Wish 5e D&D Guide

Wish is a 9th-level all-powerful spell allowing the change of reality. It belongs to the Sorcerer and Wizard spell lists.

Wish is the spell any spellcaster wishes to unlock; even if it is out of their reach, they cannot keep themselves from trying to obtain it.

The Player’s Handbook Description is found below:

Wish 5e

9th-level Conjuration

Casting Time: 1 action

Range: Self

Components: V

Duration: Instantaneous

Wish is the most powerful spell a mortal creature can cast. By simply speaking loud and clearly, you can alter the foundations of your reality in accordance with your desires.

The basic use of Wish is to duplicate any 8th-level spell or lower. You do not need to meet any of the spell’s requirements, including costly components.

The spell will simply take effect after duplicated.

Alternative Effects

You are also able instead to choose one of the following effects:

• You can create one object with a GP value of up to 25,000 (it cannot be a magic item).

The created item can be no more than 300 feet in any dimension, and it will appear in an unoccupied space you see on the ground.

• You may allow up to twenty creatures you see to regain all their hits points while ending all effects on them described in the Greater Restoration spell.
• You grant up to ten creatures within your sight resistance to any damage type you choose.
• You grant no more than ten creatures within your sight immunity to a single spell or magical effect for up to 8 hours.

For instance, you could consider giving yourself and all your companions immunity to a Lich’s Life Drain attack spell.

• You can undo a single recently past event by simply forcing a reroll of any roll made within the last round (which includes your previous turn). Reality will reshape itself to accommodate this new result.

For example, players could use a Wish spell to undo an opponent’s successful save roll, a foe’s critical hit, or a party member’s failed save.

You can also force the reroll to be made with advantage or disadvantage. You may also choose whether to use the reroll or the original roll.

Accomplish More

You have a chance to achieve something beyond the coverage of the examples listed above. Simply state your wish to the Dm as precisely as you can.

The DM will have great control in ruling what will occur in such an instance; the greater your wish, the greater the likelihood of something going wrong.

Wish could fail, you may partly achieve your desired effect, or you might suffer an unforeseen consequence due to a poorly worded wish.

Example – Wishing that a villain be dead might only propel you forward in time when that villain is no longer alive, which effectively removes you from the game.

Similarly, if you wish for a legendary magic artifact or item, you could instantly be teleported to the location of the item’s current owner.

Consequences

Casting Wish in any way other than duplicating another spell causes immense stress and weakens you.

After enduring this stress, each time you cast a spell until you finish your long rest, you will take 1d10 necrotic damage per level of the spell. This damage cannot be prevented or reduced in any way.

In addition, your Strength will drop to 3, if it isn’t 3 or lower already, for 2d4 days.

Each day you spend resting and doing nothing more than light activities will decrease your remaining recovery time by 2 days.

Finally, there will be a 33% chance you will be unable to ever cast Wish again after suffering from this stress.

Classes That Can Pick Wish

Traditional classes, like the Sorcerer and Wizard, have Wish in their spell list.

Is Wish Good in 5e?

Wish is arguably the strongest spell in D&D. Its duplicate ability is already potent, but comparing it to rewriting physical events, puts Wish in a category of its own.

Advantages – Wish

Change Reality

Wish has a nearly endless ability. Players could change their existence by becoming a god, killing a deity, wielding the most powerful weapon, etc.

Note: A good DM will handle cases like this thoroughly. It is up to them to set the consequences, describe the powers or even allow the Wish.

Wide-range Buff

Wish can buff up to ten creatures by giving them resistance to damage types or immunity to a single spell.

Parties with many members or that control minions benefit the most from this buff.

Players can also heal up to 20 creatures to full. So if a party has many minions, players can quickly heal them to keep fighting or supporting their party.

Disadvantages – Wish

High Level

Wish is a 9th-level spell, so Sorcerer or Wizard can only unlock and use Wish when becoming level 17.

Note: This is the end game and takes players an extremely long time to reach.

When Should I Use Wish?

Wish isn’t an ordinary spell, yet it is easier to understand its dangers than with other low-level spells.

When You Need It Most

If players use Wish’s duplicate ability, it becomes much easier to gauge the outcome, as there won’t be a weakening effect.

However, if you intend to use it without duplication, you must ask yourself this question.

“Will I die if I don’t use Wish?” If the answer is no, then be careful. Suffering from the weakening effects of stress might leave you unable to cast Wish again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Wish to Level Up?

There is no rule against players wishing to level up. The problem arises when you look at things deeper.

Your character won’t know it is part of a game, so it won’t know what “wishing for levels” is.

Players could argue otherwise, but gaining levels in this manner simplifies players’ struggles in D&D’s harsh world.

Final Thoughts

Wish is the most powerful spell in all of D&D. It can completely change a player’s destiny, but be aware of its consequences.

Wielding ultimate power cannot come unanswered, not even by the most powerful beings!