Hunter’s Mark

Hunter’s Mark

1 divination

• Casting Time: 1 bonus action
• Range: 90 feet
• Components: V
• Duration: Conce⁠ntration, Up to 1 hour
• Classes: Ranger
• You choose a creature you can see within range and mystically mark it as your quarry. Until the spell ends, you deal an extra 1d6 damage to the target whenever you hit it with a weapon attack, and you have advantage on any Wisdom (Perception) or Wisdom (Survival) check you make to find it. If the target drops to 0 hit points before this spell ends, you can use a bonus action on a subsequent turn of yours to mark a new creature.
• At Higher Levels: When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 3rd or 4th level, you can maintain your Concentration on the spell for up to 8 hours. When you use a spell slot of 5th level or higher, you can maintain your concentr⁠ation on the spell for up to 24 hours.

Our Thoughts

This spell is a must-have for all Rangers. On top of the extra damage you deal when attacking, you can also track your quarry with advantage. There are not very many spells like it. Except for Hex. Hex is pretty close.

One of the questions that people have is whether your quarry is aware that it has been marked. This is up to your DM, but here is our opinion. No, your quarry is not aware. Wizards of the Coast are excellent in 5th edition at letting you know if the spell’s effect can be felt by the monster you are casting the spell on.

However, if you really wanted to get into it with your DM, you can always ask to roll an arcana check to see if you notice you are marked, or the DM can roll an arcana check to see if his NPC knows he has been marked.

FAQ’s About Hunter’s Mark

Does Hunter’s Mark use a spell slot?

Yes, it requires a spell slot for either 1st, 3rd, 4th, or 5th and higher.

1st – You deal an extra 1D6 damage with any weapon attack, and you have advantage on Wisdom (Perception) and Wisdom (Survival) checks to find your quarry for up to one hour.

3rd or 4th – You deal an extra 1D6 damage with any weapon attack, and you have advantage Wisdom (Perception) and Wisdom (Survival) checks to find your quarry for up to 8 hours.

5th or higher – You deal an extra 1D6 damage with any weapon attack, and you have advantage on Wisdom (Perception) and Wisdom (Survival) checks to find your quarry for up to 24 hours.

What level do Rangers get Hunter’s Mark?

Rangers can take Hunter’s Mark at second-level and it is a first-level spell.

1st level spell – You deal an extra 1D6 damage with any weapon attack, and you have advantage on Wisdom (Perception) and Wisdom (Survival) checks to find your quarry for up to one hour.

Is Hunter’s Mark a concentration spell?

Yes, Hunter’s Mark requires concentration to maintain its effect. However, you can still cast other spells if they do not require concentration.

Does Hunter’s Mark increase damage?

Yes, you deal an extra 1D6 damage with any weapon attack after the spell has been cast. This is nonmagical weapon damage.

Does Hunter’s Mark work with spell attacks?

Hunter’s Mark does not apply to spell attacks, only weapon attacks, such as swords, bows, axes, etc.

Does Hunter’s Mark apply to every attack?

Yes, Hunter’s Mark applies to every attack. From the player’s handbook – “Until the spell ends, you deal an extra 1d6 damage to the target whenever you hit it with a weapon attack.”

Can you stack hex and Hunter’s Mark?

No, Hex and Hunter’s Mark cannot stack. This is because both spells require concentration to continue their effects after casting. You are only allowed one concentration spell at a time.

Happy hunting, friends.