Shape Water 5e: Mechanics and Guide To Using the Spell

Spell Description:

You choose an area of water that you can see within range and that fits within a 5-foot cube. You manipulate it in one of the following ways:

You instantaneously move or otherwise change the flow of the water as you direct, up to 5 feet in any direction. This movement doesn’t have enough force to cause damage.

You cause the water to form into simple shapes and animate at your direction. This change lasts for 1 hour.

You change the water’s color or opacity. The water must be changed in the same way throughout. This change lasts for 1 hour.

You freeze the water, provided that there are no creatures in it. The water unfreezes in 1 hour.

If you cast this spell multiple times, you can have no more than two of its non-instantaneous effects active at a time, and you can dismiss such an effect as an action.

What Is Shape Water?

Shape Water is a cantrip-level Transmutation spell that allows a player to manipulate a small amount of water, moving in a direction, moving it into a shape, changing its color, or freezing it. It is not possible to move water with such force as to deal damage using the spell.

Who Can Cast Shape Water?

Shape Water is a utility spell used by Druids, Sorcerers, and Wizards at 1st level. Eldritch Knights and Arcane Tricksters will need to wait until they can take Transmutation spells at 8th level. Bards can take the spell with their Magical Secrets feature, available to all Bards by 10th level.

When and Where Should I Cast Shape Water?

Shape Water does not deal damage and is primarily used for problem and puzzle-solving.

Why Should I Take Shape Water?

Shape Water can be good for problem and puzzle-solving in campaigns. It has few to no combat uses, but the ability to affect the environment is potent for puzzles.

Common Questions About Shape Water