Infestation 5e: Mechanics and Guide To Using the Spell

Spell Description:

You cause a cloud of mites, fleas, and other parasites to appear momentarily on one creature you can see within range. The target must succeed on a Constitution saving throw, or it takes 1d6 poison damage and moves 5 feet in a random direction if it can move and its speed is at least 5 feet.

Roll a d4 for the direction: 1, north; 2, south; 3, east; or 4, west. This movement doesn’t provoke opportunity attacks, and if the direction rolled is blocked, the target doesn’t move.

The spell’s damage increases by 1d6 when you reach 5th level (2d6), 11th level (3d6), and 17th level (4d6).

	1st level	5th level	11th level	17th level
Damage Dice	1d6	2d6	3d6	4d6
Minimum Damage	1	2	3	4
Average Damage	3.5	6.5	9.5	12.5
Maximum Damage	6	12	18	24

What Is Infestation?

Infestation conjures a cloud of bugs that attack the target creature. The creature makes a Constitution saving throw to avoid taking Poison damage from the bugs and, on a failed save, also moves five feet in a random direction which is determined by rolling a d4.

This movement does not provoke attacks of opportunity and if the direction rolled is blocked, the movement doesn’t occur.

Who Can Cast Infestation?

Infestation is a natural part of the Druid, Sorcerer, Warlock, and Wizard spell lists and they can add the spell to their rotation at 1st level. Eldritch Knights and Arcane Tricksters will need to wait until they can take a Conjuration spell which isn’t until 8th level.

Bards can take the spell with their Magical Secrets class feature, available to all Bards by 10th level.

When and Where Should I Cast Infestation?

Infestation is a combination damage and control spell that deals damage and forces the target to move around to escape the cloud of bugs that you have conjured upon them.

The damage isn’t as significant as spells like Booming Blade, Primal Savagery, or Fire Bolt, but the movement effect can be useful for controlling the state of the battlefield.

Why Should I Take Infestation?

Infestation is… underwhelming. Its mechanics are cool for roleplay but its low damage isn’t compensated for by the random movement since it doesn’t trigger things like Booming Blade.

Common Questions About Infestation