Prismatic Wall
Level 9 · Abjuration
- Save
A 9th-level spell in the abjuration school, Prismatic Wall appears on the bard and wizard lists. Cast time: Action. Range 60 feet, components V/S, duration 10 minutes. Effect: A shimmering, multicolored plane of light forms a vertical opaque wall—up to 90 feet long, 30 feet high, and 1 inch thick—centered on a point within range.
Stat Block
- Level
- 9
- School
- Abjuration
- Casting Time
- Action
- Range / Area
- 60 feet
- Components
- V, S
- Duration
- 10 Minutes
- Ritual
- No
- Concentration
- No
- Classes
- Bard, Wizard
- Material
- —
Description
A shimmering, multicolored plane of light forms a vertical opaque wall—up to 90 feet long, 30 feet high, and 1 inch thick—centered on a point within range. Alternatively, you shape the wall into a globe up to 30 feet in diameter centered on a point within range. The wall lasts for the duration. If you position the wall in a space occupied by a creature, the spell ends instantly without effect. The wall sheds Bright Light within 100 feet and Dim Light for an additional 100 feet. You and creatures you designate when you cast the spell can pass through and be near the wall without harm. If another creature that can see the wall moves within 20 feet of it or starts its turn there, the creature must succeed on a Constitution saving throw or have the Blinded condition for 1 Minute.
The wall consists of seven layers, each with a different color. When a creature reaches into or passes through the wall, it does so one layer at a time through all the layers. Each layer forces the creature to make a Dexterity saving throw or be affected by that layer's properties as described in the Prismatic Layers table.
The wall, which has AC 10, can be destroyed one layer at a time, in order from red to violet, by means specific to each layer. If a layer is destroyed, it is gone for the duration. Antimagic Field has no effect on the wall, and Dispel Magic can affect only the violet layer.
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 Abjuration school handles every spell that ends with the words 'this does not happen' — counterspells, dispels, shields, barriers, banishments. Prismatic Wall sits in the school because the spell ends, prevents, or absorbs an effect that would otherwise land. At level 9, Prismatic Wall is a tier-3-to-tier-4 commitment with one slot per day for most classes.
Class Fit
- Bard: College of Lore Bards have the easiest case for Prismatic Wall: Magical Secrets means the class can reach outside the standard list to grab adjacent picks. At 60 feet, Prismatic Wall stays usable from the caster's typical positioning.
- Wizard: The Wizard's daily prep list is the class's flexibility lever — every long rest is a chance to reconsider what Prismatic Wall is doing on the sheet. Prismatic Wall reaches 60 feet, which lets the caster stay clear of the front line.
Related Spells
Frequently Asked Questions about Prismatic Wall
- What level spell is Prismatic Wall?
- In D&D 5e, Prismatic Wall is classified as a level 9 spell of the Abjuration school. Available classes: Bard, Wizard.
- What save does Prismatic Wall require?
- The save against Prismatic Wall is a Constitution saving throw. Specific rules for a successful save are spelled out in the spell description.
- What is the range of Prismatic Wall?
- From the caster's position, Prismatic Wall reaches 60 feet.
- How long does Prismatic Wall last?
- Without concentration, Prismatic Wall runs for its full 10 minutes duration regardless of what else the caster is doing.
- What components and casting time does Prismatic Wall need?
- the cast needs V, S; casting time is the standard Action.