If you have been traveling the realms for a while, you know that people lie and deceive. Zone of Truth 5e can help you out when you need to have the correct information. In Dungeons and Dragons, having accurate facts is essential if you are going on a quest.
This Zone of Truth 5e guide will tell you everything you need to know about this spell, if it is worth it and how to use this enchantment optimally.
What is Zone of Truth 5e
Attributes
- Casting time: 1 action
- Level: 2nd Level Enchantment
- Range: 60 feet
- Target: A 15-foot radius
- Components: Verbal and Somatic
- Duration: 10 minutes
- Classes: Bard, Paladin, and Cleric
Spell description
When you cast Zone of Truth, you pick a point within a range of 60 feet. Around that point, a zone of 15 feet in radius in the form of a sphere is formed. Inside this sphere, deception is guarded against.
For the duration, any creature inside or that enters the sphere must make a CHA saving throw at the start or the first time of the turn.
- Failed throw: if the creature fails to throw, the creature can no longer tell deliberate lies.
- Successful throw: there is no effect on the creature.
Both you and the target are aware of the spell being cast and whether it has failed.
Zone of Truth’s advantages and drawbacks
Advantage
- No materials needed: It is no secret that I enjoy the magic that does not require a material component. Therefore, you don’t need to spend any of your gold pieces or have to think about getting materials.
- Fun for creative players: If you enjoy the role-playing aspect more than hacking and slashing and swords and sorcery, then a spell-like Zone of Truth can be pretty fun to use. Both as a Dungeon Master and a Player.
- Know when someone hides info: A PC or NPC is not forced to tell the truth, so they can keep their mouth shut to avoid lying. However, by doing so, they are making clear that there is something they do not want to answer truthfully.
Drawback
- No deliberate lies: You can’t get the right information if the one you are asking thinks what he is telling is the Truth. It can be quite dangerous to rely on Zone of Truth for your info. As you will probably assume, what is being said is true, while it can be wrong.
- No compulsion to talk (!): Many players and even DMs skip over the part where the creature knows that it has been enchanted and can just stay quiet if it doesn’t want to say a word.
Best uses for Zone of Truth 5e
1. Combining Zone of Truth with Speak with Dead
Did your party go ham again, and did the suspect lose his life due to a slightly misplaced Tidal Wave? Well, no worries. A couple of spells might help you out of your predicament when using Speak with Dead to interrogate death. Zone of Truth is an excellent way to ensure you get more information from them and know who is hiding something from you.
2. Filtering suspects
If there has been a murder, a robbery, or you want to know who is behind evil plans, you will often have to start being a detective and figure out clues. However, Zone of Truth can be a fast and effective brute force interrogation tactic.
Yes, your guy isn’t forced to talk to you. However, you can learn quite a lot from what your suspects are not saying. Gather a group of suspects and put them in the radius of the Zone of Truth. Everyone who can answer your questions is free to go; those who refuse to talk should get a more enhanced interrogation.
3. Buying items from sneaky merchants
Not in the mood to get ripped off? Use Zone of Truth before making your next big armor purchase. You won’t be walking away sorry if you know what item is the best quality and is worth the money. You can also find out what Merchants offer the best items for the best price or simply ask them what the lowest price is they are willing to go.
Advice and final thoughts
Zone of Truth in 5e DnD is an okay spell. However, there are much better alternatives out there like Forcecage. There is some utility in the spell when you know how to be creative, and the exact right circumstance occurs for you to use this magic. However, when all is said is done, I would not pick this enchantment. It just is not worth using.
| Advantages | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| No material components required. | Suspects can avoid providing information by staying silent. |
| Engaging for role-playing and creative interactions. | Cannot detect deliberate lies or false beliefs. |
| Identifies when someone is withholding information. | |
| Useful in combination with Speak with Dead for enhanced interrogation. | |
| Efficient for filtering suspects and gathering information. | |
| Helps in avoiding being deceived by sneaky merchants. |
Best Uses for Zone of Truth 5e
- Combine with Speak with Dead for more effective interrogation.
- Filter suspects and uncover hidden information in investigations.
- Use to ensure fair dealings with merchants and obtain accurate information on items.
Do you enjoy Area of Effect spells? Then check out the following:
Zone of Truth FAQ
Is Zone of Truth 5e a good spell?
No, there are much better level two spells to choose from. Zone of Truth only has a few practical scenarios where you would need it. In most of the campaigns you will play, you will not have any use for it.
Does Zone of Truth affects the caster?
No, the caster is the only creature that can still lie in the Zone of Truth. Minions, familiars, and allies, however, are affected by the effects of the enchantment. So, make sure you know the consequences of casting this magic.
Is Zone of Truth Visible?
No, the Zone of Truth is not visible. However, creatures are aware of the spell and if it fails or not when they enter the radius of the spell. That is the only way to perceive the magic. You can deduct this fact from the official description in the Players Handbook.