Detect Thoughts
For the duration, you can read the thoughts of creatures within 30 feet. You can use your action to focus on any one creature you can see. If the creature has an Intelligence of 3 or lower or doesn't speak any language, the creature is unaffected. You initially learn the surface thoughts. As an action, you can probe deeper into the target's mind. If the target fails a Wisdom save, you gain insight into its reasoning, emotional state, and something important to it. The target knows you are probing into its mind.
At a Glance
Level
2nd
School
Divination
Casting Time
1 action
Range
Self
Duration
Concentration, up to 1 minute
Concentration
Yes
How Detect Thoughts Works
| Casting Time | 1 action |
|---|---|
| Range | Self |
| Components | V, S, M (a copper piece) |
| Duration | Concentration, up to 1 minuteCONCENTRATION |
| Saving Throw | Wisdom (only for deeper probe) |
Available to:
BardSorcererWizard
Common Mistakes
Common Mistake
Forgetting that probing deeper requires a Wisdom save and alerts the target
Common Mistake
Not enforcing the Intelligence 3+ requirement
Common Mistake
Thinking you can read all thoughts simultaneously - you focus on one creature at a time
Common Mistake
Assuming the spell works on creatures that don't speak language
DM Tips
DM Tip
Surface thoughts should be what the creature is thinking right now, not their full plan
DM Tip
Failed saves on deeper probes should reveal something meaningful but not everything
DM Tip
Describe the intrusive feeling when someone probes deeper to create dramatic moments
DM Tip
Consider having suspicious NPCs make Insight checks to notice the caster's intense focus
Sources & Further Reading
- Detect Thoughts — D&D 5e Wikidot — Full SRD text
- Detect Thoughts — Roll20 Compendium — Structured reference
- Detect Thoughts — D&D Beyond — Official digital reference