Polymorph 5e: Turning Enemies and Allies Into Beasts

Polymorph is a 4th-level transmutation spell that turns a creature into a beast. On an enemy, it's a fight-ending debuff. On an ally, it's a massive combat buff. Few spells have this much range of application.

The Spell

• Level: 4
• Casting Time: 1 action
• Range: 60 feet
• Components: V, S, M (a caterpillar cocoon)
• Duration: Concentration, up to 1 hour
• Classes: Bard, Druid, Sorcerer, Wizard

Effect

Choose a creature within range. If unwilling, it makes a Wisdom save to resist.

On fail (or if willing), the target transforms into a beast:

• CR must be equal to or lower than the target's CR (or level for PCs).
• Keep your alignment and personality.
• Get the beast's stats (HP, AC, abilities, speed).
• Can't cast spells, speak, or use special abilities from your original form.
• When HP drops to 0 in beast form, revert to original form with original HP as it was before polymorph.

Polymorph on Enemies

Turn a dragon into a sheep. Turn a boss into a rabbit. Turn an enemy spellcaster into a house cat.

This is the most powerful "remove threat" spell at its level.

• CR limit: The beast's CR must match the target's CR or less. A CR 15 dragon can be polymorphed into a CR 1 beast (a huge downgrade).
• Beast stats: The beast is usually much weaker than the original.
• Disabled abilities: The polymorphed creature loses spellcasting, special attacks, etc.

A polymorphed enemy is effectively out of the fight.

Polymorph on Allies

Turn your level 3 Wizard into a T-Rex.

T-Rex stats: CR 8, 136 HP, multi-attack (bite + tail), massive physical damage.

The Wizard loses their spells. But gains T-Rex stats.

For a 4th-level slot, you've added a T-Rex to the fight.

CR Limits

The beast's CR must be equal to or lower than the target's CR or level.

• Level 1 character: beast CR 1 or lower.
• Level 3 character: CR 3.
• Level 6 character: CR 6.
• Level 10+ character: up to CR 10 beasts are available.

At level 10, you can polymorph into a Mammoth (CR 6) or any similar big beast. At level 12+, giant apes, elder elementals (if beast-typed), etc.

Best Beast Forms

Low Level (CR 1-3)

• Giant Wolf Spider (CR 1/4): Climb, poison.
• Brown Bear (CR 1): Good HP, two attacks.
• Tiger (CR 1): Pounce.
• Giant Eagle (CR 1): Flight.

Mid Level (CR 4-6)

• Mammoth (CR 6): 126 HP, trampling charge.
• Giant Ape (CR 7): 157 HP, massive damage.
• Brown Bear expanded (subclass forms).

High Level

• T-Rex (CR 8): 136 HP, bite + tail. High damage.

The Polymorph Healing Trick

If an ally is dying (0 HP, making death saves), cast Polymorph on them. They become a full-HP beast (with the beast's HP pool, not their own). When Polymorph ends, they revert to the HP they had before Polymorph.

Essentially, Polymorph "saves" them by giving them a second HP pool.

Note: Some DMs rule Polymorph requires a willing target (and dying = unconscious = can't consent). Check with your DM. In The Endlessness, dying allies can be Polymorphed.

Concentration

Polymorph is concentration. Breaking concentration reverts the target.

Keep your Con high. Cast War Caster feat. Avoid attacks that will break concentration.

In Solo Play

Solo Polymorph:

• Escape: Polymorph yourself into a flying beast, fly away.
• Burst damage: Polymorph into a T-Rex.
• Anti-boss: Polymorph the boss into a sheep (if humanoid or beast, and low enough CR).

The Endlessness and Polymorph

Our AI Dungeon Master handles Polymorph correctly: save resistance, CR limits, beast stat swaps, HP tracking for both forms, ability loss for the polymorphed creature.

For related reads, our druid guide, wizard guide, and spell slots guide cover more.

Final Takeaway

Polymorph is one of the most versatile 4th-level spells. Enemy debuff, ally buff, emergency healing, escape, and more.

Start a Wizard or Druid on The Endlessness and learn Polymorph at level 7.