Being both 2nd-level spells that provide defensive benefits to the caster, he decision between Mirror Image and Blur is a popular and hotly-debated one! However, their effects and mechanics differ significantly!
While Mirror Image creates illusory duplicates to absorb and redirect attacks, Blur grants the caster a constant distortion effect that causes attackers to have disadvantage on their attack rolls against the caster. To determine which spell is better, it’s essential to examine the situational advantages of each and consider the specific needs and playstyle of your character.
Situational advantages of Mirror Image vs Blur
Mirror Image excels in situations where the caster is facing multiple enemies or single-target attacks, as the duplicates can absorb several hits and potentially force enemies to waste their actions attacking illusions. Mirror Image’s effectiveness scales with the number of attacks directed at the caster, making it particularly useful when facing numerous opponents.
On the other hand, Blur is more effective against opponents who rely on accuracy to deal damage, as it forces them to have disadvantage on their attack rolls. This can be particularly beneficial against powerful single-target enemies, such as boss monsters. Additionally, unlike Mirror Image, Blur provides some protection against AOE spells that require attack rolls, such as Scorching Ray, by imposing disadvantage on those rolls.
Choosing the right spell for your character
The choice between Mirror Image and Blur largely depends on your character’s role in the party, their preferred playstyle, and the types of enemies you expect to face. If your character is often in the thick of combat or regularly draws enemy attention, Mirror Image may provide more reliable protection. However, if your character is more focused on avoiding hits from powerful single-target attacks, Blur might be the better choice.