Levitate in DnD 5e

The wizard cast a spell and flew to the top of the tower. The party was in awe of his power as he hovered there, looking down at them.

The Levitate spell is an excellent way to get around in Dungeons and Dragons. You can use it to climb towers, find secrets, and even evade traps! 

Levitate

  • Casting Time: 1 action
  • Range: 60 ft.
  • Duration: 10 Minutes
  • School: Transmutation
  • Class: Sorcerer, Wizard, Artificer
  • Level: 2nd
  • Damage/Effect: Movement
  • Attack/Save: Constitution Save
  • Components: V, S, M
  • Concentration: Yes

Spell Description: One creature or loose object of your choice that you can see within range rises vertically up to 20 feet and remains suspended there for the duration. The spell can levitate a target that weighs up to 500 pounds. An unwilling creature that succeeds on a Constitution saving throw is unaffected.

The target can move only by pushing or pulling against a fixed object or surface within reach (such as a wall or a ceiling), which allows it to move as if it were climbing. You can change the target’s altitude by up to 20 feet in either direction on your turn. If you are the target, you can move up or down as part of your move. Otherwise, you can use your action to move the target, which must remain within the spell’s range. When the spell ends, the target floats gently to the ground if it is still aloft.

What Is Levitate?

Levitate is a 2nd-level transmutation spell that allows you to lift a creature or object into the air and move it around. The spell has a 60-foot range, a duration of 10 minutes, and can be cast as an action.

Levitate is an excellent spell for getting yourself or your allies out of harm’s way, whether by moving them out of reach of a hungry werebear or simply getting them over a pit of spikes. It can also give your allies a tactical advantage by positioning them above your enemies.

If you’re looking for an easy way to take to the skies, Levitate is the spell for you. But keep in mind that while it can be used to move vertically, you can only travel horizontally by pushing or pulling against a fixed object. For actual flight, you’ll need a different spell, such as Fly.

How To Use Levitate

One of the best things about Levitate is that it can be used on unwilling creatures, provided they fail a Constitution saving throw. This can be a terrific way to incapacitate an enemy, floating them helplessly in the air. Just be careful you don’t accidentally drop them! Remember that the Levitate spell requires verbal, semantic, and material components. You’ll need access to either a piece of golden wire bent into a cup shape with a long shank on one end or a small leather loop to cast Levitate.

How Good Is the Levitate Spell?

Levitate is a great spell when used correctly. In the hands of a creative wizard or sorcerer, it can be used to significant effect in combat or exploration. However, it’s important to remember that Levitate has several limitations. It can’t be used for actual flight, and it only lasts for 10 minutes. So while it’s a fantastic spell, it’s not always the best choice for every situation.

Best Classes for Levitate

Levitate is commonly used by sorcerers and wizards. This is mostly because both of these classes rely on magic for their combat abilities. Artificers can also cast the Levitate spell. Artificers are masters of magical items and can use them to create all kinds of powerful effects.

Sorcerers

Sorcerers are an excellent class for using Levitate. They have innate magical abilities that allow them to cast spells with little effort. Sorcerers can use metamagic feats to further augment their spells. This can be a perfect method for making the Levitate spell even more powerful. For example, you could use the Extended Spell metamagic feat to make your Levitate spell last longer or the Quickened Spell metamagic feat to cast it with a bonus action.

Wizards

Wizards are the classic spellcasters of Dungeons and Dragons. They learn spells through study and memorization, making them experts in a wide variety of spells. With Levitate in their spellbook, wizards are free to use it for combat, exploration, or utility. With a little imagination, you can find plenty of ways to use this spell.

Artificers

Using complex tools and deep knowledge of magic, Artificers can create all kinds of magical items, from swords that sear flesh to boots that walk on water. Artificers don’t have the same magical ability as sorcerers or wizards. Their power comes from understanding how to create items that channel magic powers.

Advantageous Levitation

For a clever and resourceful player, there’s no end to what you can do with levitation. Whether it’s scaling castle walls or rescuing comrades from a pool of lava, Levitate can be used in various ways to give your party an advantage.

Here’s a list of some of the best uses for Levitate:

  • Crossing chasms and avoiding other hazards
  • Escaping from enemies
  • Climbing walls and ceilings
  • Creating mobile cover
  • Incapacitating an enemy

There’s really no limit to how players can use Levitate in their gameplay. So get creative and have fun with this iconic spell!

Avoiding Hazards

You can also use Levitate to cross chasms or other hazards. By lifting yourself or an ally into the air, you can safely cross over pits or spikes. Just be careful not to drop your allies! Finally, don’t forget that Levitate can be used for transportation. You can easily traverse large gaps or move over rugged terrain by levitating yourself or an ally.

Escaping From Enemies

You can also use the Levitate spell to escape from your foes. By levitating yourself or an ally out of reach of an enemy, you can buy some time to regroup or cast another spell.

Climbing Walls and Ceilings

A fun way to use Levitate is to climb up walls or across ceilings. This can be a fabulous mode of traveling, allowing players to maneuver around obstacles and reach places they couldn’t otherwise. Just be sure you have an exit plan!

Creating Mobile Cover

Another excellent use for Levitate is to create a mobile cover. By levitating a large object, you can block an enemy’s line of sight and give your allies some much-needed cover.

This can be especially useful in combat when every second counts. Just be sure to maintain concentration on the Levitate spell, or the object will fall, and your cover will be gone.

Incapacitating an Enemy

Levitate is a superb spell for keeping enemies that rely on melee attacks at bay. Floating an enemy upward makes it difficult or impossible for them to reach you or your allies.

If you’re looking for a truly devious plan, you could try using Levitate to drop an enemy into a pit or other hazard. A slow descent into a pool of lava could be a very unpleasant way to go. A levitated creature can still cast spells and make ranged attacks, so be careful when using Levitate in combat. You don’t want to give your enemy a free shot at you!

Magic Items That Give You Levitation

Players don’t have to be wizards to enjoy the benefits of Levitate. Several magic items can give you the ability to levitate.

Boots of Levitation

While wearing Boots of Levitation, players can cast Levitate on themselves at will, floating up to 20 feet off the ground. These boots can offer players an easy way to access otherwise unreachable treasures or locations. The boots can also be used strategically in battle, giving players a height advantage over their enemies.

Winged Boots

Winged boots are another good option for players looking to master the skies. These boots allow the player to fly at a speed equal to your walking speed. They can be worn to travel long distances or escape danger. They can also be used to glide, giving the player a safe way to descend from monumental heights.

Ring of Featherfalling

While not quite the same as levitation, the Ring of Feather Falling can be a good option when you want to avoid taking fall damage. This ring slows the player’s rate of descent, giving them time to land safely. This ring can also be used in combat, allowing players to drop down on enemies from above. There are a number of levitation-related items, so be sure to ask your Dungeon Master about what’s available in your game.

Common Questions About Levitate

Levitation is a complicated subject, and there are bound to be some questions that come up during gameplay. Below are a few of the commonly asked questions about Levitate, along with their answers.

How Long Does Levitate Last?

Levitate lasts 10 minutes unless you end it early or it is dispelled. You’ll need to maintain concentration on the spell for it to remain in effect for the full duration. Otherwise, it will end prematurely, potentially putting you precarious position.

Can You Move While Levitating?

Players using Levitate can only move by pushing or pulling against a fixed object, so you can’t actually fly with Levitate. However, you can levitate yourself or an ally up to a ceiling or wall and then move along it, so there is still some ability to maneuver. 

Can You Levitate Yourself?

Yes, you can levitate yourself with this spell. Making yourself the target of your own Levitate spell is a great way to get over walls and fences or reach the tops of trees. If the spell ends, you don’t have to worry about plummeting to your death. You’ll simply float gently back down to the ground.

What Happens When Levitate Ends?

If you are the target of Levitate, you float gently to the ground if you are still aloft when the spell ends. With that in mind, it’s important to use Levitate carefully, making sure you’re over safe and solid ground when the spell reaches its conclusion. 

Reaching New Heights

In summary, Levitate is a remarkable spell for creative players. It has a variety of uses in combat and exploration and can be used to fantastic effect if you use your imagination. With Levitate in your spellbook, the sky is literally the limit. So what are you waiting for? Take your games to new heights with Levitate.