Home/Spells/Utility & Control/Phantasmal Force

Phantasmal Force

You craft an illusion that takes root in the mind of a creature that you can see within range. The target must make an Intelligence saving throw. On a failed save, you create a phantasmal object, creature, or other visible phenomenon of your choice that is no larger than a 10-foot cube and that is perceivable only to the target for the duration. This spell has no effect on undead or constructs. The phantasm includes sound, temperature, and other stimuli, also evident only to the creature. The target can use its action to examine the phantasm with an Intelligence (Investigation) check against your spell save DC. If the check succeeds, the target realizes that the phantasm is an illusion, and the spell ends. While a target is affected by the spell, the target treats the phantasm as if it were real. The target rationalizes any illogical outcomes from interacting with the phantasm. The phantasm can deal 1d6 psychic damage to the target on each of your turns if it is in or passes through the phantasm's area or interacts with it.

At a Glance

Level
2nd
School
Illusion
Casting Time
1 action
Range
60 feet
Duration
Concentration, up to 1 minute
Concentration
Yes

How Phantasmal Force Works

Casting Time1 action
Range60 feet
ComponentsV, S, M (a bit of fleece)
DurationConcentration, up to 1 minuteCONCENTRATION
Saving ThrowIntelligence

Available to:

Damage

1d6 psychic (per turn)(Intelligence)

Common Mistakes

Common Mistake
Making the illusion too obviously fake - it should be believable
Common Mistake
Forgetting only the target can see and interact with it
Common Mistake
Not allowing the 1d6 psychic damage each turn when appropriate
Common Mistake
Thinking the target knows it's fake immediately - they rationalize illogical results

DM Tips

DM Tip
Very versatile spell limited only by creativity
DM Tip
The target's mind fills in details and rationalizes inconsistencies
DM Tip
Can create fake enemies, hazards, bridges, or allies
DM Tip
The psychic damage is a nice bonus but the control is the real power

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Further Reading