Spider Climb

Utility MobilityMulti Target

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.

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

The 2024 version specifies "up to 1 hour" duration, allowing for potential shorter durations, whereas the 2014 version states a fixed 1 hour. The 2024 version grants a Climb Speed equal to the creature's Speed, while the 2014 version states "its walking speed." Additionally, the 2024 version allows targeting additional creatures per spell slot level above 2.

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.