Level 1 spells are not to be overlooked. While those that deal damage are a lot of fun, they do fall off after a few levels, even more so if you cannot upcast them. That is why I love to look at spells that scale with your creativity.
In my opinion, the uses of Fog Cloud in 5e are all about being clever and seeing opportunities. While you won’t burn anyone to a crisp or shoot lightning at them, you can still use this conjuration in combat and out of it.
I looked through my notes from previous campaigns, asked some DM friends, and the community on how to make the most out of Fog Cloud. Well, here are the uses we think are creative, clever, and potent!
My 8 favorite Fog cloud 5e uses
These are the best ways to use Fog Cloud in my experience. There are actually quite a few instances where you can cast the spell and have a notable benefit. I remember when playing a wizard who could use Fog Cloud, I was casting Fog Cloud in Dungeons and Dragons almost every playing session. Here are 8 proven methods on how to use Fog Cloud in 5e!
1. Conceal your party members
Not being spotted by enemies is a massive advantage. Due to the fact that you are heavily obscured, enemies have a much harder time finding out where you are. This use is fantastic if you have located the exact position of the enemy before you cast the spell.
Your rangers and wizards can shoot spells from a far distance, while your rogue sneaks up on enemies who are distracted by incoming thrown weapons and spells!
2. Conceal your traps
Nothing is worse than spending quite some time and a ton of resources setting up a trap that ends up being disabled. Using D&D’s Fog Cloud is a ton of fun. Even simple traps become a lot more effective due to the heavily obscured vision.
I actually prefer to use basic traps when using the spell. That way, your enemies cannot use Detect Magic or Antimagic Field to find out if and where the trap is. A simple pit with spikes or tripwire is more than enough and very easy to set up.
3. Create a diversion
A good diversion can completely swing the odds of an event. If you are trying to steal something or sneak past a guard, a Fog Cloud is sure to draw some attention. You or your allies don’t have to be inside it for it to work. Even seeing the cloud from a distance can draw the eyes you want toward it.
You can also combine this spell with the druidcraft cantrip and use it to summon the sound of rumbling earth. Odds are your opponents are going to think a large host or a massive creature is approaching them.
4. Escape from danger
There is no shame in running. Sometimes a foe is just too powerful for you to beat or you don’t want to risk losing a party member. Using Fog Cloud is a great way to make your escape.
This way of escaping is particularly useful if you can disappear into the woods, as it is much harder to track you and your party. Of course, nothing stops you from turning around and shooting some magic or arrows while you are fleeing. Just make sure that the trajectory is not going to give you away.
5. Defend yourself and others
Thanks to the fact that you have concealed yourself so well with this spell, you, your party, and even some extra allies can all take cover in the fog. When your opponents have a lot of rangers or spellcasters that rely on accuracy, then this cloud will keep proving its value.
Thanks to the fact that you are much harder to hit and can thus take your time getting in a beneficial position or even make trenches and fortifications with spells like Mold Earth, this spell is amazing. You can keep using this conjuration all the way to level 20 if you want to.
6. Confuse enemies
Not being able to rely on your sense of sight completely is not much fun. It is easy to get confused when you hear sounds or get attacked. This confusion can be used to your advantage very easily. You can kidnap one of your foes, hide, attack, or just mess with whoever you are fighting.
Since it deals no damage, you can also use Fog Cloud in urban environments. Imagine fighting or escaping in the city. Casting a harmless cloud is going to help you escape and (probably) isn’t going to make you a ton of new enemies and a bounty on your head.
7. Extra defense while resting
When you are resting, you are vulnerable. You don’t have full HP, spells, and all your abilities ready. Moreover, it is easy to get snuck upon if you only have one or no lookouts. The Fog Cloud spell can help you add a layer of defense as it is harder to know exactly where you are and it is much harder to accurately hit you from afar.
However, do keep in mind that a random cloud of dense mist is going to be out of the ordinary in a lot of settings. You should use this as an extra layer and combine it with either trees, tall grass, darkness, and so on.
It is advised that you also make trenches, traps, or wards when you are resting in very hostile territory.
8. Create an illusion
Heavily obscured settings lend themselves to deception and illusion. There is a reason why so many magicians use smoke. Creating an illusion with Minor Illusion or another spell will be much more successful if it is harder to clearly see what is going on.
I enjoy making the illusion of certain combat sounds. A good idea would be to cast the sound of arrows coming from one side, so your enemy turns to defend from those. Meanwhile, you can just start shooting real ones when their back is turned.
FAQs
How does Fog Cloud work?
The Fog Cloud spell creates a foggy area that heavily obscures everything within it. Here are some stats to keep in mind:
Range: 120 feet
Duration: Up to 1 hour, concentration required
Components: Verbal and somatic
School: Conjuration
Level: 1st level spell
When you cast this spell, you create a 20-foot-radius sphere of fog centered on a point within range. The fog spreads around corners and lasts for the duration of the spell. The area within the fog is heavily obscured. Creatures outside the fog have disadvantage on attack rolls against creatures inside the fog. The heavily obscured area also provides a +2 bonus to the AC and Dexterity saving throws of creatures inside of it.
How can you see in the cloud?
There are a few ways to see through the fog or at least mitigate the effects from it. You can use dark vision to see through it as if it were dim light. You can also use certain spells, like gust of wind, to blow away the fog completely. Additionally, the weather can blow away the cloud in heavy storms.
Who is blinded in the Fog Cloud?
Creatures outside of the fog have disadvantage on attack rolls. Creatures inside do not. So, only creatures outside of the fog cloud are blinded by it.
Some last tips and advice
There are a lot of uses for Fog Cloud in D&D. While some – like escaping – are more sporadic, other – like attacking from cover – are going to be used a lot. While this is definitely not the strongest level 1 spells, I do feel that in my experience it is totally worth getting.
Thanks to the fact that you aren´t only buffing yourself, but your allies too and are blinding your enemies, you can turn battles into your favor much more easily. Make sure that you pair this conjuration up with a spell that deals damage from long range and you will have a pretty solid combination of magic that will be helpful for many adventures to come.