Vicious Mockery

A
Damage

Vicious Mockery is a Damage spell. Damage spells focus on dealing harm to enemies.

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 spell of biting insults that can
force a failed save

Vicious Mockery 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 →
 and leave one foe’s next attack faltering.

2024 Rules
Level & School
Enchantment cantrip
Casting Time
Action
Range
60 feet
Components
V
Duration
Instantaneous
Classes
Bard

You unleash a string of insults laced with subtle enchantments at one creature you can see or hear within range. The target must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or take 1d6 Psychic damage and have Disadvantage on the next attack roll it makes before the end of its next turn.

Cantrip Upgrade. The damage increases by 1d6 when you reach level 5 (2d6), level 11 (3d6), and level 17 (4d6).

2014 Rules
Level & School
Enchantment cantrip
Casting Time
Action
Range
60 feet
Components
V
Duration
Instantaneous
Classes
Bard

You unleash a string of insults laced with subtle enchantments at a creature you can see within range. If the target can hear you (though it need not understand you), it must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or take 1d4 psychic damage and have disadvantage on the next attack roll it makes before the end of its next turn.

Cantrip Upgrade. This spell's damage increases by 1d4 when you reach 5th level (2d4), 11th level (3d4), and 17th level (4d4).

Vicious Mockery 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

It now deals 1d6 psychic damage instead of 1d4, scaling to 2d6/3d6/4d6. The target can be a creature you can see or hear within range, and it no longer has to hear you to be affected.

Vicious Mockery popularity

How popular is Vicious Mockery? It is a commonly found spell in the game, and is chosen above nearly all other options when available. This spell is a widely sought-after option.

Spells similar to Vicious Mockery

Vicious Mockery is featured in