Chill Touch

Level & School
Necromancy cantrip
Casting Time
Action
Range
Touch
Components
V, S
Duration
Instantaneous
Classes
Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard

Channeling the chill of the grave, make a melee spell attack against a target within reach. On a hit, the target takes 1d10 Necrotic damage, and it can't regain Hit Points until the end of your next turn.

Cantrip Upgrade. The damage increases by 1d10 when you reach levels 5 (2d10), 11 (3d10), and 17 (4d10).

Level & School
Necromancy cantrip
Casting Time
Action
Range
120 feet
Components
V, S
Duration
1 round
Classes
Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard

You create a ghostly, skeletal hand in the space of a creature within range. Make a ranged spell attack against the creature to assail it with the chill of the grave. On a hit, the target takes 1d8 necrotic damage, and it can't regain hit points until the start of your next turn. Until then, the hand clings to the target.

If you hit an undead target, it also has disadvantage on attack rolls against you until the end of your next turn.

Cantrip Upgrade. This spell's damage increases by 1d8 when you reach 5th level (2d8), 11th level (3d8), and 17th level (4d8).

Chill Touch 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

The 2014 version has a 120-foot range, 1-round duration, and deals 1d8 necrotic damage with a ranged attack. The 2024 version is touch-range, instant, with a melee attack, dealing 1d10 necrotic damage. Damage increases by 1d10 at levels 5, 11, and 17 in 2024, compared to 1d8 in 2014.

Spells similar to Chill Touch

  • Shocking Grasp, Evocation cantrip

    A touch-range cantrip that requires a melee spell attack and is often chosen for the same close-up damaging role.
  • Inflict Wounds, 1st-level necromancy

    A higher-level necromancy touch spell that deals strong single-target necrotic damage and fills the same niche at greater power.
  • Toll the Dead, Necromancy cantrip

    A necromancy cantrip that deals necrotic damage and is commonly used as a thematic alternative for single-target necrotic damage.
  • Vampiric Touch, 3rd-level necromancy

    A necromancy spell that uses melee reach to deal necrotic damage and has a close-quarters, sustain-oriented interaction similar in flavor.
  • Poison Spray, Necromancy cantrip

    A cantrip that, like Chill Touch, is a low-level offensive necromancy option focused on delivering damage at short range.

Chill Touch is featured in