Moonbeam
Level 2 · Evocation
- Concentration
- Damage
- Save
- AOE
Moonbeam is an evocation spell at level 2, sitting on the druid list. Cast time: Action. Range 120 feet, components V/S/M, duration up to 1 minute. Material: a moonseed leaf. Marked concentration. Effect: A silvery beam of pale light shines down in a 5-foot-radius, 40- foot-high Cylinder centered on a point within range. At higher levels: The damage increases by 1d10 for each spell slot level above 2.
Stat Block
- Level
- 2
- School
- Evocation
- Casting Time
- Action
- Range / Area
- 120 feet
- Components
- V, S, M
- Duration
- up to 1 Minute
- Ritual
- No
- Concentration
- Yes
- Classes
- Druid
- Material
- a moonseed leaf
Description
A silvery beam of pale light shines down in a 5-foot-radius, 40- foot-high Cylinder centered on a point within range. Until the spell ends, Dim Light fills the Cylinder, and you can take a Magic action on later turns to move the Cylinder up to 60 feet. When the Cylinder appears, each creature in it makes a Constitution saving throw. On a failed save, a creature takes 2d10 Radiant damage, and if the creature is shape-shifted (as a result of the Polymorph spell, for example), it reverts to its true form and can't shape-shift until it leaves the Cylinder. On a successful save, a creature takes half as much damage only. A creature also makes this save when the spell's area moves into its space and when it enters the spell's area or ends its turn there. A creature makes this save only once per turn.
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 most players picture when they imagine spellcasting. It is also the school that puts the most decisions on the caster's plate per cast — area, angle, save type, friendly fire. What lands Moonbeam in Evocation is the spell focuses magical energy into a visible, immediate effect. Tier-2 play opens up 2nd-level slots regularly; Moonbeam fits the daily rotation.
Class Fit
- Druid: Druids prepare Moonbeam from the full list each day, but the Wild Shape economy means prep cycles look different from a Cleric's. The 120-foot range on Moonbeam leaves room for the caster to stay in the back line.
Related Spells
Frequently Asked Questions about Moonbeam
- What level spell is Moonbeam?
- In D&D 5e, Moonbeam is classified as a level 2 spell of the Evocation school. Available classes: Druid.
- How much damage does Moonbeam deal?
- Moonbeam deals 2d10 radiant damage as its base effect. Upcasting raises the dice count.
- What save does Moonbeam require?
- Moonbeam forces a Constitution save. The DC is the caster's spell save DC (8 + proficiency + casting modifier).
- What is the range of Moonbeam?
- Moonbeam has a range of 120 feet from the caster.
- Is Moonbeam a concentration spell?
- Moonbeam runs on concentration for up to 1 minute. 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 Moonbeam need?
- To cast: the components are V, S, M. Additionally, Material component: a moonseed leaf.