Detect Evil and Good
Level 1 · Divination
- Concentration
A 1st-level spell in the divination school, Detect Evil and Good appears on the cleric and paladin lists. Cast time: Action. Range Self, components V/S, duration up to 10 minutes. Marked concentration. Effect: For the duration, you sense the location of any Aberration, Celestial, Elemental, Fey, Fiend, or Undead within 30 feet of yourself.
Stat Block
- Level
- 1
- School
- Divination
- Casting Time
- Action
- Range / Area
- Self
- Components
- V, S
- Duration
- up to 10 minutes
- Ritual
- No
- Concentration
- Yes
- Classes
- Cleric, Paladin
- Material
- —
Description
For the duration, you sense the location of any Aberration, Celestial, Elemental, Fey, Fiend, or Undead within 30 feet of yourself. You also sense whether the Hallow spell is active there and, if so, where. The spell is blocked by 1 foot of stone, dirt, or wood; 1 inch of metal; or a thin sheet of lead.
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
Divination magic competes with skill checks. Where Perception, Investigation, and Insight reach, a Divination spell can reach further. What makes Detect Evil and Good Divination is the spell surfaces information the caster would otherwise lack. The 1st-level slot is the most-cast slot of tier 1 — Detect Evil and Good earns its place there or somewhere else.
Class Fit
- Cleric: Wisdom is the Cleric's casting stat, and the DC scales with proficiency bonus plus Wis modifier — Detect Evil and Good is castable at the Cleric's normal DC. Concentration on Detect Evil and Good forces the caster to choose between this spell and the next big concentration play.
- Paladin: On a Paladin's prep list, Detect Evil and Good competes with Bless, Find Steed, Heroism, Aura of Vitality, and Banishment for daily slots. Concentration is the binding cost — Detect Evil and Good can't share a slot with another concentration spell.
Related Spells
Frequently Asked Questions about Detect Evil and Good
- What level spell is Detect Evil and Good?
- In D&D 5e, Detect Evil and Good is classified as a level 1 spell of the Divination school. Available classes: Cleric, Paladin.
- What is the range of Detect Evil and Good?
- Detect Evil and Good is self-target only — the caster is the target of the spell, not another creature.
- Is Detect Evil and Good a concentration spell?
- Detect Evil and Good is a concentration spell. Maximum duration is up to 10 minutes. The caster can only maintain one concentration spell at a time, and damage forces a Con save to keep it active.
- What components and casting time does Detect Evil and Good need?
- Detect Evil and Good is cast with V, S, on a standard one-action cast.