D&D 5e Contingency is a 2nd-level divination spell that lets you prepare a spell whose effects trigger later based on conditions you define. This guide explains the rules, components, and timing, shows how the trigger works in combat and exploration, and highlights how Contingency interacts with concentration, action economy, and other spells. You will find examples, limits, and tactical tips for players and DMs, along with a quick reference table for duration, components, and targeting to support consistent rulings at your table.
What Is Contingency in D&D 5e
Contingency is a 2nd-level divination spell available to certain classes that lets you link a second spell to a conditional trigger. You prepare a spell of 5th level or lower, define specific circumstances that must occur, and if those conditions are met before your next turn, the contingency activates. It is an evergreen mechanic in D&D 5e, useful in both exploration and combat when timing, reactions, or out-of-turn events need to be anticipated without using your reaction each time.
Core mechanics at a glance
Contingency centers on three pillars: the prepared trigger, the stored spell, and the single allowed response before your next turn. The stored spell is cast with a reduced duration and concentration behavior. The trigger describes when and how it fires, and once it fires, the stored spell runs its course or until concentration is broken, whichever is shorter. You cannot use Contingency on itself or create an infinite chain of linked spells.
Spell Details and Requirements
Class availability and spell level
Contingency appears on the spell lists of classes that emphasize divination, preparation, and ritual magic. Most commonly, Wizards and some Armorer Artificers can access it via their class spell list. Druids, Clerics, and certain other spellcasters may also gain access through subclass choices or domain grants. Because it is a 2nd-level spell, it is available at relatively low level, though the linked spell can be up to 5th level, greatly increasing its impact.
Duration, components, and concentration
Contingency has a casting time of 1 action and requires concentration, so you can maintain only one Contingency at a time. The duration of the spell itself is concentration, up to 8 hours, allowing you to hold the trigger in place for an entire adventuring day. The somatic and verbal components are standard, but the ritual qualifier means you can cast it as a ritual if your class allows, avoiding expenditure of a spell slot provided you cast it that way.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Casting Time | 1 action | PHB |
| Concentration | Yes, up to 8 hours | PHB |
| Components | Verbal, somatic, material (a bit of wood) | PHB |
| Ritual | Yes, if your class can cast ritual spells | PHB |
| Linked spell level | 1st to 5th level | PHB |
| Max triggers per cast | 1 | Rules text |
How the Trigger and Linked Spell Work
Setting the condition
When you cast Contingency, you choose a spell of 5th level or lower and describe an exact condition for it to fire. Common triggers include "when a creature I can see enters my 30 feet," "when an enemy within 60 feet casts a spell," or "at 9:00 AM at the citadel gate." The condition must be objective and observable according to the rules as written, so you cannot phrase it in a way that relies on secret information or pure speculation. The spell then waits, maintaining concentration, until either the trigger occurs or your next turn starts, whichever happens first.
Stored spell duration and effects
When the trigger occurs, you immediately cast the linked spell as a reaction, using your original slot, and its duration is set to concentration and up to 8 hours or the linked spell's normal duration, whichever is shorter. If the linked spell normally requires concentration, it continues to require concentration and ends if your concentration is broken. If the linked spell has instantaneous duration, the spell resolves immediately on trigger and any ongoing effects are determined by that spell's normal rules.
Multiple linked spells and action economy
You may prepare only one spell with Contingency at a time, and the rules permit only one contingency active on you at once. You cannot use Contingency on the same spell more than once to create a loop, and you cannot use Contingency on itself. This prevents infinite chains and preserves action economy by allowing a prepared effect to occur without using your reaction, while still consuming a spell slot and concentration.
Practical Examples and Combat Use
Example 1: Defense against spellcasters
A Wizard prepares Contingency with Counterspell as the linked spell, set to trigger when a creature within 60 feet begins casting. On the trigger, they react with Counterspell, using their contingency slot to attempt an automatic spell release without using their own reaction. This preserves their reaction for Opportunity Attacks or other uses while still contesting enemy spellcasting. It is particularly strong against single high-CA enemies, though it does not catch multiple simultaneous casts unless multiple Contingency preparations are somehow allowed, which is not supported by the rules.
Example 2: Conditioning movement and positioning
In exploration, a Bard might set Contingency to Feather Fall, triggered when they or an ally falls more than 10 feet. Because the casting happens as a reaction when the fall starts, they can mitigate damage even if unconscious, effectively acting like an automated safety net if the trigger condition is met. Similarly, a Ranger can prepare a teleport linked to "when enemies flank me," moving to a more defensible position without spending their movement or reaction.
Interactions and Edge Cases
Concentration and timing
Because Contingency requires concentration, spells like Hold Person that normally require concentration can be reliably activated and maintained through Contingency. When the trigger fires, if the linked spell requires concentration, you must still concentrate to keep it active, and it ends if your concentration is broken before the duration expires. For instantaneous spells, concentration is not required after resolution because there is ongoing effect to maintain.
Specific interaction notes
- You cannot use Contingency on itself or chain contingencies to create recursive loops.
- Your concentration must be free to cast Contingency; you cannot be concentrating on another concentration spell at the same time.
- Only one contingency can be active on a creature at a time; a second cast of Contingency on the same target replaces the first.
- Triggers must be observable and objective; they cannot rely on secret or DM-only information.
Tips for Players and DMs
Player checklist for effective Contingency
- Pick a trigger that is both reliable and specific enough to avoid unwanted activation.
- Choose a linked spell that remains useful after concentration checks, or is instantaneous if you prefer no upkeep.
- Plan for the concentration requirement; avoid linking another concentration spell unless you are confident you won't need to concentrate elsewhere.
- Discuss trigger clarity with your DM to ensure consistent rulings at the table.
- Remember that only one contingency can be active on you at a time; layering is not supported.
Design considerations for DMs
Contingency rewards careful planning and knowledge of enemy patterns. It can reduce tension around surprise spellcasters if triggered conditions are clear, but it can also reduce reaction economy if overused. Encourage players to describe triggers in observable terms and to consider action economy when planning contingencies. Avoid ruling that contingency can react to hidden or purely probabilistic events unless it advances fun without breaking game balance.
Common Questions and Clarifications
Because Contingency appears in many campaigns and systems, groups often ask about edge cases. Can it target a creature? Yes, if the linked spell allows it, and the trigger can specify a creature as part of the condition. Does the material component need to be present each time? No, the material component is consumed only when you cast Contingency itself, not on each trigger. Can you see the trigger happen in secret? The trigger must be observable by you according to the rules as written; hidden or DM-only information is not a valid trigger. Is there a range on the trigger? The spell itself has no range, but the trigger description you choose defines when it fires, and reasonable distance and sensory limits should apply at your table.
Summary and Quick Reference
Contingency is a flexible 2nd-level divination spell that lets you prepare a linked spell to fire automatically when a precise condition you define occurs. It uses concentration, up to 8 hours duration, and can support a wide range of tactical and exploratory choices. Understanding concentration rules, trigger clarity, and interaction with other spells helps you use Contingency effectively while giving DMs a framework for fair adjudication. The quick reference below summarizes key numbers and constraints for easy lookup during play.