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 10% picked level 2 Sorcerer spell
Read about how this popularity data is calculated.
Spells similar to Shadow Blade
Spiritual Weapon 2nd-level evocation
Both provide a persistent magical weapon that deals damage and lets the caster keep attacking through efficient bonus-action use.
Players prefer Spiritual Weapon over Shadow Blade
Shillelagh Transmutation cantrip
This spell also transforms or creates a held weapon for empowered melee attacks, though it is a cantrip with a much lower damage ceiling.
Players prefer Shillelagh over Shadow Blade
Flame Blade 2nd-level evocation
Like Shadow Blade, it creates a magical melee weapon in your hand for sustained attacks while requiring concentration.
Players prefer Flame Blade over Shadow Blade
Magic Weapon 2nd-level transmutation
It enhances a weapon for an extended period, serving a similar role for characters who want their attacks to remain their main source of damage.
Players prefer Magic Weapon over Shadow Blade
Spirit Shroud 3rd-level necromancy
The two spells reward fighting at close range and add recurring damage to attacks while concentration is maintained.
Players prefer Spirit Shroud over Shadow Blade
Tenser's Transformation 6th-level transmutation
Both are self-targeted concentration spells that turn a spellcaster into a stronger weapon-focused combatant for the duration.
Players prefer Shadow Blade over Tenser's Transformation