Invisibility spell in DnD 5E explained

What is Invisibility?

Invisibility is a 2nd level illusion spell, which is natively available to Artificers, Bards, Sorcerers, Warlocks, and Wizards. It requires a vocal, somatic, and material component, with the latter being an eyelash inside a piece of gum arabic. It takes an action to cast, allowing the caster to touch one creature and make them invisible for up to 1 hour. The spell ends early if the spellcaster loses concentration or the target casts a spell or attacks.

If you cast this spell with a 3rd level or higher spell slot, you can target an additional creature per spell level above 2nd. For example, a 5th level casting would allow you to make four creatures invisible.

Is Invisibility a good spell?

Invisibility is a great spell for out-of-combat uses, such as scouting or sneaking into areas you aren’t meant to be. It can help initially in combat by giving you advantage on your first attack, as well as giving you a way to get out of trouble without opportunity attacks, but in general, is best used out of combat, the complete opposite of its higher level brother, Greater Invisibility. The relatively low-level slot makes this a great spell to keep around as you level up, giving you the option of inexpensive invisibility for yourself, or spending a higher-level spell slot to bring your party with you.

To get more out of this spell you can use a Sorcerer’s Metamagic to enhance the spell, such as Twinned Spell to target a second creature with a 2nd level spell or Extended Spell to make it last two hours.

How can you get Invisibility?

If the idea of becoming an invisible prankster interests you, then don’t worry! There’s a surprisingly long list of ways you can get it:

• Artificers, Bards, Sorcerers, Warlocks, and Wizards – These classes get Invisibility on their spell lists natively.
• Arcane Trickster (Rogue Subclass) – This Rogue can choose spells from the Wizard spell list, and can choose Invisibility as one of their spells as early as 7th level as it matches their illusion restriction.
• Eldritch Knight (Fighter Subclass) – Similar to above, this Fighter subclass can choose spells from the Wizard list and can choose Invisibility as one of their unrestricted spells from as 8th level.
• Shroud of Shadow (Eldritch Invocation) – From 15th level this invocation lets a Warlock cast Invisibility at will.
• Duergar Dwarf (Race) – These dwarves can cast Invisibility once per long rest for free along with Enlarge.
• Pallid Elf (Race) – This Elf subrace can be found in Explorer’s Guide to Wildemount and can cast Invisibility once per day for free as part of their Blessing of the Moon Weaver feature. The same feature also gives them the Light cantrip and a free casting of Sleep once per day.
• Mark of Shadow Elf (Race Variant) – From 3rd level this elf variant can cast Invisibility once per day for free, along with getting the Minor Illusion cantrip through the Shape Shadows feature.
• Glasya Tiefling (Race Variant) – The Legacy of Malbolge feature gives these Tieflings invisibility once per day from 5th level, as well as Disguise Self from 3rd level, and Minor Illusion from 1st level.
• Shadow Touched (Feat) – Besides grabbing Invisibility you can also choose one 1st level illusion of necromancy, both of which you can cast once per long rest for free in addition to with spell slots, you can also increase your choice of Int, Wis, or Cha by +1.
• Adept of the Red Robes (Feat) – If you go through the requirements to get this feat, then the Insightful Magic portion of it will allow you to get Invisibility and a free casting of it once per long rest. It will also give you the excellent Magical Balance feature, which can help with Stealth rolls you make after casting the feat.

How to roleplay the Invisibility spell

Need some help roleplaying the Invisibility spell? Here are some examples to help you out:

• As the adventurers approach the heavily guarded entrance to the enemy fortress, Luna the halfling rogue knows that a subtle approach is needed. She whispers a quiet incantation, casting the Invisibility spell upon herself. Her form shimmers and fades from view, leaving her completely undetectable to the naked eye. She slips past the guards with ease, her footsteps silent and her presence unnoticed, as she works to unlock the gates and grant her companions access to the stronghold.
• Cornered by a fearsome owlbear in the depths of the forest, Eamon the half-elf druid realizes that brute force will not save him this time. He quickly mutters the words to the Invisibility spell, his body vanishing into the foliage as if he were never there. Confused and unable to locate its prey, the owlbear growls in frustration and eventually lumbers away, allowing Eamon to escape the dangerous encounter unharmed.
• Infiltrating the lavish masquerade ball of a scheming noble, Isolde the human bard relies on the Invisibility spell to avoid detection. As she disappears from sight, she moves gracefully through the crowd of dancers and revelers, her steps as silent as a whisper. She gathers information and plants seeds of doubt among the guests, her invisible presence leaving none the wiser to her true intentions.
• Caught in a fierce battle against a group of ruthless bandits, Kael the tiefling sorcerer senses that the tide is turning against his companions. He casts the Invisibility spell upon himself, fading from the sight of his enemies. Now unseen, he carefully maneuvers around the battlefield, launching surprise attacks and providing covert support to his allies, turning the momentum of the skirmish in their favor.
• As the party explores the dimly lit, trap-laden catacombs beneath an ancient temple, Aelar the wood elf ranger decides to scout ahead. He invokes the Invisibility spell, his form blending seamlessly into the shadows. With his heightened senses and undetectable presence, Aelar deftly navigates the treacherous passageways, identifying and disarming deadly traps, and ensuring a safe path for his comrades to follow.

Hopefully, this article was informative and helped you get the drop on those guards. If you’re interested in getting more bang for your buck from this spell, then check out our Sorcerer guide, or If you’re interested in researching other spells then check out our spells section, Good luck out there adventurers, until next time, wait, where did you go?