Levitation - Revision history

Umbire the Phantom: pothole

2026-07-20T06:59:34Z

pothole

Umbire the Phantom: misclicked like hell, sorry

2025-07-27T07:31:01Z

misclicked like hell, sorry

Umbire the Phantom: Reverted edits by Ais523 (talk) to last revision by Furey

2025-07-27T07:30:31Z

Reverted edits by Ais523 (talk) to last revision by Furey

Ais523: /* Strategy */ "virtually impossible" is stating it too strongly – I've done the Planes without levitation several times, it is more difficult but not by much; also fix a 3.4.3ism

2025-07-27T07:27:54Z

‎Strategy: "virtually impossible" is stating it too strongly – I've done the Planes without levitation several times, it is more difficult but not by much; also fix a 3.4.3ism

Furey: /* Strategy */ Delete confusing "if you're unlucky" clause.

2024-06-14T07:23:22Z

‎Strategy: Delete confusing "if you're unlucky" clause.

Loggers: add spirits message

2023-10-05T14:37:10Z

add spirits message

Umbire the Phantom: Generally want a historical section for that

2021-11-09T02:34:21Z

Generally want a historical section for that

Scorchgeek: the zero-turn wrest bug no longer works

2021-11-09T02:02:01Z

the zero-turn wrest bug no longer works

Actual-nh: As of 3.6.3, flying monsters such as Xan can reach your legs even if you are levitating

2021-06-26T16:36:53Z

As of 3.6.3, flying monsters such as Xan can reach your legs even if you are levitating

Actual-nh: /* Strategy */ Correct for 3.6.1 change

2021-06-26T16:31:31Z

‎Strategy: Correct for 3.6.1 change

@@ Line 12: / Line 12: @@
 * [[jumping]];
 * [[pick up|picking up]] items on the ground (except using a [[bullwhip]] or [[grappling hook]]);
-* [[kicking]] without something behind you to brace against;
+* [[Kick (command)|kicking]] without something behind you to brace against;
 * reliably kicking a "very small" monster that does not fly (you fail 2 times out of 3);
 * kicking open a [[secret door]] or the entrance to a secret corridor, or kicking a [[throne]], [[altar]], [[sink]] or [[fountain]];

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 '''Levitation''' is a [[property]] by which [[you]] lose contact with the floor. It allows free movement horizontally (i.e. north, south, east, west, and diagonally), but not up or down. (NetHack is different in this respect from the [[dnd:|Dungeons and Dragons games]], for example, in which levitation only allows controlled movement up and down, but not horizontally.) Levitation (or [[flying]], an improved version) can be useful (in fact, almost necessary to win the game); but it can also be very detrimental if you have no control over when it ends. While [[riding]], levitation causes your steed to levitate as well.
@@ Line 55: / Line 54: @@
 Beware crossing [[lava]] or [[water]] using a non-[[blessed]] [[potion of levitation]] or unskilled or basic [[spellbook of levitation|spell of levitation]]: the effect wears off after a random and highly variable time (as little as 10 turns), and if it times out at an inopportune moment, you could die instantly. In [[NetHack 3.6.1]], you will be able to feel when your levitation is about to wear off, giving you some time to get back to safe ground, but you should still be careful not to be left stuck there.
-It is virtually impossible to complete the [[Elemental Planes]] without levitation, unless you have some means of [[flying]]. Generally, the [[ring of levitation]] is considered the best source, as it does not take up an armor slot, lasts until it is taken off, and can be easily removed and put back on again. However, it is vulnerable to [[lightning]] and shock attacks—be careful, especially if you don't have reflection. Other good sources include [[levitation boots]], [[the Heart of Ahriman]] (usually only applicable if you are a [[Barbarian]] or happen to find it in bones), and the ''skilled'' [[spellbook of levitation|levitation]] spell (unskilled is very dangerous, as it may give you as little as 10 or as many as 149 turns per cast, and cannot be voluntarily ended). If you do not have any of these available by the time you get to the Planes, a single blessed potion of levitation quaffed right as you reach the Plane of Air will give you at least 250 turns of levitation, which is plenty to get you through all three of the remaining Elemental Planes as long as you don't dawdle.
+The [[Elemental Planes]] are somewhat more difficult to complete if you have neither levitation nor a means of [[flying]]. Generally, the [[ring of levitation]] is considered the best source, as it does not take up an armor slot, lasts until it is taken off, and can be easily removed and put back on again. However, it is vulnerable to [[lightning]] and shock attacks—be careful, especially if you don't have reflection. Other good sources include [[levitation boots]], [[the Heart of Ahriman]] (usually only applicable if you are a [[Barbarian]] or happen to find it in bones), and the ''skilled'' [[spellbook of levitation|levitation]] spell (unskilled is very dangerous, as it may give you as little as 10 or as many as 149 turns per cast, and cannot be voluntarily ended). If you do not have any of these available by the time you get to the Planes, a single blessed potion of levitation quaffed right as you reach the [[Plane of Air]] will give you at least 250 turns of levitation, which is plenty to get you through both thar plane and the [[Plane of Fire]] as long as you don't dawdle.
-If you have some means of [[flying]], levitation is usually unnecessary.
+If you have some means of flying, levitation is usually unnecessary.
 ==History==

@@ Line 55: / Line 55: @@
 Beware crossing [[lava]] or [[water]] using a non-[[blessed]] [[potion of levitation]] or unskilled or basic [[spellbook of levitation|spell of levitation]]: the effect wears off after a random and highly variable time (as little as 10 turns), and if it times out at an inopportune moment, you could die instantly. In [[NetHack 3.6.1]], you will be able to feel when your levitation is about to wear off, giving you some time to get back to safe ground, but you should still be careful not to be left stuck there.
-The [[Elemental Planes]] are somewhat more difficult to complete if you have neither levitation nor a means of [[flying]]. Generally, the [[ring of levitation]] is considered the best source, as it does not take up an armor slot, lasts until it is taken off, and can be easily removed and put back on again. However, it is vulnerable to [[lightning]] and shock attacks—be careful, especially if you don't have reflection. Other good sources include [[levitation boots]], [[the Heart of Ahriman]] (usually only applicable if you are a [[Barbarian]] or happen to find it in bones), and the ''skilled'' [[spellbook of levitation|levitation]] spell (unskilled is very dangerous, as it may give you as little as 10 or as many as 149 turns per cast, and cannot be voluntarily ended). If you do not have any of these available by the time you get to the Planes, a single blessed potion of levitation quaffed right as you reach the [[Plane of Air]] will give you at least 250 turns of levitation, which is plenty to get you through both thar plane and the [[Plane of Fire]] as long as you don't dawdle.
+It is virtually impossible to complete the [[Elemental Planes]] without levitation, unless you have some means of [[flying]]. Generally, the [[ring of levitation]] is considered the best source, as it does not take up an armor slot, lasts until it is taken off, and can be easily removed and put back on again. However, it is vulnerable to [[lightning]] and shock attacks—be careful, especially if you don't have reflection. Other good sources include [[levitation boots]], [[the Heart of Ahriman]] (usually only applicable if you are a [[Barbarian]] or happen to find it in bones), and the ''skilled'' [[spellbook of levitation|levitation]] spell (unskilled is very dangerous, as it may give you as little as 10 or as many as 149 turns per cast, and cannot be voluntarily ended). If you do not have any of these available by the time you get to the Planes, a single blessed potion of levitation quaffed right as you reach the Plane of Air will give you at least 250 turns of levitation, which is plenty to get you through all three of the remaining Elemental Planes as long as you don't dawdle.
-If you have some means of flying, levitation is usually unnecessary.
+If you have some means of [[flying]], levitation is usually unnecessary.
 ==History==

@@ Line 55: / Line 55: @@
 Beware crossing [[lava]] or [[water]] using a non-[[blessed]] [[potion of levitation]] or unskilled or basic [[spellbook of levitation|spell of levitation]]: the effect wears off after a random and highly variable time (as little as 10 turns), and if it times out at an inopportune moment, you could die instantly. In [[NetHack 3.6.1]], you will be able to feel when your levitation is about to wear off, giving you some time to get back to safe ground, but you should still be careful not to be left stuck there.
-It is virtually impossible to complete the [[Elemental Planes]] without levitation, unless you have some means of [[flying]]. Generally, the [[ring of levitation]] is considered the best source, as it does not take up an armor slot, lasts until it is taken off, and can be easily removed and put back on again. However, it is vulnerable to [[lightning]] and shock attacks—be careful, especially if you don't have reflection. Other good sources include [[levitation boots]], [[the Heart of Ahriman]] (usually only applicable if you are a [[Barbarian]] or happen to find it in bones), and the ''skilled'' [[spellbook of levitation|levitation]] spell (unskilled is very dangerous, as it may give you as little as 10 or as many as 149 turns per cast, and cannot be voluntarily ended). If you do not have any of these available by the time you get to the Planes, a single blessed potion of levitation quaffed right as you reach the Plane of Air will give you at least 250 turns of levitation, which is plenty to get you through all three of the remaining Elemental Planes as long as you don't dawdle.
+The [[Elemental Planes]] are somewhat more difficult to complete if you have neither levitation nor a means of [[flying]]. Generally, the [[ring of levitation]] is considered the best source, as it does not take up an armor slot, lasts until it is taken off, and can be easily removed and put back on again. However, it is vulnerable to [[lightning]] and shock attacks—be careful, especially if you don't have reflection. Other good sources include [[levitation boots]], [[the Heart of Ahriman]] (usually only applicable if you are a [[Barbarian]] or happen to find it in bones), and the ''skilled'' [[spellbook of levitation|levitation]] spell (unskilled is very dangerous, as it may give you as little as 10 or as many as 149 turns per cast, and cannot be voluntarily ended). If you do not have any of these available by the time you get to the Planes, a single blessed potion of levitation quaffed right as you reach the [[Plane of Air]] will give you at least 250 turns of levitation, which is plenty to get you through both thar plane and the [[Plane of Fire]] as long as you don't dawdle.
-If you have some means of [[flying]], levitation is usually unnecessary.
+If you have some means of flying, levitation is usually unnecessary.
 ==History==

@@ Line 53: / Line 53: @@
 ==Strategy==
-Beware crossing [[lava]] or [[water]] using a non-[[blessed]] [[potion of levitation]] or unskilled or basic [[spellbook of levitation|spell of levitation]]: the effect wears off after a random and highly variable time (as little as 10 turns if you're unlucky), and if it times out at an inopportune moment, you could die instantly. In [[NetHack 3.6.1]], you will be able to feel when your levitation is about to wear off, giving you some time to get back to safe ground, but you should still be careful not to be left stuck there.
+Beware crossing [[lava]] or [[water]] using a non-[[blessed]] [[potion of levitation]] or unskilled or basic [[spellbook of levitation|spell of levitation]]: the effect wears off after a random and highly variable time (as little as 10 turns), and if it times out at an inopportune moment, you could die instantly. In [[NetHack 3.6.1]], you will be able to feel when your levitation is about to wear off, giving you some time to get back to safe ground, but you should still be careful not to be left stuck there.
 It is virtually impossible to complete the [[Elemental Planes]] without levitation, unless you have some means of [[flying]]. Generally, the [[ring of levitation]] is considered the best source, as it does not take up an armor slot, lasts until it is taken off, and can be easily removed and put back on again. However, it is vulnerable to [[lightning]] and shock attacks—be careful, especially if you don't have reflection. Other good sources include [[levitation boots]], [[the Heart of Ahriman]] (usually only applicable if you are a [[Barbarian]] or happen to find it in bones), and the ''skilled'' [[spellbook of levitation|levitation]] spell (unskilled is very dangerous, as it may give you as little as 10 or as many as 149 turns per cast, and cannot be voluntarily ended). If you do not have any of these available by the time you get to the Planes, a single blessed potion of levitation quaffed right as you reach the Plane of Air will give you at least 250 turns of levitation, which is plenty to get you through all three of the remaining Elemental Planes as long as you don't dawdle.

@@ Line 93: / Line 93: @@
 {{message|Startled, <it> can no longer hold you!|You stop levitating while [[Holding attack|held]] by a monster.}}
 {{message|You aren't able to maintain your hold on <it>.|You stop levitating while holding a monster.}}
 {{nethack-363}}
 [[Category:Properties]]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{nethack-363}}
 '''Levitation''' is a [[property]] by which [[you]] lose contact with the floor. It allows free movement horizontally (i.e. north, south, east, west, and diagonally), but not up or down. (NetHack is different in this respect from the [[dnd:|Dungeons and Dragons games]], for example, in which levitation only allows controlled movement up and down, but not horizontally.) Levitation (or [[flying]], an improved version) can be useful (in fact, almost necessary to win the game); but it can also be very detrimental if you have no control over when it ends. While [[riding]], levitation causes your steed to levitate as well.
@@ Line 44: / Line 44: @@
 A few other actions are affected by levitation:
 * If underwater (perhaps surviving there with an [[amulet of magical breathing]]), starting to levitate causes you to instantly surface.
 * Uncontrolled [[teleportation]] will only teleport you above lava if you are levitating ''extrinsically''.
 * You have a 3 in 8 chance of avoiding being killed by a [[drawbridge]].
@@ Line 56: / Line 55: @@
 Beware crossing [[lava]] or [[water]] using a non-[[blessed]] [[potion of levitation]] or unskilled or basic [[spellbook of levitation|spell of levitation]]: the effect wears off after a random and highly variable time (as little as 10 turns if you're unlucky), and if it times out at an inopportune moment, you could die instantly. In [[NetHack 3.6.1]], you will be able to feel when your levitation is about to wear off, giving you some time to get back to safe ground, but you should still be careful not to be left stuck there.
-It is virtually impossible to complete the [[Elemental Planes]] without levitation (unless you have some means of [[flying]]). Generally, the [[ring of levitation]] is considered the best source, as it does not take up an armor slot, lasts until it is taken off, and can be easily removed and put back on again. (However, it is vulnerable to [[lightning]] attacks—be careful if you don't have reflection.) Other good sources include [[levitation boots]], [[the Heart of Ahriman]] (usually only applicable if you are a [[barbarian]] or happen to find it in bones), and the ''skilled'' [[spellbook of levitation|levitation]] spell (unskilled is very dangerous, as it may give you as little as 10 or as many as 149 turns per cast, and cannot be voluntarily ended). If you do not have any of these available by the time you get to the Planes, a single blessed potion of levitation quaffed right as you reach the Plane of Air will give you at least 250 turns of levitation, which is plenty to get you through all three of the remaining Elemental Planes as long as you don't dawdle.
+It is virtually impossible to complete the [[Elemental Planes]] without levitation, unless you have some means of [[flying]]. Generally, the [[ring of levitation]] is considered the best source, as it does not take up an armor slot, lasts until it is taken off, and can be easily removed and put back on again. However, it is vulnerable to [[lightning]] and shock attacks—be careful, especially if you don't have reflection. Other good sources include [[levitation boots]], [[the Heart of Ahriman]] (usually only applicable if you are a [[Barbarian]] or happen to find it in bones), and the ''skilled'' [[spellbook of levitation|levitation]] spell (unskilled is very dangerous, as it may give you as little as 10 or as many as 149 turns per cast, and cannot be voluntarily ended). If you do not have any of these available by the time you get to the Planes, a single blessed potion of levitation quaffed right as you reach the Plane of Air will give you at least 250 turns of levitation, which is plenty to get you through all three of the remaining Elemental Planes as long as you don't dawdle.
 If you have some means of [[flying]], levitation is usually unnecessary.
 Prior to NetHack 3.6.1, engravings in the dust would never degrade while levitating. Therefore, writing [[Elbereth]] in the dust and then levitating was a powerful way to [[melee]] monsters (likely one reason [[wizard]]s cannot start with a [[ring of levitation]]). If you are already levitating, a [[wand of magic missile]] can be used to engrave in the dust. This consumes one charge, but since wands of magic missile are virtually useless as attack wands, this is usually a good use of the charge.
 ==Messages==
@@ Line 90: / Line 94: @@
 {{message|You aren't able to maintain your hold on <it>.|You stop levitating while holding a monster.}}
 [[Category:Properties]]

@@ Line 46: / Line 46: @@
 * Prior to version 3.6, levitation repelled the water on the [[Plane of Water]], allowing you to move outside air bubbles there without drowning (as opposed to [[water walking boots|water walking]]).
 * Uncontrolled [[teleportation]] will only teleport you above lava if you are levitating ''extrinsically''.
 * You have a 3 in 8 chance of avoiding being killed by a [[drawbridge]].
 * [[Drop]]ping [[fragile]] items may break them.

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{nethack-361}}
+{{nethack-363}}
 '''Levitation''' is a [[property]] by which [[you]] lose contact with the floor. It allows free movement horizontally (i.e. north, south, east, west, and diagonally), but not up or down. (NetHack is different in this respect from the [[dnd:|Dungeons and Dragons games]], for example, in which levitation only allows controlled movement up and down, but not horizontally.) Levitation (or [[flying]], an improved version) can be useful (in fact, almost necessary to win the game); but it can also be very detrimental if you have no control over when it ends. While [[riding]], levitation causes your steed to levitate as well.
@@ Line 37: / Line 37: @@
 * although there is no ground on the [[Plane of Air]], levitation nevertheless allows you to control your movements there;
 * your [[encumbrance]] is calculated as if you had a [[Strength]] of 25;
 * [[level teleport]]ing to a level between -1 and -9 causes you to [[Escaping the dungeon|escape]] the dungeon safely, rather than fall to your death;
 * you do not erase [[engraving]]s with movement, or even attacks (although in NetHack 3.6.1 fighting while levitating over [[Elbereth]] still removes it and gives an alignment penalty);
@@ Line 91: / Line 90: @@
 {{message|Startled, <it> can no longer hold you!|You stop levitating while [[Holding attack|held]] by a monster.}}
 {{message|You aren't able to maintain your hold on <it>.|You stop levitating while holding a monster.}}
 [[Category:Properties]]