer Flame Blade over Shadow Blade
Vampiric Touch 3rd-level necromancy
Both are self-focused, concentration-based spells that push you into melee and reward repeated attacks over several rounds.
Players prefer Vampiric Touch over Shadow Blade
Booming Blade Evocation cantrip
This one likewise supports a single weapon strike at close range and fits the same kind of skirmishing playstyle.
Players prefer Booming Blade over Shadow Blade
Green-Flame Blade Evocation cantrip
Its main appeal is also turning a melee hit into extra spell damage, especially for characters who like fighting up close.
Players prefer Green-Flame Blade over Shadow Blade