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Polymorph

Transmutation
Level: 4th-level
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 60 feet
Duration: Up to 1 hour
Components: V, S, M
Materials: A caterpillar cocoon.

This spell transforms a creature that you can see within range into a new form. An unwilling creature must make a wisdom saving throw to avoid the effect. A shapechanger automatically succeeds on this saving throw. The transformation lasts for the duration, or until the target drops to 0 hit points or dies. The new form can be any beast whose challenge rating is equal to or less than the target's (or the target's level, if it doesn't have a challenge rating). The target's game statistics, including mental ability scores, are replaced by the statistics of the chosen beast. It retains its alignment and personality. The target assumes the hit points of its new form. When it reverts to its normal form, the creature returns to the number of hit points it had before it transformed. If it reverts as a result of dropping to 0 hit points, any excess damage carries over to its normal form. As long as the excess damage doesn't reduce the creature's normal form to 0 hit points, it isn't knocked unconscious. The creature is limited in the actions it can perform by the nature of its new form, and it can't speak, cast spells, or take any other action that requires hands or speech. The target's gear melds into the new form. The creature can't activate, use, wield, or otherwise benefit from any of its equipment.

Concentration

Spell Details

School: Transmutation
Level: 4
Ritual: No
Concentration: Yes
Classes: Bard, Cleric, Druid, Sorcerer, Wizard
S-Tier One of the most powerful and versatile control spells in the game, offering both offensive damage and battlefield control with minimal counterplay.

Player Guide

Use Polymorph offensively to transform dangerous enemies into harmless creatures (like sheep or frogs) to neutralize threats, or defensively to transform allies into beasts with higher AC and HP pools to absorb damage. The spell's true power lies in action economy—removing a powerful enemy from combat entirely is far superior to dealing damage. Always target creatures with low Wisdom saves first, and remember the transformation ends if the target drops to 0 HP, making it less effective against low-health enemies.

DM Tips

Remember that shapechangers automatically succeed on the save—this prevents abuse against dragons and liches but allows clever players to target humanoids instead. Be cautious about letting players transform flying creatures into flightless ones mid-combat as an instant-win button; consider allowing some creatures to have escape options or higher Wisdom saves.