Silence is the anti-caster bubble. For up to 10 minutes with concentration, a 20-foot-radius sphere creates an area where no sound can be created or pass through — and that means no verbal components.
This Silence 5E guide covers caster shutdown, Stealth plays, and common pitfalls.
- Spell Level
- 2nd
- Spell Type
- Illusion
- Casting Time
- 1 Action
- Range
- 120 feet
- Component Requirements
- Verbal, Somatic
- Duration
- Concentration, up to 10 minutes
- Class
- Bard, Cleric, Ranger
- Area
- 20-foot-radius sphere centered on a point you choose
How does Silence work?
For the duration, no sound can be created within or pass through a 20-foot-radius sphere centered on a point within range. Any creature or object entirely inside the sphere is immune to thunder damage, and creatures are deafened while entirely inside it. Casting a spell that requires a verbal component is impossible there.
Best combat uses
- Drop it on an enemy caster who relies on verbal spells
- Walk the sphere onto a boss mid-fight if they don’t leave
- Combine with grapples / forced movement so they can’t casually step out
Best exploration uses
- Approach guards without armor clanking (party inside the sphere)
- Cover a noisy door breach
- Mute alarms and shouting in a heist
Silence vs Counterspell
| Tool | Timing | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Silence | Setup / zone denial | 2nd-level concentration |
| Counterspell | Reaction to a cast | 3rd-level (or higher) slot |
Counterspell stops one casting. Silence denies a whole area for minutes — if you can keep enemies inside.
Pitfalls
- Enemies can leave the sphere on their turn unless you control space
- Many monsters have non-verbal options or legendary actions outside the bubble
- Your own verbal spells also fail inside — don’t trap your blaster
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Silence stop somatic-only spells?
No. Only verbal components are blocked. Spells with only S or M still work if other requirements are met.
Can you hear outside the sphere?
Sound doesn’t pass through. Creatures outside can’t hear what’s inside and vice versa across the boundary.
Is it good for Rangers?
Situationally excellent for ambushes and shutting down enemy casters, but it competes with Hunter's Mark and Pass Without Trace for concentration.
