Does magic missile always hit?

Does Magic Missile Always Hit?

Magic Missile is a staple spell in many Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) campaigns, offering a reliable and powerful way to deal damage to enemies. However, one question often arises: does Magic Missile always hit?

What is Magic Missile?

Magic Missile is a 1st-level evocation spell that creates a burst of magical energy that shoots towards a target. The spell requires a spell slot of 1st level and takes an action to cast. According to the official D&D 5th edition rulebook, the spell reads:

"You create a shimmering, spectral missile of magical energy. The missile shoots towards a point or creature you choose within range. If it hits, it deals force damage equal to 1d4 + your spellcasting modifier (minimum 1d4 + 1).

Key Takeaway: Magic Missile always hits if the target is within the spell’s range and has no active abilities or spells that could potentially deflect or absorb the missile.

What Happens if the Target is Unaware or Unconscious?

In cases where the target is unaware or unconscious, Magic Missile can still hit, but it’s crucial to understand how the spell interacts with the target’s status.

• Unaware Target: If the target is unaware of the Magic Missile’s approach, they are treated as a willing target and the spell deals damage as normal.
• Unconscious Target: If the target is unconscious, the Magic Missile deals damage to the target as normal. However, if the target is still alive, they can attempt to make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw to stabilize their condition.

Important Note: If the target is in a state of unresponsiveness (e.g., under the effects of a charm or being petrified), the Magic Missile will not hit.

What About Cover and Obstacles?

Magic Missile can be affected by cover and obstacles, which can impact its ability to hit.

• Partial Cover: If the target has partial cover (e.g., behind a low wall or a partial screen), the Magic Missile has a 50% chance to hit.
• Total Cover: If the target has total cover (e.g., behind a thick wall or a complete screen), the Magic Missile always misses.

Important Exception: If the target is behind a transparent or invisible obstacle, the Magic Missile can still hit.

Can Magic Missile Be Deflected or Absorbed?

Some spells, abilities, and effects can potentially deflect or absorb Magic Missile. However, there are a few exceptions to keep in mind:

• Reflective Surfaces: Magic Missile can be reflected off of mirrors, shiny surfaces, or other reflective materials, but this is rare and usually requires a specific set of circumstances.
• Absorption: Certain abilities or spells, such as the "Shield" spell, can absorb or deflect Magic Missile. However, these effects are usually limited to specific circumstances or target-specific.

Important Rule: If the target has an active ability or spell that could potentially deflect or absorb Magic Missile, the spell’s effect is superseded by the target’s ability or spell.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Magic Missile always hits if the target is within range and has no active abilities or spells that could potentially deflect or absorb the missile. However, factors like target awareness, unconsciousness, cover, and obstacles can impact the spell’s effectiveness. It’s essential to understand these nuances to make the most of Magic Missile in your D&D campaign.

Summary Table:

Final Thoughts: Magic Missile is a powerful and reliable spell, but it’s crucial to understand its limitations and interactions with the target and the environment. With this knowledge, you’ll be able to unleash Magic Missile’s full potential and take down your enemies with ease.