Five Tips for Using Cursed Magic Items in DnD 5e

By Beren

Like sugar-addicted kids in a giant candy store, DnD players love getting new arcane gear. DMs love handing it out, too.

But whenever your players find a cool new toy, they should also wonder…

Could this thing be cursed?

If your players have been breezing through entire campaigns with zero concerns about getting smacked with a curse, it might be time to throw them a curve ball.

Should You Use Cursed Items in DnD?

Hell yes, you should.

Of course, you should also put some thought into the specific cursed items you choose because you will run the risk of making a player really annoyed, disappointed, or even downright angry with you.

So here are five rules of thumb to avoid this:

• #1: Don’t hit newbie players with cursed items until their characters are at least level three. They should be able to connect with their character and get a feel for the game for several sessions before you throw a monkey wrench in the works. For veteran players, they should already be prepared for anything, so don’t hold back.

• #2: Avoid using too many cursed items, unless you want your players to shy away from loot like the plague, which kind of kills the fun. In fact, all magic items in DnD should be uncommon or rare (i.e. you don’t hand them out every session like party favors) and cursed magic items should be very rare.

• #3: Choose some cursed items that also provide a benefit so players don't feel like they're only being punished for their curiosity. Ideally, at least half or more cursed items you add to your games should have an upside as well as a down side.

• #4: Have a plan for how your player can remove the curse. A short side quest to find a cleric with the Remove Curse spell or some kind of cleansing magic pool in the forest… you get the idea. If the players are in the middle of a dungeon, it might be more difficult, but it shouldn’t be impossible.

• #5: If push comes to shove and your player is really upset after being cursed, chat with them outside the game about how you can adjust the item and/or curse to be less harsh. Figure out a compromise so they can get back to having fun. DnD is a cooperative game, after all. Nothing has to be set in stone.

Cursed Items Should Strike a Balance

Just like other aspects of your DnD campaign, you should aim to hit the sweet spot between empowering your players and making the game challenging (and therefore more rewarding). So avoid cursed items that severely impact a player character’s ability to function.

Unfair cursed item example: A wizard character finds a magic ring that puts them in an anti-magic field, preventing them from casting any spells until they remove the curse. This would make the game 100% not fun for this player if you don’t have a plan for them to remove the curse quickly.

Fair cursed item example: A wizard finds a cursed Ring of Spell Storing, which functions just like a normal Ring of Spell Storing, but with a caveat. Whenever they cast a stored spell from the ring, there is a 10% chance the ring will explode, dealing a significant amount of force damage (and also destroying the ring). To further balance the curse, you might also give the ring an additional bonus feature, such as granting +1 to the owner’s spell attack modifier while attuned.

Uh, Surprise?

You might consider warning players before the campaign that they could stumble upon a few cursed items, especially if you've never used them in prior campaigns or if you’re DMing for a new group.

I’d advise against this because it ruins the surprise and impact.

If you already have a good rapport with your players (and trust), you shouldn’t need to warn them, because they will assume you aren’t trying to ruin their enjoyment.

Once a few cursed items show up, players will see that they aren’t game-breaking and can add to the story.

Again, cursed items should not come up too often. In fact, your players should start to forget they even exist and even start to get complacent. That’s your cue to work in another one!

Also, in some cases you won’t tell them they’re cursed yet when they initially find the item. They’ll just think they found another normal magic item. Cue evil laugh and mustache twirling off screen.

For example, they could be using that Sword of Whispers for half the campaign or longer before the curse ever comes up. Just make sure to drop some subtle hints that something could be amiss, so it doesn’t come as a complete shock. Maybe the item looks suspiciously creepy or they have strange dreams or just an “odd feeling” they can’t shake after attuning.

Of course, when they can’t get rid of the item and it keeps magically re-appearing on their person… well, that will be a dead giveaway.

20 Totally New (and Free) Cursed Items for 5e DnD

Although there are some pretty good cursed items in the stock DnD sourcebooks, a lot of them are kind of… meh. So, naturally, I’ve created a random table with 20 totally new cursed items for 100% free!

Happy DMing!