Locate Creature 5e
Level 4 Divination
Locate Creature is a level 4 divination spell in D&D 5e. Casting time: 1 action, range: Self, duration: Concentration, up to 1 hour. Available to Bard, Cleric, Druid, Paladin, Ranger, Wizard.
Casting Time
1 action
Range
Self
Duration
Concentration, up to 1 hour
Components
V, S, M (a bit of fur from a bloodhound)
Describe or name a creature that is familiar to you. You sense the direction to the creature's location, as long as that creature is within 1,000 feet of you. If the creature is moving, you know the direction of its movement.
The spell can locate a specific creature known to you, or the nearest creature of a specific kind (such as a human or a unicorn), so long as you have seen such a creature up close-within 30 feet-at least once. If the creature you described or named is in a different form, such as being under the effects of a *polymorph* spell, this spell doesn't locate the creature.
This spell can't locate a creature if running water at least 10 feet wide blocks a direct path between you and the creature.
Spellcasting & Tactical Insights
Action Economy
Standard Action • Primary turn investment.
Concentration
Requires Concentration (taking damage triggers DC 10 / half-damage Con saves).
School Role
Divination: Gathers knowledge, scries distant locales, and foretells events. Ideal for DM information dumps and player scouting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What level spell is Locate Creature and what school does it belong to?
Locate Creature is a Level 4 spell belonging to the school of Divination in D&D 5e.
What are the casting time, range, and duration of Locate Creature?
Locate Creature has a casting time of 1 action, range of Self, and duration of Concentration, up to 1 hour.
Does Locate Creature require concentration or ritual casting?
Yes, Locate Creature requires Concentration. It cannot be cast as a ritual.
Use Locate Creature in your campaign
Dungeon Manager lets you add Locate Creature to your characters, reference it during sessions, and track spell slots across encounters — all free.