What is Faerie Fire 5E?
Faerie Fire 5E (PHB, p. 239) is a 1st level evocation spell, which is available natively to Artificers, Bards, and Druids. It only requires a vocal component and takes an action to cast. When cast, all creatures in a 20 ft. cube within 60 ft. must make a Dexterity saving throw or be outlined by dim light that it then emits in a 10 ft. radius. Attack rolls against a creature outlined in this way have advantage if the attacker can see the creature and the creature can’t benefit from anything that makes it invisible. This lasts for 1 minute or until the caster loses concentration.
Objects are automatically outlined, the light is blue, green, or violet, you choose when you cast the spell.
Is Faerie Fire 5E a good spell?
Faerie Fire can be a very good spell depending on the situation it’s used in, for example, it’s more beneficial to the party as a whole against an invisible monster than one PC having See Invisibility. The potential of the spell is really dependent on your party, if you have allies that make attack rolls as part of their normal routine, or benefit more from advantage like a Rogue or Paladin with smite slots to burn, then it can be excellent. At worst this spell is average and is generally recommended if you’re not tight on spells to prepare/learn.
To get the most out of this spell try and ensure that you have attack roll-based options, be it other leveled spells, cantrips, or weapon attacks. You can also increase the chance of the monsters failing, such as a Lore Bard’s Cutting Words feature.
How can you get Faerie Fire 5E spell?
If you like the sound of starting an impromptu rave, then fear not! Here is a list of how you can grab this spell:
- Artificer, Bard, and Druid – All of these classes get Faerie Fire on their spell list.
- Light Domain (Cleric Subclass) – These illuminated Clerics get Faerie Fire as an always-prepared spell thanks to their Domain Spells feature.
- Swarmkeeper (Ranger Subclass) – This Ranger gets Faerie Fire at 3rd level, in addition to Mage Hand and many other spells at higher levels, thanks to their Swarmkeeper Magic feature.
- Archfey (Warlock subclass) – Besides a charming presence, this Warlock patron allows you to choose Faerie Fire as a spell known from 1st level with the Expanded Spell List feature.
- Twilight Domain (Cleric subclass) – Similar to their bright-eyed cousins, Twilight Clerics get Faerie Fire from their Domain Spells feature.
- Artificer Initiate (Feat) – Aspiring Artificers can choose one cantrip and 1st level spell from the Artificer list with this feat, allowing them to cast the latter once per day without needing a spell slot. Intelligence is the casting stat for the spells gained from this feat. You also gain proficiency in one type of artisan’s tools of your choice, which you can then use as a focus for the spells gained here.
- Divinely Favored (Feat) – Characters of Neutral alignment can choose one Duid spell to cast once per day with this feat, as well as learning Augury and gaining one Cleric cantrip of their choice. When you choose this feat you choose the casting stat for the spells from Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma.
- Magic Initiate (Feat) – By choosing any of the full casters that get access to Faerie Fire you can get the spell and two cantrips, however, you can only cast it once per long rest unless you have at least one level in the class chosen.
- Strixhaven Initiate (Feat) – All college options except Lorehold in this feat will give you the opportunity to grab Faerie Fire, with two cantrips from a limited list to go along with your once-per-long rest casting.
- Drow (Elf subrace) – These Underdark-dwelling elves can cast Faerie Fire once per long rest from 3rd level thanks to their Drow Magic feature, as well as Darkness from 5th level and Dancing Lights immediately from 1st level. Charisma is the casting stat for these spells.
- Drow Descent Half-Elf (Race Variant) – This variant for the half-elf was published in the SCAG and allows you to replace the Skill Versatility feature with Drow Magic, as described above.
- Fairy (Race) – Tinkerbell they’re not, but these pint-sized fey are able to cast Faerie Fire once per long rest from 3rd level, Enlarge/Reduce from 5th, and Druidcraft straight from 1st level. You’re also able to cast the leveled spells with any relevant spell slots you have from a casting class, you choose the casting stat for these spells at 1st level, either Int, Wis, or Cha.
How to roleplay Faerie Fire 5E spell
Need some help roleplaying the Faerie Fire 5E spell? Here are some examples to help you out:
- The party is being harassed by an invisible stalker, a creature they can hear but not see. The Druid speaks the ancient words of her people and casts Faerie Fire, enveloping the area in a violet glow. The outline of the invisible stalker suddenly appears, making it visible to everyone and turning the tables on the hunt.
- Engaged in a battle in a dark cave, the Bard faces a swarm of bats. Strumming his lute, he casts Faerie Fire, illuminating the bats in a radiant blue hue. His comrades, grateful for the improved visibility, strike with improved accuracy.
- In a politically tense environment, the Artificer senses that something is off. She detonates a device just as assassins drop from the ceiling, now suddenly outlined in a vivid green. Exposed and failing to gain the element of surprise, the assassins find themselves at a significant disadvantage.
Hopefully, this article was informative and helped light up your sworn nemesis. If you’re interested in this spell for your next Artificer build, then check out our Artificer 5E guide, or If you’re interested in researching other spells then check out our 5E spells section, Good luck out there adventurers, until next time, be careful of your allies when you start your insta-rave!
