Black Tentacles 5e
Level 4 Conjuration
Black Tentacles is a level 4 conjuration spell in D&D 5e. Casting time: 1 action, range: 90 feet, duration: Concentration, up to 1 minute. Available to Wizard.
Casting Time
1 action
Range
90 feet
Duration
Concentration, up to 1 minute
Components
V, S, M (a piece of tentacle from a giant octopus or a giant squid)
Squirming, ebony tentacles fill a 20-foot square on ground that you can see within range. For the duration, these tentacles turn the ground in the area into difficult terrain.
When a creature enters the affected area for the first time on a turn or starts its turn there, the creature must succeed on a Dexterity saving throw or take 3d6 bludgeoning damage and be restrained by the tentacles until the spell ends. A creature that starts its turn in the area and is already restrained by the tentacles takes 3d6 bludgeoning damage.
A creature restrained by the tentacles can use its action to make a Strength or Dexterity check (its choice) against your spell save DC. On a success, it frees itself.
Spellcasting & Tactical Insights
Action Economy
Standard Action • Primary turn investment.
Concentration
Requires Concentration (taking damage triggers DC 10 / half-damage Con saves).
School Role
Conjuration: Transports objects, creatures, or energy. Often provides battlefield control, teleportation, or allied summons.
Frequently Asked Questions
What level spell is Black Tentacles and what school does it belong to?
Black Tentacles is a Level 4 spell belonging to the school of Conjuration in D&D 5e.
What are the casting time, range, and duration of Black Tentacles?
Black Tentacles has a casting time of 1 action, range of 90 feet, and duration of Concentration, up to 1 minute.
Does Black Tentacles require concentration or ritual casting?
Yes, Black Tentacles requires Concentration. It cannot be cast as a ritual.
Use Black Tentacles in your campaign
Dungeon Manager lets you add Black Tentacles to your characters, reference it during sessions, and track spell slots across encounters — all free.