Blink Spell Guide 5e

The Blink spell allows you to teleport yourself short distances across the battlefield. It’s an excellent choice for getting out of challenging situations or crossing gaps in the terrain. In this guide, we’ll look at the mechanics of Blink and see how it can be used in your campaigns.

Blink

  • Casting Time: 1 Action
  • Range: Self
  • Duration: 1 Minute
  • School: Transmutation
  • Class: Sorcerer, Wizard, Artificer
  • Level: 3rd
  • Damage/Effect: Utility
  • Attack/Save: None
  • Components: V, S
  • Concentration: No

Spell Description: Roll a d20 at the end of each of your turns for the duration of the spell. On a roll of 11 or higher, you vanish from your current plane of existence and appear in the Ethereal Plane (the spell fails and the casting is wasted if you were already on that plane). At the start of your next turn and when the spell ends if you are on the Ethereal Plane, you return to an unoccupied space of your choice that you can see within 10 feet of the space you vanished from. If no unoccupied space is available within that range, you appear in the nearest unoccupied space (chosen at random if more than one space is equally near). You can dismiss this spell as an action.

While on the Ethereal Plane, you can see and hear the plane you originated from, which is cast in shades of gray, and you can’t see anything there more than 60 feet away. You can only affect and be affected by other creatures on the Ethereal Plane. Creatures that aren’t there can’t perceive you or interact with you unless they have the ability to do so.

What Is the Blink Spell?

Blink allows you to travel to the Ethereal Plane for a short time, and it has many different applications in combat and exploration. This spell is available to a variety of classes and subclasses. A knowledgeable player can use Blink toward ingenious ends. 

Because of Blink’s versatility, players of all types can find a use for it. Use this spell to escape from dangerous monsters, spy on your enemies, or get a better view of the battlefield. Blink can be a powerful tool in any player’s arsenal when used creatively.

To make the most of Blink, you’ll need to understand how to travel on the Ethereal Plane. This spell also has a limited duration, so you’ll need to be careful about when you cast it.

Traveling the Ethereal Plane

Any creature on the Ethereal Plane is invisible and inaudible to creatures on the plane from which it originated. This makes it a good place to hide from enemies or to scout ahead without being seen.

While your character is on the Ethereal Plane, you won’t be able to interact with anyone who isn’t also on the Ethereal Plane. You can still see the action around you, but it will be blurry, and the color will be muted. Also, you won’t be able to see more than 60 feet while you are on the Ethereal Plane.

Using Blink Effectively

Used wisely, Blink can be an excellent tool for your party. When used in combat, it can be a way to flank enemies or get away from melee combat. If you’re exploring, Blink can be used to cross chasms or to reach ledges that would otherwise be inaccessible.

Here are some basic uses of the Blink spell:

  • To move to a better position during combat
  • To move out of range of an enemy’s attack
  • To avoid damage from an incoming attack
  • To set up an ambush by blinking behind cover

With Blink in your spellbook, you’ll also have a trick up your sleeve. You can find many other exciting ways to use this spell in your game if you get creative.

Combat Applications

The Blink spell can be highly effective if wielded properly during a combat encounter. You’ll need to unleash your imagination to take advantage of all the possibilities. Still, we’ve provided a few ideas to get you started.

  • Interrupting enemy attacks: You can use Blink to teleport away from an enemy’s attack and then counterattack from a different angle. This can be especially effective against large creatures with slow attacks.
  • Gaining high ground: You can use Blink to teleport to higher ground, giving you an advantage in ranged combat.
  • Creating distance: You can use Blink to create space between you and your enemies, giving you time to prepare your next move.

These are just some of the ways you can use Blink in combat. With a little creativity, you’ll be able to find even more uses for this versatile spell.

Strategic Blinking

Blink is an exciting spell pick for creative players. It offers a lot of strategic possibilities and can be used in a medley of ways. When used wisely, Blink can give you the upper hand in combat and help you easily navigate the battlefield.

Strategic uses of Blink include:

  • Teleporting near an ally
  • Appearing behind an enemy to flank them
  • Disappearing to lose pursuers

Used carefully, Blink can be fun and effective. The spell’s applications are limited only by your imagination and what your DM will allow. That being said, there are times when casting this spell isn’t the best idea.

Countering Blink

Blink is a versatile spell with many applications, but it doesn’t give you an unfair advantage in combat. There are ways to counter Blink, and it’s not always the best choice for every situation. 

One of the most common ways to counter Blink is to wait until the enemy reappears to attack. You can do this by using the Ready Action. By relaying your action, you’ll be able to attack if the enemy appears within your reach.

Blinking into the Ethereal Plane is a neat trick, but it can also get you into trouble. You won’t have the chance to react to events happening on the Material Plane, so you may not be there when your team needs you.

Who Can Use Blink?

There are several classes in D&D that can cast the Blink spell, including many subclasses. Spellcasters like the Wizard, Sorcerer, and the Artificer can all cast Blink. The Hexblade, a popular Warlock subclass, also has access to the spell. Many of the classes that can cast Blink are melee classes, making Blink perfect for players who enjoy close-quarters combat.

Wizards

As the undisputed masters of magic, it’s no surprise that Wizards can cast the Blink spell. Wizards are known for their versatility and ability to adapt to any situation. Because Blink is a 3rd-level spell, a Wizard can cast it at level five when they gain their first 3rd-level spell slot.

Artificers

Artificers are known for their inventiveness. The Blink spell is an outstanding tool for these clever characters. They can use it to surprise enemies or set up traps. Artificers start using Blink at level nine.

Sorcerers

The Blink spell is a terrific option for Sorcerers who want to add some utility to their repertoire. Thanks to their natural affinity for magic, Sorcerers can start using Blink as early as level five.

Subclasses That Can Cast Blink

Blink isn’t just for Wizards and Sorcerers. This spell is also available to several subclasses, including the Hexblade Warlock found in Xanathar’s Guide to Everything

The following subclasses can use Blink: 

  • Rogue: Arcane Trickster
  • Fighter: Eldritch Knight
  • Warlock: The Hexblade
  • Cleric: Trickery Domain 

Common Questions About Blink

Because Blink is a complex and powerful spell, you’re bound to run into some questions about how it works. 

If you really want to understand the potential for this spell, you’ll need to check out the official Player’s Handbook. However, this guide and the questions we’ve answered below should give you some great ideas for using Blink in your game. 

Can You End Blink Early?

If you cast Blink, you can end the spell by dismissing it with an action. This will be useful if you find yourself in a situation where you no longer need the spell’s effects. After all, you don’t want to accidentally Blink into the Ethereal Plane while you’re in the middle of a conversation!

Can You Blink Through Walls?

Yes, you can use Blink to bypass obstacles like walls and doors. Solid objects don’t hamper your movement on the Ethereal Plane and neither do the laws of gravity. However, you can’t move through living beings or walls of magical force. This makes Blink ideal for moving without being detected.

Is Blink a Cantrip?

No, Blink is not a cantrip. It is a level-three transmutation spell that requires an action to cast. Unlike a cantrip, Blink can only be cast by spending a spell slot. You’ll also need to be able to cast 3rd-level spells, a factor that depends on your character’s class.

Can Warlocks Use Blink?

No, most Warlocks cannot cast Blink. Only Warlocks with the Hexblade subclass will have access to this spell. Keep this in mind if you’re creating a Warlock and plan on using Blink. To learn more about this subclass, check out our guide to building the Hexblade

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the Blink spell is a terrific tool for anyone looking to add some utility to their character. Whether you’re a Wizard, Sorcerer, or an Eldritch Knight, Blink can help you get out of trouble and take the fight to your enemies.

If you’re looking for an edge in your next campaign, consider giving Blink a try. Your enemies won’t know what hit them.