Shapechange targets self, where true polymorph can target others. And true polymorph allow changing creatures into objects and vice versa. Shapechange only turns you into another creature. Those are the two big differences I see on a quick glance, there may be more if you dig into it.
Shapechange is more of a solo-featured spell while True Polymorph can affect others in the party and allow you to change objects and creatures. That's the biggest advantage - True Polymorph can let you create a decently strong companion if you decide to turn an object into a creature.
Shapechange IMO is more useful in a combat scenario. You get the same benefits of Polymorph but there are a few key additions:
1) You can cast spells and still use your race and class features if your new form lets you. If you transform into a Marilith, you can still speak and have hands to make Somatic gestures for those types of spells. Shapechange states that you turn into a typical example of the creature without the Spellcasting trait, but Crawford has confirmed on twitter that you would keep your ability to cast your own spells because that comes from your class features. For example, if you transformed into a Drow Matron Mother, you would not gain access to her ability to cast spells or her spell list - you'd still have your own spells and spell slots, however. True Polymorph only lets you use the abilities of the thing you change into and you lose your race and class features while transformed.
2) You retain the benefits of any items or gear you're wearing when you transform - not so with TP.
3) You can use an action to change forms during your Shapechange. Switch from a Marilith to a Planetar for that sweet, sweet healing, then into something else if you want to. The only catch is that you can't regain HP this way - if you shapechange into a new form (not the initial casting) that has higher HP than what you're currently changed as, you keep the same HP.
Now, if you wanted to True Polymorph into that same Drow Matron Mother, your entire statblock gets replaced with hers, including her spellcasting traits and slots. You, however, lose your own features and spells, and (arguably, although there isn't any rule specifying this) you'd be limited to casting non-concentration spells because technically you're concentrating on True Polymorph. You could TP into her to get another 9th level slot theoretically, but you'd be limited to casting what she can so you can't cheese another slot to also cast Wish.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
Which do you guys think is better they're so similar and I can't find a good straight answer
Shapechange targets self, where true polymorph can target others. And true polymorph allow changing creatures into objects and vice versa. Shapechange only turns you into another creature.
Those are the two big differences I see on a quick glance, there may be more if you dig into it.
It depends on what you want out of it.
Shapechange is more of a solo-featured spell while True Polymorph can affect others in the party and allow you to change objects and creatures. That's the biggest advantage - True Polymorph can let you create a decently strong companion if you decide to turn an object into a creature.
Shapechange IMO is more useful in a combat scenario. You get the same benefits of Polymorph but there are a few key additions:
1) You can cast spells and still use your race and class features if your new form lets you. If you transform into a Marilith, you can still speak and have hands to make Somatic gestures for those types of spells. Shapechange states that you turn into a typical example of the creature without the Spellcasting trait, but Crawford has confirmed on twitter that you would keep your ability to cast your own spells because that comes from your class features. For example, if you transformed into a Drow Matron Mother, you would not gain access to her ability to cast spells or her spell list - you'd still have your own spells and spell slots, however. True Polymorph only lets you use the abilities of the thing you change into and you lose your race and class features while transformed.
2) You retain the benefits of any items or gear you're wearing when you transform - not so with TP.
3) You can use an action to change forms during your Shapechange. Switch from a Marilith to a Planetar for that sweet, sweet healing, then into something else if you want to. The only catch is that you can't regain HP this way - if you shapechange into a new form (not the initial casting) that has higher HP than what you're currently changed as, you keep the same HP.
Now, if you wanted to True Polymorph into that same Drow Matron Mother, your entire statblock gets replaced with hers, including her spellcasting traits and slots. You, however, lose your own features and spells, and (arguably, although there isn't any rule specifying this) you'd be limited to casting non-concentration spells because technically you're concentrating on True Polymorph. You could TP into her to get another 9th level slot theoretically, but you'd be limited to casting what she can so you can't cheese another slot to also cast Wish.