Mordenkainen’s Sword / Arcane Sword / Mage’s Sword
This spell has carried several names. The 2024 Player’s Handbook uses Mordenkainen’s Sword; the 2014 SRD uses Arcane Sword; PF1e and D&D 3.5e use Mage’s Sword. The modern and legacy mechanics are not interchangeable.
At a Glance
| 2024 | Mordenkainen’s Sword — Bard 7, Wizard 7 |
|---|---|
| 2014 SRD | Arcane Sword — Bard 7, Wizard 7 |
| Pathfinder 1e | Mage’s Sword — Sorcerer/Wizard 7 |
| D&D 3.5e | Mage’s Sword — Sorcerer/Wizard 7 |
| Core role | Persistent force weapon directed by the caster |
Choose Your Edition
Mordenkainen’s Sword — 5.5e / 2024
| Level | 7th-level Evocation |
|---|---|
| Casting Time | Action |
| Range | 90 feet |
| Components | V, S, M (a miniature sword worth 250+ GP) |
| Duration | Concentration, up to 1 minute |
| Classes | Bard, Wizard |
Create a spectral sword in a space you can see within range. When it appears, make a melee spell attack against a target within 5 feet of it.
On a hit, the target takes 4d12 + your spellcasting ability modifier Force damage.
On later turns, you can use a Bonus Action to move the sword up to 30 feet to a space you can see and repeat the attack against the same target or a different one.
Arcane Sword / Mordenkainen’s Sword — 5e / 2014
| Level | 7th-level Evocation |
|---|---|
| Casting Time | 1 action |
| Range | 60 feet |
| Components | V, S, M (a miniature platinum sword with a copper-and-zinc grip and pommel, worth 250 gp) |
| Duration | Concentration, up to 1 minute |
| Classes | Bard, Wizard |
The 2014 SRD calls the open-reference spell Arcane Sword; the published Basic Rules and Player’s Handbook use Mordenkainen’s Sword.
When the sword appears, make a melee spell attack against a target within 5 feet of it. On a hit, the target takes 3d10 force damage.
On later turns, use a Bonus Action to move the sword up to 20 feet and repeat the attack.
Mage’s Sword — Pathfinder 1e
| School | Evocation [Force] |
|---|---|
| Level | Sorcerer/Wizard 7 |
| Casting Time | 1 standard action |
| Components | V, S, F (a miniature platinum sword worth 250 gp) |
| Range | Close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels) |
| Effect | One sword |
| Duration | 1 round/level (D) |
| Saving Throw | None |
| Spell Resistance | Yes |
The sword attacks its designated target once each round on your turn. Its attack bonus equals your caster level + your Intelligence or Charisma modifier, as appropriate, +3.
It deals 4d6+3 force damage, threatens on 19–20, and has a ×2 critical multiplier. It can strike ethereal and incorporeal creatures.
After the first round, a standard action can switch the sword to a new target. If you do not redirect it, it keeps attacking its previous target.
The sword has AC 13 and cannot be harmed by ordinary physical attacks, though effects such as Dispel Magic or Disintegrate can affect it. Spell Resistance is checked the first time it attacks a creature with Spell Resistance.
Mage’s Sword — D&D 3.5e
| School | Evocation [Force] |
|---|---|
| Level | Sorcerer/Wizard 7 |
| Casting Time | 1 standard action |
| Components | V, S, F |
| Range | Close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels) |
| Effect | One sword |
| Duration | 1 round/level (D) |
| Saving Throw | None |
| Spell Resistance | Yes |
The 3.5e spell uses the same legacy force-blade chassis: caster level + casting ability modifier +3 to attack, 4d6+3 force damage, 19–20/×2 criticals, and a standard action to change targets after the first round.
It can strike ethereal and incorporeal creatures and is vulnerable to the same exceptional magical counters as the PF1e version.
Focus: a miniature platinum sword with a copper-and-zinc grip and pommel worth 250 gp.
What Changed?
- 2024: range rises to 90 feet, damage becomes 4d12 + spellcasting modifier, and the sword moves 30 feet with the later-turn Bonus Action.
- 2014: 60-foot range, 3d10 force damage and 20-foot Bonus Action movement.
- PF1e / 3.5e: close range, 4d6+3 force damage, legacy attack bonus, critical range and standard-action retargeting.
- Naming: Mordenkainen’s Sword in current published D&D, Arcane Sword in SRD 5.1, Mage’s Sword in PF1e and D&D 3.5e.
Using the Sword
The spell is best against a high-value target that is difficult to engage with ordinary melee attacks. Its force damage and remote position let the caster keep pressure on a flying, shielded or otherwise hard-to-reach foe.
The sword is not a summoned creature. It does not occupy space, flank, take opportunity attacks, carry objects or independently choose targets. It is a directed spell effect.
Protect line of sight and concentration in modern rules. In PF1e and 3.5e, range, line of sight, action economy and Spell Resistance are the more important constraints.
Related Magic
- Wall of Force — another high-level force effect.
- Hold Monster — can keep a target in position for repeated attacks.
- True Seeing — helps maintain valid sight against concealment and illusion.
- Bard Spells — modern Bard access.
- Sorcerer and Wizard Spells — modern and legacy arcane access.
Sources and Licensing
- D&D 2024 Basic Rules — Mordenkainen’s Sword.
- SRD 5.1 — Arcane Sword.
- Pathfinder 1e Core Rulebook — Mage’s Sword. Open Game Content under OGL v1.0a.
- D&D 3.5 SRD — Mage’s Sword. Open Game Content under OGL v1.0a.