1st-level transmutation (concentration) · 2024 version below
This spell allows you to move at an incredible pace. When you cast this spell, and then as a bonus action on each of your turns until the spell ends, you can take the Dash action.
You cast it as a bonus action and take the Dash action straight away, then you can Dash as a bonus action on every turn for up to 10 minutes while you keep concentrating. For a character with a speed of 30 feet, that’s 60 feet a turn while still using your action for something else, or 90 feet if you Dash with your action too.
The name says what it’s for. It’s the spell you cast when the fight is lost, the dungeon is collapsing or the guards have seen you. It also works as a chase spell in the other direction: running down a fleeing messenger, crossing a big battlefield to reach an ally, or getting to the lever before the portcullis drops.
Only a cantrip with a casting time of 1 action, because it’s a bonus-action spell. On later turns you aren’t casting it again, just taking the Dash, so you can cast any spell with your action.
Your speed three times over if you also Dash with your action: 90 feet with a speed of 30, 105 with 35. Using your action for something else, it’s double your speed.
No. Dashing gives you more movement, not safer movement. Take the Disengage action with your action and Dash with your bonus action to get away cleanly.
Only if you fail the Constitution saving throw to keep concentration: DC 10 or half the damage, whichever is higher.
Yes. Those change your speed, and Expeditious Retreat gives you extra Dash actions, so each Dash moves you further. Haste also needs concentration, though, so you can’t cast both yourself.
No, the range is self.
| Spell | How it compares |
|---|---|
| Misty Step | 2nd level: a 30-foot bonus-action teleport with no concentration. Less distance, but it escapes grapples, crosses gaps and ignores opportunity attacks. |
| Longstrider | 1st level: +10 feet of speed for an hour, no concentration, and you can cast it on an ally. A slower but cheaper way to move faster all day. |
| Haste | 3rd level: double speed, +2 AC and an extra action that can be a Dash. Much stronger, but losing concentration costs the target a turn. |
| Fly | 3rd level: a 60-foot flying speed for 10 minutes. Escapes over walls and chasms instead of along the ground. |
| Boots of Speed | Rare item: a bonus action doubles your walking speed and opportunity attacks against you have disadvantage, for 10 minutes a day. |
| Class | First available | Spellcasting ability |
|---|---|---|
| Sorcerer spells | 1st character level | Charisma |
| Warlock spells | 1st character level | Charisma |
| Wizard spells | 1st character level | Intelligence |
The 2024 Player’s Handbook revised many spells, and the SRD 5.2 carries the new text. What changed from the 2014 version above:
Same level, casting time, range, components, duration and dice; the text is reworded for the 2024 rules glossary.
You take the Dash action, and until the spell ends, you can take that action again as a Bonus Action.
2024 version from the SRD 5.2. Most tables settle on one edition, so check which one yours uses.
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