Sleep (2024)

Sleep (2014) is arguably the best spell in D&D at level 1, but falls off a cliff as soon as you start leveling up.

BG3's version starts off worse due to a shorter duration but gets no compensation at higher levels.

The 2024 rules for D&D redesigned Sleep to stop it being an instant win-button at low levels and stay usable across the level range.

This mod adds the 2024 version as a new spell. It does not replace the original.

Source: Player's Handbook (2024)

Sleep

Level 1 Enchantment (Bard, Sorcerer, Wizard)

Components: V, S, M

Duration: Concentration, up to 1 minute

Each creature of your choice in a 5-foot-radius Sphere centered on a point within range must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or have the Incapacitated condition until the end of its next turn, at which point it must repeat the save. If the target fails the second save, the target has the Unconscious condition for the duration. The spell ends on a target if it takes damage or someone within 5 feet of it takes an action to shake it out of the spell’s effect.

Creatures that don’t sleep, such as elves, or that have Immunity to the Exhaustion condition automatically succeed on saves against this spell.

Targeting

BG3 doesn't support individual target selection within a limited area. The spell will target all non-allies within the sphere, like other similar spells in BG3 but unlike the game's Sleep spell. You can also target a single ally by selecting them directly.

Incapacitated

D&D and BG3 disagree on what "incapacitated" means. Normally I'd follow D&D rules but this is an exception - according to D&D an incapacitated creature can move at full speed, which just doesn't match English.

It also can't be implemented as a BG3 incapacitate (forced turn-skip) due to animation bugs.

Instead, the "Sleepy" condition representing the incapacitate matches D&D's definition with the addition of blocking movement.

Immunities

BG3 sometimes gives creatures appropriate immunities to sleep and exhaustion, but not consistently.

The spell disallows targeting undead and constructs to better match expected behaviour.

Compatibility

The new spell is automatically added to spell lists containing Sleep (2014) using Script Extender, so it should work with any class mods that have their own spell lists. It will not interfere with the game's spell or any replacers of it.

If using War Caster (2014 and 2024), make sure to use version 1. 16+ and place it before/above Sleep (2024) in the load order.

Note that spells cast via War Caster reaction may only target a single creature, so there will be no area effect.

Heighten Spell from 2024 Metamagic is supported and gives an individually selected target disadvantage on both of Sleep's saving throws.

Sleep (2024) is not added to spell lists for my Occultist (Blue Mage) class, as it's not meant to have easy access to non-ritual concentration spells.