Phantom Steed
Level 3 · Illusion
- Ritual
Carried by wizard, Phantom Steed operates at the 3rd level of the illusion school. Cast time: 1 Minute. Range 30 feet, components V/S, duration 1 hour. Marked ritual. Effect: A Large, quasi-real, horselike creature appears on the ground in an unoccupied space of your choice within range.
Stat Block
- Level
- 3
- School
- Illusion
- Casting Time
- 1 Minute
- Range / Area
- 30 feet
- Components
- V, S
- Duration
- 1 Hour
- Ritual
- Yes
- Concentration
- No
- Classes
- Wizard
- Material
- —
Description
A Large, quasi-real, horselike creature appears on the ground in an unoccupied space of your choice within range. You decide the creature's appearance, and it is equipped with a saddle, bit, and bridle. Any of the equipment created by the spell vanishes in a puff of smoke if it is carried more than 10 feet away from the steed. For the duration, you or a creature you choose can ride the steed. The steed uses the Riding Horse stat block, except it has a Speed of 100 feet and can travel 13 miles in an hour. When the spell ends, the steed gradually fades, giving the rider 1 Minute to dismount. The spell ends early if the steed takes any damage.
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
Illusion is the school of false report. The senses of the targets register something that is not there, and the targets believe their senses until they have reason not to. Phantom Steed reads as Illusion the moment you see the effect — the spell creates a perceptual fiction the target's senses report as real. At level 3, daily slot counts allow Phantom Steed to be cast multiple times across the adventuring day.
Class Fit
- Wizard: At tier 1 Wizards have small prepared lists. Phantom Steed earns its place by either being always-relevant (Shield, Mage Armor) or by being the right answer to a known problem. Phantom Steed reaches 30 feet, which lets the caster stay clear of the front line.
Related Spells
Frequently Asked Questions about Phantom Steed
- What level spell is Phantom Steed?
- In D&D 5e, Phantom Steed is classified as a level 3 spell of the Illusion school. Available classes: Wizard.
- What is the range of Phantom Steed?
- Phantom Steed can target a point or creature within 30 feet of the caster.
- How long does Phantom Steed last?
- Phantom Steed sticks for 1 hour. Concentration is not required, so the caster's concentration slot stays free.
- What components and casting time does Phantom Steed need?
- To cast: the cast needs V, S. Additionally, Phantom Steed can be cast as a ritual: an extra 10 minutes of casting time, no spell slot consumed; the casting time is 1 minute (not a standard Action).