Mending 5e
Mending is a cantrip that repairs a single break or tear in an object you touch, as long as the damage is no larger than 1 foot in any dimension. It takes 1 minute to cast and leaves no trace. It can physically fix a magic item but cannot restore the item's magic.
Mending at a glance
| Level | Cantrip transmutation |
| Casting time | 1 minute |
| Range | Touch |
| Components | V, S, M (two lodestones) |
| Duration | Instantaneous |
| Classes | Bard, Cleric, Druid, Sorcerer, Wizard |
| Resolution | Automatic; no attack roll or saving throw |
How Mending works
How it works: You spend a minute working over a broken object and close one break or tear in it: a snapped chain link, a key in two pieces, a ripped cloak, a leaking waterskin. The damage has to fit within 1 foot in every direction. When you finish, the object looks as if it was never broken.
One break per casting: A shattered vase in a dozen pieces is a dozen breaks. Nothing stops you casting it again, it is a cantrip, but each minute fixes one. A splintered door or a wagon with a cracked axle longer than a foot is beyond it.
Magic items: Mending can put a broken magic item back together physically, but it won't bring its magic back. A snapped wand stays a dead stick, just an unbroken one. In 2014 the text also mentioned repairing constructs; the 2024 version only talks about objects, so ask your DM before healing a golem with it.
Why take it: Out of combat it is a problem-solver: patch a torn sail, reseal a broken lock you forced, fix the ladder rung before you climb. Note that the 1-minute casting time rules it out in combat. Mending repairs objects, not people; for that, you want Cure Wounds.
Mending: 2014 vs 2024 rules
| 2014 PHB | 2024 PHB | |
|---|---|---|
| Repairs | One break or tear up to 1 foot in any dimension | One break or tear up to 1 foot in any dimension |
| Constructs | Can physically repair a construct | No longer mentioned |
| Magic items | Physical repair only; magic not restored | Physical repair only; magic not restored |
| Casting time | 1 minute | 1 minute |
Mending FAQ
Can Mending fix a broken magic item?
It can repair the physical break, but it cannot restore magic that the item has lost.
Can Mending heal a warforged or construct?
The 2014 text said it could physically repair a construct, but it never restored hit points. The 2024 text drops constructs and only mentions objects.
Can you cast Mending in combat?
Not usefully. It takes 1 minute to cast, which is 10 rounds.
How big a break can Mending repair?
A single break or tear no larger than 1 foot in any dimension.
Related
Other cantrips
- Acid Splash
- Chill Touch
- Dancing Lights
- Druidcraft
- Elementalism
- Fire Bolt
- Guidance
- Light
- Mage Hand
- Message
- Minor Illusion
- Poison Spray
Rules are summarised in our own words; monster stat blocks are reproduced from the SRD. This work includes material from the System Reference Document 5.2 ("SRD 5.2") by Wizards of the Coast LLC, available at dndbeyond.com/srd. The SRD 5.2 is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Card icons by Lorc and Delapouite from game-icons.net, licensed under CC BY 3.0.
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Contains content from the System Reference Document 5.1 and 5.2 by Wizards of the Coast LLC, used under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.