Fog Cloud is the cheap fight-breaker. A 1st-level slot creates a sphere of fog that is heavily obscured, shutting down vision-based attacks and forcing creative positioning.
This Fog Cloud 5E guide covers upcasting, escape plays, and common rulings.
- Spell Level
- 1st
- Spell Type
- Conjuration
- Casting Time
- 1 Action
- Range
- 120 feet
- Component Requirements
- Verbal, Somatic
- Duration
- Concentration, up to 1 hour
- Class
- Druid, Ranger, Sorcerer, Wizard
- Area
- 20-foot-radius sphere (larger when upcast)
- At Higher Levels
- Radius increases by 20 feet for each slot level above 1st
How does Fog Cloud work?
You create a 20-foot-radius sphere of fog centered on a point within range. The sphere spreads around corners, and its area is heavily obscured. It lasts up to an hour with concentration, or until a wind of moderate or greater speed disperses it.
Heavily obscured means creatures effectively can’t see through that space — attacks that rely on sight suffer accordingly (typically disadvantage to hit what you can’t see, and you can’t target creatures you can’t see with many spells).
Best uses
- Break line of sight to escape a losing fight
- Soften archery and spell-attack pressure while the party closes or flees
- Cover a revive or potion mid-combat
- Deny enemy sharpshooters on open ground
Upcasting Fog Cloud
Each slot above 1st adds 20 feet to the radius. A large fog bank can wall off a battlefield or cover a whole retreat corridor.
Fog Cloud vs Darkness / Invisibility
| Tool | Obscures | Blocks darkvision | Concentration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fog Cloud | Heavy obscurement | Yes (it’s fog, not dim light) | Yes |
| Darkness | Magical darkness | Usually yes vs darkvision | Yes |
| Invisibility | One creature | No | Often yes |
Fog Cloud is the flexible “nobody sees” zone. Invisibility is personal stealth. Darkness is more magical and sometimes pierced by special senses or features.
Counters to respect
- Creatures with blindsight, tremorsense, or similar ignore vision problems
- Moderate wind (or a DM’s gust) can wipe the cloud
- Enemies can leave the cloud and re-engage
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Darkvision see through Fog Cloud?
No. Fog is opaque obscurement, not darkness. Darkvision does not pierce heavy fog.
Can I cast spells out of the fog?
You generally can’t see targets outside (or inside) through heavily obscured space. Spells that don’t require sight may still work — check each spell and your DM’s table rulings.
Is it good for Rangers?
Yes for escapes and objective play. In a stand-up fight, Hunter's Mark often wins the concentration contest.
