Spare the Dying

You touch a living creature that has 0 hit points. The creature becomes stable. This spell has no effect on undead or constructs.

At a Glance

Level

Cantrip

School

Necromancy

Casting Time

1 action

Range

Touch

Duration

Instantaneous

Concentration

Common Mistake

Using this instead of a healing spell when healing would be better

Common Mistake

Forgetting it requires touch - you must be adjacent to the dying creature

Common Mistake

Not realizing this takes your action - Healing Word is often better since it's a bonus action

Common Mistake

Thinking it restores hit points - it only stabilizes at 0 HP

DM Tip

Useful when out of spell slots but an ally is dying

DM Tip

Grave Domain clerics can cast this as a bonus action at range, making it much more valuable

DM Tip

Generally outclassed by Healing Word but free to use as a cantrip

DM Tip

Good for NPCs or when resources are extremely limited