Counterspell
- Spell level: Level 3
- Available classes: Sorcerer, Wizard, Warlock, Paladin (Oath of Redemption / Oath of the Watchers)
- Casting time: 1 reaction, which you take when you see a creature within a range of 60 feet around you casting a spell with verbal, somatic, or material components
- Range/Area: 60 feet
- Duration: Instantaneous
- Damage/Effect: Negation
- School of magic: Abjuration
- Attack/Saving throw: Constitution saving throw
- Components: S
- Spell at DnD Beyond
With Counterspell, you can as a reaction negate almost any spell cast by an opponent – really almost any. Unless it is explicitly stated in the respective spell that it cannot be countered, you can cast this 3rd-level spell to prevent a desired target from performing their just-cast spell.
According to the 2024 rules, a Constitution saving throw from the target is then required. If this fails, the spell is negated, and the action, bonus action, or reaction spent for it is wasted. If the spell was cast with a spell slot, it remains intact, as the spell was not effectively executed. The level of the cast spell does not matter.
In the 2014 rules, now referred to as “Legacy,” Counterspell automatically worked on all spells cast below level 3, negating the spell. From level 4 or higher, the caster of Counterspell had to succeed on a difficulty check with their spellcasting ability of 10 + the level of the spell to be countered.
Alternatively, one could cast Counterspell with a higher spell slot and estimate the level of the spell to be countered. If they got it right or higher, they could bypass the check and the spell was automatically negated.
The spell may not seem like much at first glance but can significantly turn the tide in many situations and even take down high-level spells of powerful enemies. Because with a bit of luck, you can stop even powerful level 9 spells. However, it can very well sabotage entire plans or cost friendships.
