Locate Object
Level 2 · Divination
- Concentration
Listed under divination, Locate Object costs a 2nd-level slot for bard, cleric, druid, paladin, ranger, and wizard casters. Cast time: Action. Range Self, components V/S/M, duration up to 10 minutes. Material: a forked twig. Marked concentration. Effect: Describe or name an object that is familiar to you.
Stat Block
- Level
- 2
- School
- Divination
- Casting Time
- Action
- Range / Area
- Self
- Components
- V, S, M
- Duration
- up to 10 minutes
- Ritual
- No
- Concentration
- Yes
- Classes
- Bard, Cleric, Druid, Paladin, Ranger, Wizard
- Material
- a forked twig
Description
Describe or name an object that is familiar to you. You sense the direction to the object's location if that object is within 1,000 feet of you. If the object is in motion, you know the direction of its movement. The spell can locate a specific object known to you if you have seen it up close—within 30 feet—at least once. Alternatively, the spell can locate the nearest object of a particular kind, such as a certain kind of apparel, jewelry, furniture, tool, or weapon. This spell can't locate an object if any thickness of lead blocks a direct path between you and the object.
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
The school of Divination is the most cerebral of the eight. Its spells deal in knowledge, certainty, and the cost of certainty. What makes Locate Object Divination is the spell answers a question the caster could not otherwise reach. At level 2, daily slot counts allow Locate Object to be cast multiple times across the adventuring day.
Class Fit
- Bard: On a Bard sheet, Locate Object competes with Counterspell, Greater Invisibility, and Polymorph for known-spell budget. Pick it when those don't fit the day's planned arc. Concentration on Locate Object forces the caster to choose between this spell and the next big concentration play.
- Cleric: At tier 1 a Cleric has maybe four prep slots; Locate Object is competing with healing options for that limited count. As a concentration spell, Locate Object occupies the caster's single concentration slot.
- Druid: Druid concentration is precious. Most Druids prep one big concentration spell and one non-concentration utility per day; Locate Object fits one of those slots. Locate Object's concentration requirement makes it vulnerable to a single failed save when the caster takes damage.
- Paladin: Tier-2 Paladins get fewer slots than a full caster but Smite makes each slot count for more damage; Locate Object earns its place when damage isn't what's needed. Damage taken while concentrating on Locate Object forces a Con save at DC 10 or half damage, whichever is higher.
- Ranger: Rangers know a fixed list. Locate Object stays on the sheet for years once taken, so the pick is a long-term build decision. Concentration is the binding cost — Locate Object can't share a slot with another concentration spell.
- Wizard: Arcane Recovery returns one or two slots on a short rest. Locate Object's slot cost is therefore not exactly what the slot column says. The concentration tag on Locate Object means a single failed Constitution save can end the effect mid-encounter.
Tactical play (Doungim editorial)
Within 1000 feet, sense direction to a chosen object. Mid-tier scouting; reduces failed Investigation rolls.
Related Spells
Frequently Asked Questions about Locate Object
- What level spell is Locate Object?
- In D&D 5e, Locate Object is classified as a level 2 spell of the Divination school. Available classes: Bard, Cleric, Druid, Paladin, Ranger, Wizard.
- What is the range of Locate Object?
- As a self-target spell, Locate Object affects only the caster.
- Is Locate Object a concentration spell?
- Locate Object 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 Locate Object need?
- Locate Object requires V, S, M. Material component: a forked twig.