Counterspell vs Dispel Magic
Both shut spells down, but one stops the casting and one strips ongoing magic.
Counterspell
- Level
- 3
- School
- Abjuration
- Casting Time
- Reaction
- Range
- 60 feet
- Components
- S
- Duration
- Instantaneous
- Concentration
- No
- Ritual
- No
- Classes
- Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard
You attempt to interrupt a creature in the process of casting a spell. The creature must make a Constitution saving throw. On a failed save, the spell dissipates with no effect, and the action, Bonus Action, or Reaction used to cast it is wasted. If that spell was cast with a spell slot, the slot isn't expended.
Full entry →Dispel Magic
- Level
- 3
- School
- Abjuration
- Casting Time
- Action
- Range
- 120 feet
- Components
- V, S
- Duration
- Instantaneous
- Concentration
- No
- Ritual
- No
- Classes
- Bard, Cleric, Druid, Paladin, Ranger, Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard
Choose one creature, object, or magical effect within range. Any ongoing spell of level 3 or lower on the target ends. For each ongoing spell of level 4 or higher on the target, make an ability check using your spellcasting ability (DC 10 plus that spell's level). On a successful check, the spell ends.
Full entry →Which one should you pick?
- Pick Counterspell: Pick Counterspell as a reaction the instant an enemy starts a spell (range 60 ft).
- Pick Dispel Magic: Pick Dispel Magic when the spell already resolved — buffs, summons, walls, polymorphs.
- Tiebreaker: Upcast scaling differs sharply: Counterspell auto-succeeds against spells of equal or lower slot; Dispel rolls a DC 10 + spell level check.