Darkness
Level 2 · Evocation
- Concentration
- AOE
Darkness (sorcerer, warlock, and wizard) casts from a 2nd-level slot in the evocation school. Cast time: Action. Range 60 feet, components V/M, duration up to 10 minutes. Material: bat fur and a piece of coal. Marked concentration. Effect: For the duration, magical Darkness spreads from a point within range and fills a 15-foot-radius Sphere.
Stat Block
- Level
- 2
- School
- Evocation
- Casting Time
- Action
- Range / Area
- 60 feet (15-foot radius sphere)
- Components
- V, M
- Duration
- up to 10 minutes
- Ritual
- No
- Concentration
- Yes
- Classes
- Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard
- Material
- bat fur and a piece of coal
Description
For the duration, magical Darkness spreads from a point within range and fills a 15-foot-radius Sphere. Darkvision can't see through it, and nonmagical light can't illuminate it. Alternatively, you cast the spell on an object that isn't being worn or carried, causing the Darkness to fill a 15-foot Emanation originating from that object. Covering that object with something opaque, such as a bowl or helm, blocks the Darkness. If any of this spell's area overlaps with an area of Bright Light or Dim Light created by a spell of level 2 or lower, that other spell is dispelled.
5e (2014) vs 2024 changes
This spell has both a 5e (2014) and 2024 Player's Handbook version. Doungim shows the current 2024 stat block above. Differences between editions typically affect components, range, or scaling — check both source books for the table.
Doungim Lore
School Fit
Evocation is the school of channeled energy. Fire, lightning, thunder, cold, force, radiance, necrotic — every Evocation spell takes stored magical power and releases it at a target. Darkness earns the school tag through the spell focuses magical energy into a visible, immediate effect. At level 2, daily slot counts allow Darkness to be cast multiple times across the adventuring day.
Class Fit
- Sorcerer: Metamagic is the angle for Darkness on a Sorcerer. Twin, Quicken, Subtle, Heightened, and Extended each change what the spell does at the table. Darkness reaches 60 feet, which lets the caster stay clear of the front line.
- Warlock: Tier 1 Warlocks have a single slot; tier 2 have two. Darkness only earns its known-spell slot if the build casts it most short rests. Concentration is the binding cost — Darkness can't share a slot with another concentration spell.
- Wizard: Tier 3 and tier 4 Wizards add 5th-9th level spells to the book — Darkness interacts with those upper-tier picks as part of a full prep loadout. Damage taken while concentrating on Darkness forces a Con save at DC 10 or half damage, whichever is higher.
Related Spells
Frequently Asked Questions about Darkness
- What level spell is Darkness?
- In D&D 5e, Darkness is classified as a level 2 spell of the Evocation school. Available classes: Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard.
- What is the range of Darkness?
- Darkness can target a point or creature within 60 feet of the caster.
- Is Darkness a concentration spell?
- Darkness runs on concentration for up to 10 minutes. The caster can drop it on their next turn or lose it to a failed save after taking damage.
- What components and casting time does Darkness need?
- To cast: the cast needs V, M. Additionally, Material component: bat fur and a piece of coal.