Heat Metal 5e
Level 2 Transmutation
Heat Metal is a level 2 transmutation spell in D&D 5e. Casting time: 1 action, range: 60 feet, duration: Concentration, up to 1 minute. Available to Bard, Druid.
Casting Time
1 action
Range
60 feet
Duration
Concentration, up to 1 minute
Components
V, S, M (a piece of iron and a flame)
Choose a manufactured metal object, such as a metal weapon or a suit of heavy or medium metal armor, that you can see within range. You cause the object to glow red-hot. Any creature in physical contact with the object takes 2d8 fire damage when you cast the spell. Until the spell ends, you can use a bonus action on each of your subsequent turns to cause this damage again.
If a creature is holding or wearing the object and takes the damage from it, the creature must succeed on a Constitution saving throw or drop the object if it can. If it doesn't drop the object, it has disadvantage on attack rolls and ability checks until the start of your next turn.
At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 3rd level or higher, the damage increases by 1d8 for each slot level above 2nd.
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 Heat Metal and what school does it belong to?
Heat Metal is a Level 2 spell belonging to the school of Transmutation in D&D 5e.
What are the casting time, range, and duration of Heat Metal?
Heat Metal has a casting time of 1 action, range of 60 feet, and duration of Concentration, up to 1 minute.
Does Heat Metal require concentration or ritual casting?
Yes, Heat Metal requires Concentration. It cannot be cast as a ritual.
Use Heat Metal in your campaign
Dungeon Manager lets you add Heat Metal to your characters, reference it during sessions, and track spell slots across encounters — all free.