Spell Reference All Spells

Animate Dead

3rd-level · Necromancy

Source 5e 2024 Rules

Casting Time
1 Minute
Range
10 feet
Duration
Instantaneous
Components
V, S, M
Material Component

a drop of blood, a piece of flesh, and a pinch of bone dust

Source Information
Combat Reference
Target
1 creature
Description

Choose a pile of bones or a corpse of a Medium or Small Humanoid within range. The target becomes an Undead creature: a Skeleton if you chose bones or a Zombie if you chose a corpse (see "Monsters" for the stat blocks). On each of your turns, you can take a Bonus Action to mentally command any creature you made with this spell if the creature is within 60 feet of you (if you control multiple creatures, you can command any of them at the same time, issuing the same command to each one). You decide what action the creature will take and where it will move on its next turn, or you can issue a general command, such as to guard a chamber or corridor. If you issue no commands, the creature takes the Dodge action and moves only to avoid harm. Once given an order, the creature continues to follow it until its task is complete. The creature is under your control for 24 hours, after which it stops obeying any command you've given it. To maintain control of the creature for another 24 hours, you must cast this spell on the creature again before the current 24-hour period ends. This use of the spell reasserts your control over up to four creatures you have animated with this spell rather than animating a new creature.

At Higher Levels

You animate or reassert control over two additional Undead creatures for each spell slot level above 3. Each of the creatures must come from a different corpse or pile of bones.

Slot Level Progression
Base
3rd
1 target
Slot
4th
3 targets
You animate or reassert control over 2 additional Undead cr…
Slot
5th
5 targets
You animate or reassert control over 4 additional Undead cr…
Slot
6th
7 targets
You animate or reassert control over 6 additional Undead cr…
Slot
7th
9 targets
You animate or reassert control over 8 additional Undead cr…
Slot
8th
11 targets
You animate or reassert control over 10 additional Undead c…
Slot
9th
13 targets
You animate or reassert control over 12 additional Undead c…

About Animate Dead

Animate Dead is a Level 3 level spell from the school of Necromancy.

This spell has a casting time of 1minute , and a range of 10.0 ft (3 m) . It has a duration of Instantaneous.

Spell Details

Complete details

Complete details about this spell:

  • At Higher Levels: You animate or reassert control over two additional Undead creatures for each spell slot level above 3.

Casting Tips

1 tips

Consider these tips when casting this spell:

  • Tactical Use: Mid-tier spell with significant tactical impact. Great for resource management challenges.

School of Magic: Necromancy

Learn more

Necromancy spells manipulate life force, death, and the undead.

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