Spider Climb

A
Utility

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

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 spell that grants climbing
mobility

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

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 and lets
multiple creatures

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

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 move freely on walls and ceilings.

2024 Rules
Level & School
2nd-level transmutation
Casting Time
Action
Range
Touch
Components
V, S, M (a drop of bitumen and a spider)
Duration
Concentration, up to 1 hour
Classes
Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard

Until the spell ends, one willing creature you touch gains the ability to move up, down, and across vertical surfaces and along ceilings, while leaving its hands free. The target also gains a Climb Speed equal to its Speed.

Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. You can target one additional creature for each spell slot level about 2.

2014 Rules
Level & School
2nd-level transmutation
Casting Time
Action
Range
Touch
Components
V, S, M (a drop of bitumen and a spider)
Duration
Concentration, 1 hour
Classes
Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard

Until the spell ends, one willing creature you touch gains the ability to move up, down, and across vertical surfaces and upside down along ceilings, while leaving its hands free. The target also gains a climbing speed equal to its walking speed.

Spider Climb 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

Spider Climb now gives the target a Climb Speed equal to its Speed, instead of a climbing speed equal to its walking speed. It also has an upcasting option: when cast with a higher-level slot, you can affect one extra creature per slot level above 2.

Spider Climb popularity

Spider Climb is a seldom chosen level 2 spell. Choosing it adds a unique option to your spellbook.

Spells similar to Spider Climb

  • Rope Trick 2nd-level transmutation

    Both are second‑level transmutation utility spells that grant unconventional movement or positioning and have a touch range with a long, hour‑scale duration.

  • Levitate 2nd-level transmutation

    It’s the same school and level and gives a creature altered vertical movement for a duration while the caster maintains concentration.

  • Alter Self 2nd-level transmutation

    This second‑level transmutation also provides a temporary self‑movement/physical change option and shares the hour‑scale duration and concentration requirement at the same tier.

  • Fly 3rd-level transmutation

    Although a level higher, it closely matches the tactical niche of granting a creature a new movement mode for an extended, concentration‑driven period.

  • Longstrider 1st-level transmutation

    Both spells are transmutation movement buffs that extend a target’s mobility for an hour and can affect multiple targets across levels.