D&D 5E Magic Missile vs. Mirror Image

[Cognomen's Cassowary]

Does the magic missile simply bypass Mirror Image, since it has no attack roll, and thus it's not an "attack"?

This, this is the correct ruling. Magic missile is not an attack, and mirror image only protects the caster from attacks. It's a non-interaction that I qua DM would hesitate to alter, because it pits the main strength of magic missile against the main weakness of mirror image. A player who casts magic missile on a mirrored opponent is just playing smart.

Edit: Jeremy Crawford has commented on it, for the record.

 

[Croesus]

It really doesn't.

Oops...you're absolutely right. I copied the text from the OP, assuming he didn't change anything in the spell description. Thanks for the correction.

 

[Bacon Bits]

Edit: Jeremy Crawford has commented on it, for the record.

At this point in 5E's run, I'm willing to place money on Jeremy Crawford consistently ruling ass-backwards.

 

[jaelis]

At this point in 5E's run, I'm willing to place money on Jeremy Crawford consistently ruling ass-backwards.

As you like, but in this case he is correct.

 

[Bacon Bits]

As you like, but in this case he is correct.

Nonsense. All I have to do is say, "Magic Missile makes an attack. This is clear because it talks about targeting, hitting, and damage. However, since it automatically hits, it obviates the need for the attack roll."

 

[jaelis]

As DM you are welcome to say that if you like, it's your table. But that's not what the book says, so if you're looking for the book answer, Crawford is correct.

 

[77IM]

But in the grand old days of previous editions, wasn't magic missile the traditional counter to mirror image because you could target all the images simultaneously and guarantee popping them all?

 

[Arial Black]

These spells work a little differently in 5E than they did in previous editions.

According to 5E RAW, something is only an 'attack' if it:-

* involves an attack roll

OR

* it specifically says that it's treated as if it were an attack with an attack roll even though it doesn't have one

Also, the word 'hit' implies an attack roll in 5E.

So MM will affect the target creature, and it will not interact with MI at all.

JC's ruling here is just backing up the rules in the PHB.

 

[Ancalagon]

Hmmm... the consequence of JC's ruling is that MM is still the counter to Mirror Image, but in the "reverse" - instead of "clearing" the images away, it simply ignores the damage and hits the target with full force.

It's pretty situational if this is better or worse. If you are low on HP, JC's ruling is bad for you (the Mirror-Image protected person). However, if your enemy mage is doing this to strip your Mirror Image so you can be attacked better by more dangerous foes (a raging barbarian and a cunning assassin maybe?) then JC's ruling will make your defensive spell better.

 

[Lucas Blackstone]

For what it's worth, the Shield spell also makes a distinction between hit by an attack and being targeted by Magic Missile. This seems consistent with the " no attack roll = not an attack " in game terms.