Burning Hands

A
Damage

Burning Hands is a Damage spell. Damage spells focus on dealing harm to enemies.

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 spell that unleashes a cone of fire, scorching
multiple creatures

Burning Hands is a Multi Target spell. Multi Target spells have an area of effect or can explicitly target multiple allies or enemies.

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 and igniting nearby objects.

2024 Rules
Level & School
1st-level evocation
Casting Time
Action
Range
Self
Components
V, S
Duration
Instantaneous
Classes
Sorcerer, Wizard

A thin sheet of flames shoots forth from you. Each creature in a 15- foot Cone makes a Dexterity saving throw, taking 3d6 Fire damage on a failed save or half as much damage on a successful one. Flammable objects in the Cone that aren't being worn or carried start burning.

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

2014 Rules
Level & School
1st-level evocation
Casting Time
Action
Range
Self (15-foot cone)
Components
V, S
Duration
Instantaneous
Classes
Sorcerer, Wizard

As you hold your hands with thumbs touching and fingers spread, a thin sheet of flames shoots forth from your outstretched fingertips. Each creature in a 15-foot cone must make a Dexterity saving throw. A creature takes 3d6 fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

The fire ignites any flammable objects in the area that aren't being worn or carried.

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.

Burning Hands 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

Effectively the same spell. The 2024 version is reworded but functions identically.

Burning Hands popularity

Burning Hands is one of the most popular spells in the game.

Spells similar to Burning Hands

  • Thunderwave 1st-level evocation

    A 1st-level evocation that releases an immediate, short-range cone/area blast centered on you for damage, making it the closest mechanical analogue.

  • Spellfire Flare 1st-level evocation

    Also a 1st-level evocation available to sorcerers and wizards that deals instant damage to multiple targets, so players would pick it in many of the same situations.

  • Ice Knife 1st-level conjuration

    A low-level spell that damages a primary target and then explodes to hit others, offering a similar short-range area-damage effect.

  • Arms of Hadar 1st-level conjuration

    Though from a different class, it is a close-range, instantaneous burst around you that hits multiple foes, matching the tactical use of striking clustered enemies.

  • Scorching Ray 2nd-level evocation

    A fire-focused option that scales with slot level and can hit multiple targets, making it a natural alternative for single-target-to-multi-target fire damage needs.