Hunter’s Mark 5e D&D Guide

Hunter’s Mark is a 1st-level debuff spell used offensively. It is available on the Ranger spell list.

Hunter’s Mark gives a seasoned bowman the ability to showcase their skills.

Mark your target, and eliminate them with the lethal accuracy you worked so arduously to obtain.

The Player’s Handbook says the following:

Hunter’s Mark 5e

1st-level Divination

Casting Time: 1 bonus action

Range: 90 feet

Components: V

Duration: Concentration, up to 1 hour

You may choose a creature you can see within range and choose to mystically mark it as your quarry.

Until the spell ends, you will deal an extra 1d6 damage to the chosen target whenever you hit it with your weapon attack, and you have an advantage on any Wisdom (Survival) or Wisdom (Perception) check you make in order to find it.

If the chosen target drops to 0 hit points before the spell ends, you can use a bonus action on a subsequent turn yours to mark a new creature.

At Higher Levels: When you cast Hunter’s Mark using a 3rd or 4th-level spell slot, you can maintain your concentration on this spell for up to 8 hours.

When you use a 5th-level spell slot or higher, you can maintain your concentration on the spell for up to 24 hours.

Which Classes Can Pick Hunter’s Mark?

The Ranger is the only traditional class with Hunter’s Mark on its spell list.

A Ranger unlocks their 2nd-level spell slot at level 2 and can start using this spell.

The Oath of Vengeance (Paladin) subclass also has access to the Hunter’s Mark spell.

Unlike the Ranger, the Oath of Vengeance (Paladin) can only use this spell at level 3 when it becomes available to them.

Is Hunter’s Mark Good in 5e?

Hunter’s Mark is a great spell, especially in the early game, where damage is scarce. Pairing this with your longbow can deal some solid damage from range.

Advantages – Hunter’s Mark

Bonus Action

When entering combat, you’ll have your Attack Action, Bonus Action, etc. You automatically mark your target when you enter combat and use your Bonus Action to cast this spell.

If your concentration holds and you can hit the target with a weapon attack, your attacks will deal an extra 1d6 damage.

At 5 rounds, if the spell is still up, you would’ve done 5d6 extra damage with one spell!

Long Range

Rangers excel at ranged battles. Therefore, having a spell like Hunter’s Mark (range of 90 feet) synergizes well with their playstyle.

Being in the backline firing arrows while debuffing a creature gives your party covering fire while also providing necessary bonus damage.

One Component

There are times in D&D when you won’t have space to carry anything in your hands.

Maybe you’re carrying a shield and sword or a heavy longbow that needs to be held in two hands.

Whatever the reason, having a spell that only requires a Verbal component will be helpful.

Not having to use your hands or gather materials gives you much freedom and allows you to spam the spell.

Disadvantages – Hunter’s Mark

Concentration Spell

Concentration spells are tricky and force players to be more hesitant in battle.

If you want to keep your concentration up for a long time, you’ll want to avoid damage or being targeted by enemies.

Hunter’s Mark can stay active for up to 1 hour, and players can recast it by using a bonus action upon an enemy reaching 0 HP.

So if it’s canceled, you’ll lose a spell that could’ve been used to buff your entire kit.

Staying in the backline will erase these worries. Just watch out for enemy ranged units; they might try and target you if they see you can cast debuffing spells.

How Should I Use Hunter’s Mark?

Hunter’s Mark isn’t a spell you cast just to receive the bonus once or twice. It’s a spell where keeping it up for longer increases its value and damage output drastically.

Killing Blows

Hunter’s Mark has a feature that allows players to recast it and target a different enemy when the previous target reaches 0 HP.

That makes it a spell that specializes in killing blows. Every time you kill an enemy using this spell, you should use your Bonus Action and target a new enemy.

It’ll cost you nothing and keep the spell active for longer. It ultimately gives the spell a lot of extra value while boosting your damage.

Lengthy Battles

Since Hunter’s Mark can be recast, players should try keeping it up for as long as possible. Slowing or blocking enemies is an excellent way to make battles last longer.

Spells like Entangle, Spike Growth, Grease, Wall of Sand, or Chromatic Orb are control spells you can use to make a fight last longer.

They’ll get you those final blows and enable you to recast Hunter’s Mark.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Hunter’s Mark Deal Magic Damage 5e?

Many players might think that since Hunter’s Mark adds damage to your weapon attacks, it can’t be classified as magic damage.

However, as Jeremy Crawford revealed, Hunter’s Mark deals magic damage. It might be because it lacks a damage type, and since it’s a spell, it automatically falls under magical damage.

Will Hunter’s Mark Damage Double on a Crit 5e?

If your Hunter’s Mark is active on an enemy you land a crit on, all the damage dice used will be doubled.

If you were to multiclass with Rogue, you’d have access to Sneak Attack. On a critical hit, it will also double Sneak Attack’s effect.

Can Hunter’s Mark Stack With Sneak Attack 5e?

Multiclassing with Ranger and Rogue is popular as the classes combine incredibly well.

You can use Sneak Attack and Hunter’s Mark against an enemy. In most cases, this will end up in you dealing an insane amount of damage!

Final Thoughts

Hunter’s Mark might seem like a simple damage buff or enemy debuff, but it functions as much more than that.

It allows your party to cast control spells aiding your damage output effectively. If done well, your frontline will easily defeat incoming enemies, and your backline will be safe from harm!