Major Image 5e
Level 3 Illusion
Major Image is a level 3 illusion spell in D&D 5e. Casting time: 1 action, range: 120 feet, duration: Concentration, up to 10 minutes. Available to Bard, Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard.
Casting Time
1 action
Range
120 feet
Duration
Concentration, up to 10 minutes
Components
V, S, M (a bit of fleece)
You create the image of an object, a creature, or some other visible phenomenon that is no larger than a 20-foot cube. The image appears at a spot that you can see within range and lasts for the duration. It seems completely real, including sounds, smells, and temperature appropriate to the thing depicted. You can't create sufficient heat or cold to cause damage, a sound loud enough to deal thunder damage or deafen a creature, or a smell that might sicken a creature (like a troglodyte's stench).
As long as you are within range of the illusion, you can use your action to cause the image to move to any other spot within range. As the image changes location, you can alter its appearance so that its movements appear natural for the image. For example, if you create an image of a creature and move it, you can alter the image so that it appears to be walking. Similarly, you can cause the illusion to make different sounds at different times, even making it carry on a conversation, for example.
Physical interaction with the image reveals it to be an illusion, because things can pass through it. A creature that uses its action to examine the image can determine that it is an illusion with a successful Intelligence (Investigation) check against your spell save DC. If a creature discerns the illusion for what it is, the creature can see through the image, and its other sensory qualities become faint to the creature.
At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 6th level or higher, the spell lasts until dispelled, without requiring your concentration.
Spellcasting & Tactical Insights
Action Economy
Standard Action • Primary turn investment.
Concentration
Requires Concentration (taking damage triggers DC 10 / half-damage Con saves).
School Role
Illusion: Deceives senses and warps perception. Best used for creative diversions, stealth cover, and manipulating NPCs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What level spell is Major Image and what school does it belong to?
Major Image is a Level 3 spell belonging to the school of Illusion in D&D 5e.
What are the casting time, range, and duration of Major Image?
Major Image has a casting time of 1 action, range of 120 feet, and duration of Concentration, up to 10 minutes.
Does Major Image require concentration or ritual casting?
Yes, Major Image requires Concentration. It cannot be cast as a ritual.
Use Major Image in your campaign
Dungeon Manager lets you add Major Image to your characters, reference it during sessions, and track spell slots across encounters — all free.