Polymorph turns a creature into a beast. Buff an ally into a giant ape, or turn a boss into a harmless snail — if they fail the Wisdom save and you keep concentration.
This Polymorph 5E guide covers form choice, combat buffs, and save-or-suck plays.
- Spell Level
- 4th
- Spell Type
- Transmutation
- Casting Time
- 1 Action
- Range
- 60 feet
- Component Requirements
- Verbal, Somatic, Material (a caterpillar cocoon)
- Duration
- Concentration, up to 1 hour
- Class
- Bard, Druid, Sorcerer, Wizard
How does Polymorph work?
This spell transforms a creature you can see within range into a new form. An unwilling creature must make a Wisdom saving throw; shapechangers automatically succeed. The transformation lasts for the duration or until the target drops to 0 hit points / dies.
The new form is a beast whose challenge rating is equal to or less than the target’s (CR 0 is fine for utility). The target’s game statistics are replaced by the beast’s, but it retains alignment and personality. On 0 HP in beast form, excess damage carries over to true form.
Exact HP / mental score retention rules follow your PHB — the key idea is: you’re riding the beast stat block for the duration.
Best buff targets
- Ally → high-CR beast (giant ape, tyrannosaurus if CR allows) for HP sponge + damage
- Scout → fast flyer or swimmer for exploration
- Downed-adjacent ally who’s willing and needs a second health bar
Best save-or-suck targets
- Low-Wisdom bosses without legendary resistance left
- Enemy casters turned into CR 0 beasts (no spellcasting in snail form)
Polymorph vs Banishment
| Spell | Job |
|---|---|
| Polymorph | Change the stat block (buff or nerf) |
| Banishment | Remove from the field |
Use Polymorph when you want a tanky ally or a neutralized foe you can still position around. Use Banishment when you need them gone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I polymorph myself?
Yes if you’re a willing creature and the CR rules allow the form you pick.
Does it end when I lose concentration?
Yes — protect the caster or the ape turns back into Bob the fighter mid-swing.
Is True Polymorph just better?
True Polymorph is higher level and can become permanent. Polymorph is the workhorse 4th-level version you’ll actually cast.
