Edition note: This guide targets 2014 5E (legacy PHB-style rules). If your table uses the 2024 Player's Handbook, confirm wording, class lists, and any renamed features before locking a build.
Fear is the classic “drop your stuff and run� cone. Creatures that fail a Wisdom save become frightened of you, must Dash away, and can drop what they’re holding — until they get out of line of sight or the spell ends.
This Fear 5E guide covers cone placement, loot plays, and concentration priorities.
Spell Level: 3rd
Spell Type: Illusion
Casting Time: 1 Action
Range: Self (30-foot cone)
Component Requirements: Verbal, Somatic, Material (a white feather or the heart of a hen)
Duration: Concentration, up to 1 minute
Class: Bard, Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard
How does Fear work?
You project a phantasmal image of a creature’s worst fears. Each creature in a 30-foot cone must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or drop whatever it is holding and become frightened for the duration.
While frightened by this spell, a creature must take the Dash action and move away from you by the safest available route on each of its turns, unless there is nowhere to move. If the creature ends its turn in a location where it doesn’t have line of sight to you, it can make another Wisdom saving throw; on a success, the spell ends for that creature.
Best uses
- Clear a choke point so the party can advance
- Make melee packs drop weapons and scatter
- Soften legendary fights after cheaper saves burn resistances
Fear vs Hypnotic Pattern
| Spell | Shape | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Fear | 30-ft cone from you | Frightened + forced Dash; may drop gear |
| Hypnotic Pattern | 30-ft cube at range | Incapacitated until damage wakes |
Hypnotic Pattern locks bodies in place. Fear empties the lane and can strip weapons — better when you need space, not a freeze frame.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do frightened creatures attack with disadvantage?
Yes while they can see the source of their fear (you) — standard frightened rules apply on top of the forced Dash.
Can allies be caught in the cone?
Yes. Angle carefully or accept the chaos.
Is it good for Warlocks?
Excellent — cone control that doesn’t compete with Hex the same way some concentration picks do for every build, though it still needs concentration. Pair with Eldritch Blast once the lane is clear.