Mirror Image

Mirror Image 5e: Unveil the Spells Secrets!

Last Update:February 22, 2024

Mirror Image creates three illusory duplicates that can draw attacks away from the caster. It lasts for 1 minute without concentration.

Mirror Image 5e Guide

Mirror Image 5e — Quick Spell Reference

Mirror Image
2nd-level • Illusion
Casting Time1 action
RangeSelf
Components V, S
Duration1 minute
ConcentrationNo
RitualNo
ClassesBard, Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard
SourceBasic Rules (2014), pg. 260

How Mirror Image Works

Each time a creature targets the caster with an attack, roll a d20 to determine whether the attack targets a duplicate instead:

Duplicates remaining Roll needed to redirect the attack
3 6 or higher
2 8 or higher
1 11 or higher

If a duplicate is targeted, compare the attack roll with the duplicate’s AC, which equals 10 + the caster’s Dexterity modifier. A hit destroys that duplicate. A duplicate ignores all other damage and effects.

The chance of redirecting an attack decreases as duplicates are destroyed; it is not a fixed 75 percent throughout the spell.

Limits and Exceptions

The spell affects attacks only. Saving-throw effects do not target a duplicate. A creature is unaffected if it cannot see, relies on a sense other than sight such as blindsight, or can perceive illusions as false with truesight.

The duplicates mimic the caster’s actions and shift position so that tracking the real creature is impossible. Attacking or casting a spell does not reveal the real caster or end Mirror Image.

Mirror Image and Other Defenses

Mirror Image does not require concentration, so it can operate alongside Blur or another concentration spell. If an attack is redirected to a duplicate, use the duplicate’s AC rather than the caster’s. If it targets the caster, resolve other defenses normally.

FAQ

Does Mirror Image reduce every attack by 75 percent?

No. With three duplicates, 75 percent of attacks are redirected before the attack roll is checked against the duplicate’s AC. That percentage falls as duplicates are destroyed, and a redirected attack can miss the duplicate.

Can area damage destroy duplicates?

No. A duplicate is destroyed only when an attack targets and hits it.

Does the spell require concentration?

No. It lasts for 1 minute without concentration.