What the Broom of Flying Does
The Broom of Flying is a wondrous item in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition that provides reliable, nonmagical flight to a willing rider. It requires attunement and carries, by most estimates, about 50 charges that refresh daily. The broom typically flies at 50 feet and moves at a speed of 40 feet when not hovering. Operating it is a bonus action, and it responds to simple voice commands. Because it is not inherently magical, it generally bypasses many anti-magic restrictions that affect sentient magic items, though DM discretion applies. In this evergreen explainer, we clarify how it works in practice, its action economy, combat behavior, and how it compares to other flight options in the game.
Official Sources and Item Identity
The Broom of Flying appears in three core rulebooks across editions: Xanathar's Guide to Everything (2017), Tasha's Cauldron of Everything (2020), and the Dungeon Master's Guide. Its persistent presence across editions signals a durable design that focuses on utility rather than raw power. The broom is always a nonmagical item that grants flight through a magically animated mechanism, not a sentient steed. Understanding its consistent identity helps DMs adjudicate questions of ownership, attunement, and availability in their campaigns.
How the Broom of Flying Works: Core Mechanics
Attunement and Activation
Attuning to the Broom of Flying requires a short rest, during which you mentally link with the item and learn its basic operation. Once attuned, you activate it as a bonus action while holding the broom, causing it to unfold into its flight form. It responds to simple commands such as "forward," "ascend," and "descend." The broom can carry one rider who is Medium or smaller; larger creatures may be able to ride it at the DM's discretion, but this may affect stability and control.
Charges and Daily Recovery
Most tables treat the broom as having 50 charges, consuming 1 charge every 10 minutes of flight. When the charges are exhausted, the broom lands gently and regains all expended charges at dawn. Some DMs prefer alternative pacing, such as 1 charge per minute or per mile, but the 50/10-minute pattern is widely cited in official errata and community resources. Tracking charges is straightforward: reduce the count when the broom is used and restore it fully after a long rest.
Flying Mechanics and Movement
While mounted, you use the broom's movement rather than your own walking speed. On a standard turn, you can direct the broom to move as a reaction to your movement, enabling complex routes and evasive maneuvers. Hovering is an optional rule that the DM can allow; if used, the broom can remain at a constant altitude without descending. In rough terrain, the broom's flying mode typically ignores difficult terrain, but DMs may rule that dense foliage or narrow passages require checks or impose restrictions.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Flight Speed | 50 feet | Xanathar's Guide to Everything / Tasha's Cauldron of Everything |
| Walking Speed (when not flying) | 40 feet | Xanathar's Guide to Everything / Tasha's Cauldron of Everything |
| Charges | Approximately 50 | Widely cited in official and community errata |
| Charge Recovery | All charges restored at dawn | Common house rule and guidance |
| Attunement Time | Short rest | Xanathar's Guide to Everything / Tasha's Cauldron of Everything |
| Action to Activate | Bonus action | Xanathar's Guide to Everything / Tasha's Cauldron of Everything |
Combat and Tactical Considerations
In combat, the Broom of Flying behaves like any other vehicle: it has its own AC and hit points, and it can be targeted by attacks. If the broom's hit points drop to 0, it becomes unstable and may crash, potentially unseating the rider. You can use the broom to gain altitude for cover, reposition allies, or perform hit-and-run tactics. Because it doesn't require concentration, you can still cast spells or use class features while riding. However, the broom's carrying capacity and stability may affect its performance in tight formations or during high-G maneuvers, so DMs may call for Dexterity (Acrobatics) checks to avoid hazards.
Comparison with Other Flight Options
The broom fills a unique niche between permanent magical flight and short-duration spells. Unlike the spell Fly, which targets a willing creature, the broom offers sustained mobility without tying up a spell slot. It also avoids the concentration requirement of many flight spells, making it compatible with martial-focused builds. When compared to mounts like a Pegasus or a Ghoststeed, the broom is less sentient and typically does not require complex roleplay, which can be simpler for new DMs. Below is a concise comparison highlighting these differences for planning adventuring resources.
- Broom of Flying: No concentration, 50 charges, bonus action to mount, nonmagical, reusable daily charges.
- Spell Fly: Concentration, duration-based, targets creature, uses spell slot, flexible but limited by spell level.
- Magical Mounts (e.g., Pegasus): Often sentient, may require attunement or quests, mobility tied to roleplay and long-term availability.
Availability, Rarity, and Acquisition
The Broom of Flying is officially uncommon, but its actual rarity can vary by campaign. It typically appears as a reward for completing quests involving aerial travel, as loot from skyborne villains, or through service to factions that operate in the clouds. DMs may also introduce homebrew conditions, such as requiring rare materials or a favor from a local artificer. Because it is nonmagical, anti-magic fields do not deactivate it, though magical restrictions on flying items may still apply. Clarify with your DM how the broom becomes available in your setting, and whether attunement limits overlap with other items.
Practical Tips and Common Questions
- Use downtime to practice maneuvers; some tables allow Acrobatics checks to reduce fall risk on a crash.
- Coordinate with your party so you can recharge the broom overnight and plan routes that justify its use.
- If your table uses attunement economy, consider whether the broom competes with other crucial items like shields or weapons.
- Remember that the broom does not grant hover by default; specify with your DM whether you want to use optional hovering rules.
- Track charges visibly on your character sheet so there is no confusion during fast-paced combat or travel.
Summary and Takeaways
The Broom of Flying is a flexible, rules-light way to gain flight in 5e while avoiding spell slot and concentration trade-offs. Its 50-charge daily pool, bonus-action activation, and nonmagical nature make it compatible with many party builds and DM preferences. By understanding attunement, movement, and combat interactions, you can integrate the broom smoothly into exploration, social, and combat scenarios. Clarify expectations with your DM about availability and houserules so the broom remains a reliable tool for aerial travel throughout your campaign.