Moonbeam 5e D&D Guide

Moonbeam is a 2nd-level supportive offense spell falling under the Druid spell list.

Moonbeam’s far casting range and large target area make this spell an excellent trapping or countering spell against certain enemies.

The Player’s Handbook specifics are as follows:

Moonbeam 5e

2nd-level evocation

Casting Time: 1 action

Range: 120 feet

Components: V, S, M (some seeds of any moonseed plant and a segment of an opalescent feldspar gem)

Duration: Concentration, 1 minute

A silvery ray of ghostly light gleams down in a 5-foot radius, 40-foot high cylinder centered on a point within the range. Until the spell ends, faint light fills the whole cylinder.

When a target enters the area of Moonbeam for its first time on a turn, or it starts its turn there, it is swallowed in ghostly flames, causing it searing pain and forcing a Constitution saving roll.

If the save fails, the creature takes 2d10 radiant damage or half as much radiant damage on a successful one.

A shapechanger makes its saving throw with a disadvantage. If failed, it instantly reverts to its original form and can’t take a different form until leaving the spell’s light.

After you cast this spell, on every turn, you can use one action to move the beam of light up to 60 feet in any direction of your choosing.

At Higher Levels: When Moonbeam is cast using a spell slot of the 3rd level or higher, its damage increases by 1d10 per each slot level above the 2nd.

What Is Moonbeam 5e?

Moonbeam is a 2nd-level spell falling under the evocation school of magic. It boasts a range of 120 feet and must be cast while being concentrated. One standard action is used when wanting to cast Moonbeam.

The caster must use Verbal, Somatic, and Material components to cast Moonbeam.

This spell deals 2d10 radiant damage if the affected creature fails its Constitution saving roll.

How Does Moonbeam Work?

Moonbeam releases a large cylinder with a radius of 5 feet (diameter of 10 feet) and a vertical height of 40 feet when cast.

Anything which enters the spell area will take radiant damage and is forced to make a Constitution saving roll.

How To Cast Moonbeam

To cast Moonbeam, players must have a level two spell slot open.

Note: The level of a spell is correlated to the level of the spell.

When players are busy casting Moonbeam, they must use Verbal, Somatic, and Material components to cast the spell successfully.

The material components needed are ‘some seeds of any moonseed plant and a piece of an opalescent feldspar gemstone.’

Which Classes Can Use Moonbeam?

Within the standard D&D version, Druids are the only class capable of using this spell.

Other Druid subclasses, such as Circle of Spores, Circle of Dreams, Circle of the Moon, etc., can also use Moonbeam.

Is Moonbeam Good?

Moonbeam cannot be compared to other damaging spells in the Druid spell list; it’s just too good.

Advantages of Moonbeam

Radiant damage: Spells dealing radiant damage are in a different class already, and Moonbeam does 2d10 radiant damage at level 2. Radiant damage is one of the most reliable forms of damage in D&D due to many creatures having no resistance or immunity.

No specified target: Moonbeam doesn’t require a player to have their target within sight to cast it. It can be cast while only knowing where the target is, given that it is within the 120-foot range.

Massive AoE: Not only does Moonbeam have a long-range, but it also has an extensive affected area. Its 5 by 40-foot cylinder can do some severe damage when used in caves and burrows.

Drawbacks of Moonbeam

Material component: Players who want to use Moonbeam must know where to find its materials. Not being able to cast a spell because you have insufficient materials can turn out badly for your party.

Concentration spell: Players must remain concentrated for the spell to stay active for its duration. Casting another concentration spell or taking damage can cancel the spell, forcing the caster to recast.

Best Ways To Use Moonbeam

Crowd control is an excellent way for players to thin out a horde of enemies using a single spell. Moonbeam is great in confined spaces like caves, mountain passes, and castles.

Denying an area can be an excellent use for Moonbeam. Since the light given off by Moonbeam is quite dim, enemies will only realize how deadly it is after stepping foot in the cylinder. Unaffected enemies would see this and either retreat or be unable to pass through the burning light.

Retreating isn’t cowardly; as mentioned above, the enemies cannot chase your party. If the fight didn’t go as planned, your party could make a run for it, surviving to fight another day.

Commonly Asked Questions

Can Moonbeam Be Used Indoors?

Players can use Moonbeam indoors. The description of the spell doesn’t specify where players can and cannot cast the spell. So feel free to cast it while in the local inn to deal with those pesky goblins outside the walls.

What Level Do Druids Get Moonbeam?

Upon reaching the 2nd level, Druids can add Moonbeam to their spell slot (if they have a 2nd-level spell slot open).

Do I Need To See My Target?

No, your target doesn’t have to be visible to you. Since it isn’t specified, only their exact location is needed to hit the target.

Note: If the target is confirmed to be surprised by the spell, they will not be able to move or take action on their first turn of combat.

Can Moonbeam Damage The Caster?

Yes, if the caster is a masochist and wants to feel the radiant energy Moonbeam produces, they can gladly step into the dim light.

Final Thoughts

Moonbeam is one of my favorite spells for the Druid class, mainly because it has many uses while also dealing Radiant damage.

Druids should investigate this spell and see if it fits their playstyle.

If used creatively, your party will love you, while your DM will start to form new hatred for Druids!