Zone of Truth

A
Utility

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

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 spell that exposes lies in a guarded zone, revealing truth from
multiple creatures

Zone of Truth 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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 and
insightful information

Zone of Truth is a Information spell. Information spells provide ways to transmit, perceive, detect, or reveal hidden or unknown information.

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.

2024 Rules
Level & School
2nd-level enchantment
Casting Time
Action
Range
60 feet
Components
V, S
Duration
10 minutes
Classes
Bard, Cleric, Paladin

You create a magical zone that guards against deception in a 15- foot-radius Sphere centered on a point within range. Until the spell ends, a creature that enters the spell's area for the first time on a turn or starts its turn there makes a Charisma saving throw. On a failed save, a creature can't speak a deliberate lie while in the radius. You know whether a creature succeeds or fails on this save. An affected creature is aware of the spell and can avoid answering questions to which it would normally respond with a lie. Such a creature can be evasive yet must be truthful.

2014 Rules
Level & School
2nd-level enchantment
Casting Time
Action
Range
60 feet
Components
V, S
Duration
10 minutes
Classes
Bard, Cleric, Paladin

You create a magical zone that guards against deception in a 15-foot radius sphere centered on a point of your choice within range. Until the spell ends, a creature that enters the spell's area for the first time on a turn or starts its turn there must make a Charisma saving throw. On a failed save, a creature can't speak a deliberate lie while in the radius. You know whether each creature succeeds or fails on its saving throw.

An affected creature is aware of the spell and can thus avoid answering questions to which it would normally respond with a lie. Such a creature can be evasive in its answers as long as it remains within the boundaries of the truth.

Zone of Truth 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

Effectively the same spell. The 2024 version is reworded but functions identically.

Zone of Truth popularity

Zone of Truth is a commonly chosen level 2 spell. Choosing it adds an established option to your spellbook.

Spells similar to Zone of Truth

  • Silence 2nd-level illusion

    Both create an area effect that directly interferes with speech and conversation for up to ten minutes, making them tools for controlling what can be said in a zone.

  • Calm Emotions 2nd-level enchantment

    It’s the same spell level and school family effecting social interactions across an area, used to shape how creatures respond when you want to control dialogue or de-escalate an exchange.

  • Detect Thoughts 2nd-level divination

    Although it’s divination, it’s a short-duration information spell that targets minds and is commonly used in the same investigative or interrogation situations as this spell.

  • Suggestion 2nd-level enchantment

    It’s the same school and a low-level option for shaping a creature’s replies or behavior through a charm-like effect that influences social outcomes.

  • Command 1st-level enchantment

    This lower-level enchantment forces brief verbal compliance and is often chosen for the same kinds of social-control or interrogation moments where you need predictable answers or actions.