Arms of Hadar

Damage Multi Target

Level & School
1st-level conjuration
Casting Time
Action
Range
Self
Components
V, S
Duration
Instantaneous
Classes
Warlock

Invoking Hadar, you cause tendrils to erupt from yourself. Each creature in a 10-foot Emanation originating from you makes a Strength saving throw. On a failed save, a target takes 2d6 Necrotic damage and can't take Reactions until the start of its next turn. On a successful save, a target takes half as much damage only.

Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. The damage increases by 1d6 for each spell slot level above 1.

Level & School
1st-level conjuration
Casting Time
Action
Range
Self (10-foot radius)
Components
V, S
Duration
Instantaneous
Classes
Warlock

You invoke the power of Hadar, the Dark Hunger. Tendrils of dark energy erupt from you and batter all creatures within 10 feet of you. Each creature in that area must make a Strength saving throw. On a failed save, a target takes 2d6 necrotic damage and can’t take reactions until its next turn. On a successful save, the creature takes half damage, but suffers no other effect.

Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 2nd level or higher, the damage increases by 1d6 for each slot level above 1st.

Arms of Hadar 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

The 2024 version removes the "Self (10-foot radius)" range, replacing it with "Self" and specifies a 10-foot emanation. It clarifies the saving throw as "each creature in a 10-foot Emanation originating from you," and states "until the start of its next turn" instead of "until its next turn." Damage and scaling remain the same.

Spells similar to Arms of Hadar

  • Thunderwave, 1st-level evocation

    Like Arms of Hadar, it is a low‑level self‑originating burst that hits every creature in range for instant damage and affects positioning or reactions.

  • Burning Hands, 1st-level evocation

    Both are first‑level, self‑centered area attacks you cast in close quarters to damage multiple enemies at once.

  • Ice Knife, 1st-level conjuration

    Ice Knife deals area damage around a hit target and uses a save to reduce effect, making it mechanically similar as a small multi‑target damaging spell.

  • Spirit Guardians, 3rd-level conjuration

    Although higher level and ongoing, it is a self‑centered area that repeatedly damages multiple foes around you and fits the same close‑quarters battlefield role.

  • Hunger of Hadar, 3rd-level conjuration

    It shares conjuration, necrotic/flavor overlap and creates an area that punishes creatures near you, so it fills a similar thematic and tactical niche at a larger scale.