Telekinesis 5e D&D Guide

Telekinesis is a 5th-level utility spell. The Sorcerer and Wizard classes have it in the spell lists.

Telekinesis is the perfect spell for players who wish to destroy or disable enemies in battle creatively.

It can also prove useful outside of combat in many ways.

The Player’s Handbook Description states the following:

Telekinesis 5e

5th-level Transmutation

Casting Time: 1 action

Range: 60 feet

Components: V, S

Duration: Concentration, up to 10 minutes

You gain the ability to freely move or manipulate creatures or objects by using your thoughts.

Upon casing Telekinesis, as your action each around for the entire duration (until canceled), you choose one creature or object to exert your will on that you can see within the range.

The appropriate effect is described further down.

The same target can be affected round after round, or you can choose a new target at any time. When you switch targets, the prior target will no longer be affected by spells.

Creature

You can try and move a Huge or smaller creature. You must perform an ability check with your spellcasting ability, which will be contested by the creature’s Strength check.

Winning this contest allows you to move the chosen creature up to 30 feet in any direction, which includes upwards but may not be beyond the range of the spell.

Until your next turn ends, the creature will remain restrained by your telekinetic grip. A creature that you lifted upward will be considered suspended in mid-air.

Note: On the following rounds, you can use an action to attempt to maintain this telekinetic grip by repeating the Strength Check.

Object

You can attempt to move an object that weighs up to 1000 pounds.

If the object isn’t currently being worn or carried, you will automatically move it up to 30 feet in any direction. However, it cannot be beyond the range of the spell.

If the object you targeted is worn or carried by a creature, you must perform an ability check with your spellcasting ability which is contested by the creature’s Strength check.

If you are successful, the object is pulled away from the creature, and you can move it no more than 30 feet in any direction you choose (anything over 60 feet is beyond the spell’s range).

Note: You can exert total control on objects with your telekinesis grip. Examples include: manipulating a simple tool, opening a container or door, stowing or recovering an item from an open container, or pouring out contents from a vial.

Classes That Can Pick Telekinesis

Traditional classes like the Sorcerer and Wizard have Telekinesis as part of their spell list.

Subclasses like the Psi Warrior (Fighter) can also unlock Telekinesis, even though they can only unlock it at round level 18.

Their advantage would be that they can cast the spell without any components, and their spellcasting ability for the spell is Intelligence.

They can also make one attack with a weapon as a bonus action while concentrating on Telekinesis.

Is Telekinesis Good in 5e?

Telekinesis isn’t good because it has a hidden mechanic or can single-handedly destroy an entire army. It’s good because of its limitless utility, strengthened by a creative adventurer.

Advantages – Telekinesis

No Material Component

Having no Material component saves the caster a lot of time and GP they would’ve spent. Most materials for high-level spells become incredibly tricky to get your hands on.

They might take an extremely long time to obtain, or they’ll have you emptying your pockets to try to afford them.

Disadvantages – Telekinesis

Concentration Spell

Telekinesis can be effective in battle, especially in taking larger enemies out of the fight. The problem arises when enemies try to target you because of this ability.

Therefore, be sure to have some sort of shield or protection shielding you from damage, as if you take any, the spell will be canceled.

Also, be careful not to cast any other Concentration spells, as they’ll have the same effect.

When Should I Use Telekinesis?

Levitation Travel

Have you ever thought if it’s possible to fly across the sky in your canoe or bathtub? If you have, making it a reality has never been easier.

Telekinesis allows you to pick up objects of up to 1000 pounds. Therefore, by doing very rudimentary math, you can determine if levitation travel is possible.

Simply know the weights of the members in the object with you and add them to the total weight of the object.

If the total weight is below 1000 pounds, you’re set and ready to embark on the journey of a lifetime.

Transporting Loot

Even though Telekinesis is a high-level spell, players can still use it in some mundane ways. The most obvious is transporting heavy objects a great distance, especially if they’re valuable.

Whether players have found a treasure chest overflowing with GP, wish to drag the corpse of a creature back for analysis, or simply transport extra items, you can easily use telekinesis.

Interrogation (Like in Star Wars!)

Interrogating suspects has never been easier when you can use Telekinesis.

By grabbing a creature and choking them by the throat, dangling them from its legs, or breaking its limbs, you’ll be able to roleplay as your favorite force user in D&D!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Target Yourself With Telekinesis?

The Telekinesis description doesn’t state that the creature must be physically moved away or towards something. It only says that you can move a creature in any direction.

Since you can already move in any direction and count as a creature, lifting yourself off the ground shouldn’t be a problem.

What Can Telekinesis Pick Up?

Telekinesis is most well-known for being able to pick up items weighing up to 1000 pounds. It can also lift creatures with a maximum size of Huge, which is incredible.

Final Thoughts

Telekinesis is a blast from the past. Telekinesis is made to seem like the ultimate power throughout board games, movies, and television.

Luckily, D&D does the same. It provides players with endless possibilities, whether utility-based, defensive, or offensive. Do yourself a favor and try its power for yourself!