Commonly encountered by adventurers in potion form as growth or shrinking, Enlarge/Reduce is a utility spell with a variety of potential creative uses.
Table of Contents
Enlarge/Reduce 5e
The Enlarge/Reduce spell makes a target either grow to double its normal size or shrink to half of its normal size. The 2nd level Transmutation spell takes 1 action to cast and lasts for a minute with concentration. Verbal, somatic and material (a pinch of powdered iron) components are required to cast the spell.
How Enlarge/Reduce Works
You cause a creature or an object you can see within range to grow larger or smaller for the duration. Choose either a creature or an object that is neither worn nor carried. If the target is unwilling, it can make a Constitution saving throw. On a success, the spell has no effect.
If the target is a creature, everything it is wearing and carrying changes size with it. Any item dropped by an affected creature returns to normal size at once.
Enlarge
The target’s size doubles in all dimensions, and its weight is multiplied by eight. This growth increases its size by one category– from Medium to Large, for example. If there isn’t enough room for the target to double its size, the creature or object attains the maximum possible size in the space available.
Until the spell ends, the target also has advantage on Strength checks and Strength saving throws. The target’s weapons also grow to match its new size. While these weapons are enlarged, the target’s attacks with them deal 1d4 extra damage.
Reduce
The target’s size is halved in all dimensions, and its weight is reduced to one-eighth of normal. This reduction decreases its size by one category–from Medium to Small, for example.
Until the spell ends, the target also has disadvantage on Strength checks and Strength saving throws. The target’s weapons also shrink to match its new size. While these weapons are reduced, the target’s attacks with them deal 1d4 less damage (this can’t reduce the damage below 1).
Enlarge/Reduce Clarified
While the spell description provides all the direction needed to make the spell function, there are several common questions that surround the aftereffects of the spell. These questions fall outside of the common ability checks and damage.
- Speed does not increase or decrease just because the target has a new form. The legs may be bigger or smaller but are moving half or twice as fast to maintain their speed.
- Like most spells of similar type, the effects do not stack. It doesn’t benefit or harm the target for multiple individuals to cast the spell on them at the same time.
- The effects of the spell do not give reach to the target. While the spell transforms the size by one category, the target still only threatens the same space.
Enlarge/Reduce: Creative Uses
- Reducing the size of a locked or stuck door makes it easy to remove.
- Enlarging an enemy in chase to make them too big to fit through a door, providing an easy escape.
- Reducing a chest full of loot makes it easier to fit in a Bag of Holding.
- Enlarging a ladder is useful for getting a little extra reach.
Summary
Enlarge/Reduce is an interesting spell that can be used in any number of creative ways. While it does feel to be lacking a bit, it provides a significant amount of out-of-combat utility. Any spell that can serve multiple purposes is one to strongly consider having in the arsenal.
