D&D 5E Move spell with no line of sight?

[Rya.Reisender]

So to cast an AoE spell you need to have line of sight to its point of origin. And it was already clarified in Sage Advice that you don't need to keep line of sight to the spell, even if it requires concentration. But what about spells that you can move as a bonus action? Can you move them even if you don't see their point of origin anymore?

 

[Satyrn]

I would say no, you can't move it, if this came up at my table.

 

[Uchawi]

The sage advice indicates a spell that requires line of site may be maintained with concentration even if the line of site is lost once the spell is cast. Too keep things simple, I would not allow it to be moved unless you can still see the area. The analogy is trying to move an object while you are blind. If you did allow it, then the blind condition would come into play along with a degree of randomness added to the direction. If the caster had some type of heightened sense (internal compass), you could allow simple movements like north, south, east, or west.

 

[Shiroiken]

I would allow it, but with an Int check to make sure it was moved in the correct direction. Moving a Flaming Sphere down a narrow hallway after closing the door would be pretty easy. Moving it across a battlefield while blind would be much harder.

 

[Oofta]

Well, what do the rules say?

Targets
A typical spell requires you to pick one or more targets to be affected by the spell’s magic. A spell’s description tells you whether the spell targets creatures, objects, or a point of origin for an area of effect (described below).
...

A Clear Path to the Target
To target something, you must have a clear path to it, so it can’t be behind total cover.
If you place an area of effect at a point that you can’t see and an obstruction, such as a wall, is between you and that point, the point of origin comes into being on the near side of that obstruction.
​

An example spell

Flaming Sphere
As a bonus action, you can move the sphere up to 30 feet...

When you move the sphere, you can direct it over barriers...​

So I see nothing that says you have to see where it's going. However, I would also rule that in order to "direct it over barriers" you would have to see the barrier (or pit).

However, how you are directing it is completely up to the DM and I would say that in most cases it would be incredibly difficult. Imagine going into a closet, closing the door and then flying a drone around the house without hitting any walls. Unless you live in a studio apartment, it's probably going to be nearly impossible. Make that an area you've only glanced at and I think the odds are slim and none and slim just left town.