Shape Water
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; you cause the water to form into simple shapes and animate at your direction (lasts 1 hour); you change the water's color or opacity (lasts 1 hour); or you freeze the water, provided there are no creatures in it (lasts 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.
At a Glance
Level
Cantrip
School
Transmutation
Casting Time
1 action
Range
30 feet
Duration
Instantaneous or 1 hour
Concentration
No
How Shape Water Works
| Casting Time | 1 action |
|---|---|
| Range | 30 feet |
| Components | S |
| Duration | Instantaneous or 1 hour |
Common Mistakes
Common Mistake
Trying to create more than two non-instantaneous effects at once
Common Mistake
Attempting to freeze water with creatures in it - this doesn't work
Common Mistake
Thinking you can create water - this only manipulates existing water
Common Mistake
Forgetting the cube is only 5 feet - that's about 30 gallons of water
DM Tips
DM Tip
One of the most creative utility cantrips if players think outside the box
DM Tip
Can create ice bridges, color-code areas, or create simple water sculptures
DM Tip
The instantaneous movement can douse small fires or move liquids
DM Tip
Freezing water can create slippery ice patches or seal small openings
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources & Further Reading
- Shape Water — D&D 5e Wikidot — Full SRD text
- Shape Water — Roll20 Compendium — Structured reference
- Shape Water — D&D Beyond — Official digital reference