Hold Person is the humanoid shutdown button. On a failed Wisdom save, the target is paralyzed for the concentration duration — auto-fail Strength/Dexterity saves, attack advantage against them, and melee hits within 5 feet are automatic critical hits.
This Hold Person 5E guide covers targeting, upcasting, and party coordination.
- Spell Level
- 2nd
- Spell Type
- Enchantment
- Casting Time
- 1 Action
- Range
- 60 feet
- Component Requirements
- Verbal, Somatic, Material (a small, straight piece of iron)
- Duration
- Concentration, up to 1 minute
- Class
- Bard, Cleric, Druid, Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard
- At Higher Levels
- +1 humanoid target per slot above 2nd
How does Hold Person work?
Choose a humanoid within range. It makes a Wisdom saving throw. On a failure, it is paralyzed until the spell ends. It can repeat the save at the end of each of its turns.
Humanoid type matters — many monsters are not valid targets.
Why melee loves you
Paralyzed + ally within 5 feet = automatic critical hits on melee attacks. Tell your Paladin and Rogue to dogpile immediately.
Upcasting
Extra targets at higher slots can freeze a room of guards. Still concentration — one save success or a lost concentration check ends your investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it work on undead?
Only if they have the humanoid type (rare). Most undead are immune via type.
Hold Person vs Hold Monster?
Hold Monster is higher level and targets any creature type. Use Hold Person when you know they are humanoids.
Can the target still talk?
Paralyzed creatures are incapacitated and cannot move or speak.
