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| Description |
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 its turn. On a successful save, the effect ends for it. |
|---|---|
| Source | Player’s Handbook 🛒 |
| Level | 3 |
| School | Transmutation |
| Casting Time | 1 action |
| Range | 120 feet |
| Components | V, S, M (A drop of molasses.) |
| Duration | Up to 1 minute |
| Concentration | Yes |
| Ritual | No |
| Classes | Sorcerer, Wizard |
| Full rules | open5e.com ↗ |
The Slow spell is among the most underestimated control spells in D&D. While many players immediately think of spectacular transformations when it comes to transmutation, this unassuming 3rd-level spell offers one of the most effective methods to dominate the battlefield.
The Power of Time Distortion
What makes Slow so special is its versatility. Instead of completely incapacitating a single enemy, it significantly weakens up to six creatures simultaneously. The effects are devastating: halved movement speed, -2 penalty to Armor Class and Dexterity saving throws, no reactions, and restriction to either one action or one bonus action per turn.
It gets particularly nasty with spellcasters: When attempting to cast a spell with a casting time of one action, a d20 must be rolled. On 1-10, the spell doesn’t take effect until the next turn – and can still fail if the action isn’t available.
Tactical Applications
Slow particularly shines in fights against multiple medium-strength enemies. While a Fireball causes one-time damage, Slow can decide the entire encounter over ten rounds. The reduced attack rolls from the Dexterity penalty and halved Armor Class make enemies easy targets for the party.
A clever use is combining it with other control spells. While Slow weakens enemies, other party members can clean up with area spells or targeted attacks. Sorcerers benefit from their Metamagic here – Twinned Spell doesn’t work (since Slow can target multiple creatures), but Heightened Spell can make a crucial enemy’s saving throw more difficult.
From Spell to Weapon Property: The 2024 Change
The biggest surprise in the 2024 rules: Slow no longer appears as a spell, but as a new weapon mastery property. This fundamental change shifts the concept of slowing from magical users to melee fighters.
The new version reduces an enemy’s speed by 10 feet until the beginning of the next turn – significantly weaker than the original spell, but usable without spell slot costs. For fighters and other melee combatants, this opens new tactical possibilities, especially against fast enemies or when retreating.
What Does This Mean for Players?
Sorcerers and wizards who relied on the classic Slow spell need to rethink their strategies. The 2024 Player’s Handbook 🛒 will show whether alternative control spells can fill this gap. At the same time, melee fighters get a new tool for movement control – an interesting paradigm shift that could sustainably change game dynamics.
The transformation of Slow symbolizes D&D’s evolution: away from pure damage and control spells toward more versatile, cross-class mechanics.
This article was created using AI, based on data from the 5e-database project (D&D 5e System Reference Document, licensed under CC BY 4.0).
