Slow

You alter time around up to six creatures of your choice in a 40-foot cube within range. Each target must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or be affected by this spell for the duration. An affected target's speed is halved, it takes a -2 penalty to AC and Dexterity saving throws, and it can't use reactions. On its turn, it can use either an action or a bonus action, not both. Regardless of the creature's abilities or magic items, it can't make more than one melee or ranged attack during its turn. If the creature attempts to cast a spell with a casting time of 1 action, roll a d20. On an 11 or higher, the spell doesn't take effect until the creature's next turn, and the creature must use its action on that turn to complete the spell. If it can't, the spell is wasted. A creature affected by this spell makes another Wisdom saving throw at the end of each of its turns. On a successful save, the effect ends for it.

At a Glance

Level
3rd
School
Transmutation
Casting Time
1 action
Range
120 feet
Duration
Concentration, up to 1 minute
Concentration
Yes

How Slow Works

Casting Time1 action
Range120 feet
ComponentsV, S, M (a drop of molasses)
DurationConcentration, up to 1 minuteCONCENTRATION
Saving ThrowWisdom

Available to:

Common Mistakes

Common Mistake
Forgetting it can affect up to 6 creatures - excellent against groups
Common Mistake
Not tracking all the effects - speed, AC, saves, reactions, actions, attacks, spells
Common Mistake
Thinking creatures can't act at all - they can, just much less effectively
Common Mistake
Forgetting affected creatures get saves at the end of each turn

DM Tips

DM Tip
One of the best debuff spells in the game, affecting multiple aspects of combat
DM Tip
Can completely shut down enemy spellcasters with the delayed casting
DM Tip
The -2 to AC makes affected creatures much easier to hit
DM Tip
Especially devastating against enemies with multiattack

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Further Reading