Slip Away Unseen With the Ring of Invisibility in DnD 5e

Last Updated on January 27, 2023

What Is a Ring of Invisibility in DnD 5e?

A Ring of Invisibility is… wait for it… a ring that allows you to become invisible. This legendary item doesn’t even use spells or charges. It simply allows you to gain the invisible condition and all the benefits that come with it.

The Invisible Condition

In 5e, most statuses that could be applied to a creature exist as conditions so that they can be easily referenced throughout a number of different game mechanics. “Invisible” is one such status condition, and it’s what is applied to you while you are actively using a Ring of Invisibility.

The following effects are applied to an invisible creature:

• An invisible creature is impossible to see without the aid of magic or a “Special Sense.” For the purpose of hiding, the creature is heavily obscured. The creature’s location can be detected by any noise it makes or any tracks it leaves.
• Attack rolls against the creature have disadvantage, and the creature’s attack rolls have advantage.

While you are invisible, you aren’t necessarily undetectable. Good stealth rolls and tactical planning are still necessary to avoid making undue noise or leaving obvious tracks.

The condition references hiding, which makes sense since you are essentially hiding from anything that uses its eyes to see. It says that you are heavily obscured, another mechanic to refer to.

Rather than explain every step in egregious detail as we make our way down the invisibility rabbit hole, let’s make this really simple.

1. Invisibility means that looking for you is the same as looking through a heavily obscured environment.
2. Heavily obscured environments block vision entirely and give creatures the blinded condition.
3. Blinded creatures automatically fail any ability check that requires sight. Attack rolls against them have advantage, and their attack rolls have advantage.
4. This blinded condition is… conditional. It is specific to you, so any effects of the blinded condition only exist in relation to you.
5. Multiple instances of advantage and disadvantage don’t stack.

The end result:

While you are invisible, creatures cannot see you. They automatically fail any ability checks related to you that require sight. If they do know where you are because you make yourself known through sound or other cues, their attacks against you have disadvantage, and your attacks against them gain advantage.

How Does the Ring of Invisibility Work?

The Ring of Invisibility works by using an action so long as it is on you. No command word or trigger is necessary, making this an entirely mental action, like flexing a muscle. 

Once you take this action, you and anything you are wearing and carrying become invisible, gaining the effects of the invisible condition as described above. (Objects you drop do not remain invisible.)

There are four ways you can become visible again:

• The ring is removed, either by you or another entity.
• You attack; it does not matter if the attack is successful.
• You cast a spell; it does not matter if the spell is successful.
• You use a bonus action to become visible again.

There are a few interesting things here. 

You can probably remove the ring as a free action on your turn, making it easier than a bonus action if you want to pocket the ring like Frodo. This is up to a DM, but removing a ring definitely fits in the realm of free action.

The invisibility does not end if you take damage or if you are unconscious. You could die with the invisible condition applied, and it wouldn’t end unless the ring managed to fall off. You could be petrified, and the ring would continue to apply its effect on you.

“Anything” you are carrying does not specifically designate objects. This is probably one of the coolest loopholes. 

One can easily picture a buff barbarian carrying a gnomish wizard on their shoulders. In this instance, the barbarian could wear the Ring of Invisibility and provide the condition to both characters. Then, the wizard could cast as many spells as they wish without having to end the invisibility condition.

Obviously, this is where a creature might notice spells flying from a specific location or verbal components being muttered, but such a tactic is completely possible.

Is a Ring of Invisibility a Good Item?

Yes. The Ring of Invisibility allows continuous access to an incredibly powerful condition that gives characters the upper hand nine times out of 10, if not more frequently. Being able to turn invisible is simply such a useful tool that it should never be overlooked as a way to solve problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Is the Ring of Invisibility a Legendary Item?

The Ring of Invisibility is a legendary item because it gives you virtually unlimited use of the Invisibility spell without having to worry about spell slots, charges, concentration, or anything. Since you don’t even have to cast a spell, this automatic invisibility ring is incredibly powerful.

How Much Does a Ring of Invisibility Cost?

A ring of invisibility should cost more than 50,000 GP, although it’s more likely you’ll receive this as a reward from a high-leveled quest. Check out our Magic Item Price Guide for more information on pricing.