In Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (D&D 5e), breaking a magical binding spell or curse depends on the nature of the spell that was cast. Here are some of the most common ways to remove binding spells in D&D 5e:
1. Use the Dispel Magic Spell
Dispel Magic is the go-to spell in D&D 5e for removing magical effects. It can target a specific magical effect on a creature, object, or area.
If the binding spell in question is 3rd level or lower, it ends automatically. If it’s a higher-level spell, the caster needs to make a successful ability check using their spellcasting ability to end the effect.
This is an effective method for common spells like Hold Person or Hold Monster.
Spell details:
Dispel Magic
Level: 3rd
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 120 feet
2. Cast Remove Curse
Remove Curse is particularly effective against curses and magical bindings that are affecting a character or an item.
For example, if the binding spell was a curse placed on a character, such as by a Bestow Curse spell, Remove Curse will typically end the effect.
This spell also works well if a character is bound by a cursed item, as it can sever the attachment to that item.
Spell details:
Remove Curse
Level: 3rd
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Touch
3. Greater Restoration
For particularly powerful how to break a binding spell effects that may involve ability score reduction, incapacitation, or petrification, Greater Restoration can help.
This spell is particularly useful for breaking bindings that have a more complex or lasting effect on a character, especially if they’re tied to mental or physical debilitation.
Some magical effects tied to powerful curses or conditions may require Greater Restoration if they aren’t affected by standard curses or simple dispels.
Spell details:
Greater Restoration
Level: 5th
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Touch
4. Wish
For extremely powerful magical bindings or curses that aren’t easily removed by conventional spells, the Wish spell offers a way to remove almost any magical effect. However, it’s a powerful and rare spell, typically only available to characters at very high levels.
Wish can duplicate any lower-level spell, including Remove Curse, Dispel Magic, or Greater Restoration, or it can be used to remove a unique, powerful magical binding.
Spell details:
Wish
Level: 9th
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Self
5. Seek Out a Divine or Magical Solution
In some cases, a Dungeon Master may create unique bindings or curses that cannot be removed by conventional spells. In these cases, players might need to complete a quest, seek out a powerful NPC like a high priest or archmage, or locate a magical artifact to break the spell.
Divine intervention from a cleric’s deity (using the Divine Intervention feature at 10th level or higher) could be another method, though it depends on the DM’s discretion.
6. Roleplay Solutions
Sometimes, breaking a binding in D&D 5e might require in-game actions rather than just spells. For example, a character may need to atone, perform a ritual, or confront the caster who placed the binding to fully release it.
Example Binding Spells That May Need Breaking
Hold Person or Hold Monster
Bestow Curse
Geas (if bound by a compulsion)
Planar Binding (used to bind extraplanar creatures)
Each situation will vary, and your Dungeon Master will have the final say on what it takes to break a specific binding spell.