War Caster Feat and Opportunity Attacks

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 110 views

Discussion Category: Feats, Opportunity Attack, Dnd 5e 2024

Additional Information:

OMFG I literally deleted the other post to avoid confusion so in your infinite wisdom you brought back the post I deleted and didn't provide any of the extended notes after complaining about it not being there. I will try to keep this concise.

War Caster Feat and Opportunity Attacks

The War Caster feat is a popular choice among players in Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition. It allows you to cast spells even when you're in the midst of combat, which can be a game-changer in many situations. However, one of the most debated topics surrounding this feat is whether it allows you to cast spells on allies using opportunity attacks.

Understanding Opportunity Attacks

Opportunity attacks are a type of attack that can be made by a character when an enemy moves into their space. These attacks are usually made by characters who are not in combat, such as rogues or rangers. However, with the War Caster feat, you can cast spells even when you're in combat, which raises the question of whether you can use opportunity attacks to cast spells on allies.

The Rules on Opportunity Attacks and War Caster

According to the official rules, opportunity attacks are triggered when an enemy moves into a character's space. However, the War Caster feat only allows you to cast spells when you're in combat, not when you're making an opportunity attack. This means that you can't use opportunity attacks to cast spells on allies, even with the War Caster feat.

But What About the Extended Notes?

You may be wondering why I mentioned the extended notes earlier. The reason is that some players have interpreted the rules in a way that allows them to cast spells on allies using opportunity attacks. However, this interpretation is not supported by the official rules, and it's not a recommended way to play the game.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the War Caster feat does not allow you to cast spells on allies using opportunity attacks. While the feat is incredibly powerful, it has its limitations, and opportunity attacks are not one of them. If you're looking to cast spells on allies, you'll need to use a different method, such as using a spell that targets a specific ally or using a different feat that allows you to cast spells on allies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use opportunity attacks to cast spells on allies with the War Caster feat?
- No, you cannot use opportunity attacks to cast spells on allies with the War Caster feat.
What is the difference between casting a spell in combat and making an opportunity attack?
- Casting a spell in combat allows you to use the War Caster feat, while making an opportunity attack does not.
Can I use a different feat to cast spells on allies?
- Yes, there are other feats that allow you to cast spells on allies, such as the Spell Sniper feat.

Additional Resources

Official D&D 5e rules on opportunity attacks and War Caster
D&D Beyond's guide to opportunity attacks and War Caster
Critical Role's discussion on opportunity attacks and War Caster

Conclusion

Discussion Category: Feats, Opportunity Attack, Dnd 5e 2024

Additional Information:

In our previous article, we discussed the rules surrounding the War Caster feat and opportunity attacks. However, we know that many of you have questions about this topic, and we're here to help. In this article, we'll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the War Caster feat and opportunity attacks.

Q: Can I use opportunity attacks to cast spells on allies with the War Caster feat?

A: No, you cannot use opportunity attacks to cast spells on allies with the War Caster feat. Opportunity attacks are triggered when an enemy moves into a character's space, and the War Caster feat only allows you to cast spells when you're in combat, not when you're making an opportunity attack.

Q: What is the difference between casting a spell in combat and making an opportunity attack?

A: Casting a spell in combat allows you to use the War Caster feat, while making an opportunity attack does not. When you cast a spell in combat, you're using your action to cast the spell, and the War Caster feat allows you to do this even when you're in the midst of combat. Opportunity attacks, on the other hand, are triggered by an enemy moving into your space, and they don't allow you to cast spells.

Q: Can I use a different feat to cast spells on allies?

A: Yes, there are other feats that allow you to cast spells on allies, such as the Spell Sniper feat. However, these feats have their own rules and limitations, and you should read the official rules carefully before choosing a feat.

Q: Can I use a spell that targets a specific ally to cast a spell on them?

A: Yes, you can use a spell that targets a specific ally to cast a spell on them. For example, if you have a spell that targets a specific ally, you can use that spell to cast a spell on them, even if you're not in the same space.

Q: Can I use a spell that has a range of "self" to cast a spell on an ally?

A: No, you cannot use a spell that has a range of "self" to cast a spell on an ally. Spells with a range of "self" can only be cast on the caster themselves, and they cannot be used to cast a spell on an ally.

Q: Can I use a spell that has a range of "touch" to cast a spell on an ally?

A: Yes, you can use a spell that has a range of "touch" to cast a spell on an ally. Spells with a range of "touch" can be cast on a target that you touch, and you can use this type of spell to cast a spell on an ally.

Q: Can I use a spell that has a range of "personal" to cast a spell on an ally?

A: No, you cannot use a spell that has a range of "personal" to cast a spell on an ally. Spells with a range of "personal" can only be cast on the caster themselves, and they cannot be used to cast a spell on an ally.

Q: Can I use a spell that has a range of "area" to cast a spell on an ally?

A: Yes, you can use a spell that has a range of "area" to cast a spell on an ally. Spells with a range of "area" can affect multiple targets, including allies, and you can use this type of spell to cast a spell on an ally.

Q: Can I use a spell that has a range of "line" to cast a spell on an ally?

A: Yes, you can use a spell that has a range of "line" to cast a spell on an ally. Spells with a range of "line" can affect multiple targets, including allies, and you can use this type of spell to cast a spell on an ally.

Q: Can I use a spell that has a range of "burst" to cast a spell on an ally?

A: Yes, you can use a spell that has a range of "burst" to cast a spell on an ally. Spells with a range of "burst" can affect multiple targets, including allies, and you can use this type of spell to cast a spell on an ally.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the War Caster feat is a powerful tool that allows you to cast spells even in the midst of combat. However, it has its limitations, and opportunity attacks are not one of them. If you're looking to cast spells on allies, you'll need to use a different method, such as using a spell that targets a specific ally or using a different feat that allows you to cast spells on allies.

Additional Resources

Official D&D 5e rules on opportunity attacks and War Caster
D&D Beyond's guide to opportunity attacks and War Caster
Critical Role's discussion on opportunity attacks and War Caster

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use opportunity attacks to cast spells on allies with the War Caster feat?
- No, you cannot use opportunity attacks to cast spells on allies with the War Caster feat.
What is the difference between casting a spell in combat and making an opportunity attack?
- Casting a spell in combat allows you to use the War Caster feat, while making an opportunity attack does not.
Can I use a different feat to cast spells on allies?
- Yes, there are other feats that allow you to cast spells on allies, such as the Spell Sniper feat.