True Strike 5e: Yes or No? Our Guide

Spell Description:

You point a finger at a target in range. Your magic grants you a brief insight into the target’s defenses. On your next turn, you gain advantage on your first attack roll against the target, provided that this spell hasn’t ended.

Who Can Cast True Strike?

Bard, Sorcerer, Warlocks, and Wizards can cast True Strike starting at 1st level (but why would they…). Eldritch Knights and Arcane Tricksters will need to wait until 8th level before taking this spell (but why would they…).

What Is True Strike?

True Strike is a cantrip level Divination spell that grants the caster advantage on their next attack roll made against the target of this spell, provided that the spell’s effect has not ended before they attack. It’s widely considered to be 5e’s worst spell.

When and Where Should I Cast True Strike?

You shouldn’t.

Why Should I Take True Strike?

You shouldn’t.

Common Questions About True Strike

Why is True Strike bad?

It is a complete action spell that grants advantage on the next attack and ends after 1 round of combat, requiring concentration to maintain the effect until the next turn.

It deals no damage on its own. A character with +0 to the required stat will have about a 50/50 chance of hitting an attack without advantage.

That means that even if you hit the attack after casting True Strike, your damage output is about the same over the two turns. At its very best, it’s highly situational.

What situations is True Strike good in?

It’s highly situational and pretty much relies on a character being able to attack a bonus action to be helpful. This is the only time one might be able to use True Strike.

Does True Strike have any positives?

It has no verbal component, so you can easily cast it during an ambush if you are hidden.

Should I take True Strike?

No, probably not.

Alternatives to True Strike

• Guidance
• Bless

How To Use True Strike

For Players

Don’t take it.

For Dungeon Masters

Don’t encourage people to take it.