Edition note: This guide targets 2014 5E (legacy PHB-style rules). If your table uses the 2024 Player's Handbook, confirm wording, class lists, and any renamed features before locking a build.
Spiritual Weapon is why so many Clerics feel busy in a good way. As a bonus action, you create a floating force weapon that attacks on the turn you cast it and can attack again with later bonus actions — without concentration.
This Spiritual Weapon 5E guide covers the action economy, damage expectations, and common mistakes.
- Spell Level
- 2nd
- Spell Type
- Evocation
- Casting Time
- 1 Bonus Action
- Range
- 60 feet
- Component Requirements
- Verbal, Somatic
- Duration
- 1 minute
- Class
- Cleric
- At Higher Levels
- +1d8 force damage for every two slot levels above 2nd
How does Spiritual Weapon work?
You create a floating, spectral weapon within range. When you cast the spell, you can make a melee spell attack against a creature within 5 feet of the weapon. On a hit, the target takes 1d8 + your spellcasting ability modifier force damage.
As a bonus action on your later turns, you can move the weapon up to 20 feet and repeat the attack against a creature within 5 feet of it.
It is not concentration. You can run Spiritual Weapon under Bless, Spirit Guardians, or Hold Person.
Why the action economy is special
On turn one you can:
- Bonus action: Spiritual Weapon attack
- Action: Guiding Bolt / Sacred Flame / Attack / Dodge
On later turns you keep a bonus-action attack while your Action stays flexible — including Healing Word for emergency yo-yo heals.
Upcasting notes
Damage increases by 1d8 for every two slot levels above 2nd (4th, 6th, 8th…). That is slower growth than many upcasts, so default to 2nd-level Spiritual Weapon unless you are flush with slots.
Positioning tips
- Place it where enemies must walk past it, not where it needs a long chase.
- Remember it makes melee spell attacks — cover and vision still matter.
- Force damage punches through many nonmagical resistances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Spiritual Weapon give opportunity attacks?
No. It only attacks when you use the bonus action (including the cast).
Can it block movement or occupy a space like a creature?
It is a spectral weapon effect, not a creature. It does not occupy a space the way a summon does.
Can you cast Spiritual Weapon and Spirit Guardians together?
Yes. Spiritual Weapon is not concentration; Spirit Guardians is. That combo is a Cleric classic.
