Alter Self 5e
Level 2 Transmutation
Alter Self is a level 2 transmutation spell in D&D 5e. Casting time: 1 action, range: Self, duration: Concentration, up to 1 hour. Available to Sorcerer, Wizard.
Casting Time
1 action
Range
Self
Duration
Concentration, up to 1 hour
Components
V, S
You assume a different form. When you cast the spell, choose one of the following options, the effects of which last for the duration of the spell. While the spell lasts, you can end one option as an action to gain the benefits of a different one.
Aquatic Adaptation. You adapt your body to an aquatic environment, sprouting gills and growing webbing between your fingers. You can breathe underwater and gain a swimming speed equal to your walking speed.
Change Appearance. You transform your appearance. You decide what you look like, including your height, weight, facial features, sound of your voice, hair length, coloration, and distinguishing characteristics, if any. You can make yourself appear as a member of another race, though none of your statistics change. You also can't appear as a creature of a different size than you, and your basic shape stays the same; if you're bipedal, you can't use this spell to become quadrupedal, for instance. At any time for the duration of the spell, you can use your action to change your appearance in this way again.
Natural Weapons. You grow claws, fangs, spines, horns, or a different natural weapon of your choice. Your unarmed strikes deal 1d6 bludgeoning, piercing, or slashing damage, as appropriate to the natural weapon you chose, and you are proficient with your unarmed strikes. Finally, the natural weapon is magic and you have a +1 bonus to the attack and damage rolls you make using it.
Spellcasting & Tactical Insights
Action Economy
Standard Action • Primary turn investment.
Concentration
Requires Concentration (taking damage triggers DC 10 / half-damage Con saves).
School Role
Transmutation: Alters properties of physical matter or creatures. Provides flexible buffs, environmental reshaping, and mobility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What level spell is Alter Self and what school does it belong to?
Alter Self is a Level 2 spell belonging to the school of Transmutation in D&D 5e.
What are the casting time, range, and duration of Alter Self?
Alter Self has a casting time of 1 action, range of Self, and duration of Concentration, up to 1 hour.
Does Alter Self require concentration or ritual casting?
Yes, Alter Self requires Concentration. It cannot be cast as a ritual.
Use Alter Self in your campaign
Dungeon Manager lets you add Alter Self to your characters, reference it during sessions, and track spell slots across encounters — all free.