Hypnotic Pattern 5e: Unleash Your Spellcasting
Hypnotic Pattern is a 3rd-level crowd-control spell that can incapacitate creatures in a large area without dealing damage.
Hypnotic Pattern 5e — Quick Spell Reference
| Casting Time | 1 action |
|---|---|
| Range | 120 feet |
| Components | S, M(a glowing stick of incense or a crystal vial filled with phosphorescent material) |
| Duration | Up to 1 minute |
| Concentration | Yes |
| Ritual | No |
| Classes | Bard, Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard |
| Source | Basic Rules (2014), pg. 252 |
How Hypnotic Pattern Works
The pattern appears in a 30-foot cube within range and vanishes immediately. Each creature in the area that sees it makes a Wisdom saving throw. On a failed save, the creature is charmed for the duration. While charmed by this spell, it is incapacitated and has a speed of 0.
The effect ends for a creature if it takes any damage or if another creature uses an action to shake it out of its stupor. The whole spell also ends if the caster loses concentration.
Positioning and Friendly Fire
The spell affects every creature in the cube that can see the pattern, including allies. Careful placement or a feature such as a sorcerer’s Careful Spell can reduce that risk. Creatures immune to the charmed condition are unaffected even if they fail the saving throw.
Because affected creatures are incapacitated rather than unconscious, attacks against them do not automatically have advantage and melee hits are not automatic critical hits. The usual rules still apply.
Ending the Effect Deliberately
An ally can spend an action to shake one affected creature awake without damaging it. Any damage ends the effect on that creature, including damage from an area effect. The spell does not grant repeat saving throws at the end of turns.
Casting at Higher Levels
Hypnotic Pattern has no higher-level casting benefit. Its cube, duration, and saving throw are unchanged when a higher-level slot is used.
FAQ
Is the pattern still visible during the duration?
No. The visible pattern vanishes after appearing; the charm can persist with concentration.
Does an affected creature repeat the save?
No. Damage, another creature’s action, or the caster’s lost concentration ends the effect.
Does Hypnotic Pattern affect allies?
Yes, unless they are outside the area, cannot see the pattern, succeed on the save, or a feature protects them.