Slow

A
Control

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

See all Control spells →
 spell that can cripple
multiple creatures

Slow is a Multi Target spell. Multi Target spells have an area of effect or can explicitly target multiple allies or enemies.

See all Multi Target spells →
 on a failed save, slowing their movement, reactions, and spellcasting with
save-or-suck

Slow is a Save or Suck spell. Save or Suck spells fall entirely flat if the target succeeds on a saving throw.

See all Save or Suck spells →
 magic.

2024 Rules
Level & School
3rd-level transmutation
Casting Time
Action
Range
120 feet
Components
V, S, M (a drop of molasses)
Duration
Concentration, up to 1 minute
Classes
Bard, Sorcerer, Wizard

You alter time around up to six creatures of your choice in a 40- foot Cube within range. Each target must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or be affected by this spell for the duration.

An affected target's Speed is halved, it takes a −2 penalty to AC and Dexterity saving throws, and it can't take Reactions. On its turns, it can take either an action or a Bonus Action, not both, and it can make only one attack if it takes the Attack action. If it casts a spell with a Somatic component, there is a 25 percent chance the spell fails as a result of the target making the spell's gestures too slowly.

An affected target repeats the save at the end of each of its turns, ending the spell on itself on a success.

2014 Rules
Level & School
3rd-level transmutation
Casting Time
Action
Range
120 feet
Components
V, S, M (a drop of molasses)
Duration
Concentration, 1 minute
Classes
Sorcerer, Wizard

You alter time around up to six creatures of your choice in a 40-foot cube within range. Each target must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or be affected by this spell for the duration.

An affected target's speed is halved, it takes a -2 penalty to AC and Dexterity saving throws, and it can't use reactions. On its turn, it can use either an action or a bonus action, not both. Regardless of the creature's abilities or magic items, it can't make more than one melee or ranged attack during its turn.

If the creature attempts to cast a spell with a casting time of 1 action, roll a d20. On an 11 or higher, the spell doesn't take effect until the creature's next turn, and the creature must use its action on that turn to complete the spell. If it can't, the spell is wasted.

A creature affected by this spell makes another Wisdom saving throw at the end of each of its turns. On a successful save, the effect ends for it.

Slow 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

Now also available to bards. It no longer delays spells with a 1-action casting time; instead, any spell with a Somatic component has a 25% chance to fail. The attack limit is now tied to the Attack action: the target can make only one attack if it takes that action.

Slow popularity

Slow is a commonly chosen level 3 spell. Choosing it adds an established option to your spellbook.

Spells similar to Slow

  • Haste 3rd-level transmutation

    It’s the direct counterpart to Slow: same level, concentration buff that changes speed and action economy, so they’re chosen in opposite tactical situations.

  • Hypnotic Pattern 3rd-level illusion

    A third-level, concentration area effect that incapacitates or neutralizes multiple foes with a single save, making it a similar crowd-control option.

  • Hold Person 2nd-level enchantment

    Although often single- or multi-target at a lower level, it’s a save-or-be-disabled, control-focused spell that removes enemies’ actions in much the same way.

  • Bane 1st-level enchantment

    It’s a multi-target debuff that forces repeated saving throws and weakens enemies’ attack and save rolls, filling a similar support/control niche.

  • Stinking Cloud 3rd-level conjuration

    A third-level, concentration area attack that disrupts and incapacitates groups inside a zone, useful for controlling the battlefield like Slow does.

Slow is featured in