What is Hunter’s Mark in DnD 5e?

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

In fifth edition Dungeons & Dragons, Hunter’s Mark is a spell that allows DnD 5e Rangers to designate a creature as their quarry. This then allows the Ranger to deal extra damage to that quarry during battle, in addition to making them easier to track down.

Mechanically, Hunter’s Mark seems like a fairly straightforward spell. In reality, however, there are a number of important details associated with that are critical to understand. What’s more, the Ranger has also undergone a significant overhaul in the 2024 Player’s Handbook, with the Hunter’s Mark spell getting an adjustment and now becoming a critical core feature of the class.

So just what is Hunter’s Mark and how does it work? Below, we track down all the details.

What Does Hunter’s Mark Do in 2014 DnD 5e?

In the 2014 version of DnD 5e, Hunter’s Mark is a 1st-level concentration spell that Rangers can use to magically mark a single creature within sight. This mark lasts for 1 hour and designates the creature as the Ranger’s quarry, providing several combat and tracking benefits, including:

• Additional Damage: When performing a weapon attack against the marked target, you deal an extra 1d6 damage.
• Enhanced Tracking: You get advantage on any Perception or Survival checks made to find the marked creature.
• Mark Transfer: If the marked creature drops to 0 hit points before the spell ends, you can use a bonus action on a subsequent turn to mark a new creature.

When cast using a spell slot of 3rd or 4th level, you can maintain concentration on Hunter’s Mark for up to 8 hours. Using a 5th level or higher spell slot extends this duration to 24 hours.

What Does Hunter’s Mark Do in 2024 DnD 5e?

In the new 2024 rules, the Hunter’s Mark spell is virtually unchanged. The only difference is that the extra damage it now deals is now considered Force damage instead of the unclassified damage in the 2014 version. What has significantly changed, however, is how Hunter’s Mark integrates with the Ranger. In fact, this spell is now essentially a core element of the new 2024 Ranger, integrating with the following new class features:

• Favored Enemy: This Level 1 Ranger feature means you now always have the Hunter’s Mark spell prepared. Additionally, You can cast Hunter’s Mark twice per Long Rest without expending a spell slot (with this number increasing as you level up).
• Relentless Hunter: This Level 13 Ranger feature allows you to maintain concentration on Hunter’s Mark even if you take damage.
• Precise Hunter: This level 17 Ranger feature grants advantage on any attacks made against a creature marked by Hunter’s Mark.
• Foe Slayer: This Level 20 capstone feature for the Ranger increases the damage dealt by Hunter’s Mark from 1d6 to 1d10.
• Subclass feature: The revised 2024 Hunter subclass can now identity the strengths and weaknesses of any creature marked by Hunter’s Mark.

Collectively, these changes illustrate just how central to the 2024 Ranger Hunter’s Mark has become, making it far more than just a simple spell, but a key aspect of how the class plays at multiple levels.

FAQs about Hunter’s Mark

Below are a few common questions about how Hunter’s Mark works. For ease of reference, we’ve used the new 2024 DnD 5e rules, since these are most likely to be adopted by players.

Can a Ranger have more than one Hunter’s Mark active at a time?

No, a Ranger can only concentrate on one instance of Hunter’s Mark at a time. You ca, however, transfer the mark to another creature if the original target is reduced to 0 hit points.

Does the extra damage from Hunter’s Mark apply to all attacks or just weapon attacks?

The extra damage from Hunter’s Mark applies only to weapon attacks. This includes melee and ranged weapon attacks but does not apply to spell attacks or other sources of damage.

How does Hunter’s Mark interact with the new Weapon Mastery feature?

The new Weapon Mastery feature from the 2024 allows Rangers to tap into unique properties of their weapons. While Hunter’s Mark increases the damage dealt, Weapon Mastery can provide additional effects like slowing a target, making extra attacks, or imposing disadvantage on enemy attacks. In other words, combing Hunter’s Mark with Weapon Mastery makes Rangers even more effective in combat.

Can a Ranger lose concentration on Hunter’s Mark due to damage?

In the 2014 version, taking damage can cause the Ranger to lose concentration if they fail a Constitution saving throw. However, the 2024 update introduces the new Level 13 Relentless Hunter feature, which allows you to maintain concentration on Hunter’s Mark even if you take damage. This of course, is not the case if you are incapacitated or die.

Can non-Ranger classes cast Hunter’s Mark?

Yes, other non-Ranger classes, such as certain subclasses of the Paladin, can cast Hunter’s Mark through features that allow them to access spells outside their usual spell list, or by taking the Magic Initiate feat and selecting Hunter’s Mark as one of their chosen spells.

Final Thoughts

Hunter’s Mark has always been a powerful and central spell for Rangers in the 2014 DnD core rules. With the new 2024 rules update, Hunter’s Mark is even more quintessential to the Ranger becoming a key part of how the class factions. Understanding how this spell works and some of its subtle yet important distinctions will ensure that your Ranger always hunts down their target and never misses the mark.

You can find the complete rules for the new Hunter’s Mark spell in the 2024 Player’s Handbook, which is available for order now on D&D Beyond and Amazon.

See Our Other D&D News Coverage

Visit our D&D News page for more reviews and updates.