Circle of Death
2024 Rules
- Level & School
- 6th-level necromancy
- Casting Time
- Action
- Range
- 150 feet
- Components
- V, S, M (the powder of a crushed black pearl worth 500+ GP)
- Duration
- Instantaneous
- Classes
- Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard
- Source
- Player's Handbook (2024)
Negative energy ripples out in a 60-foot-radius Sphere from a point you choose within range. Each creature in that area makes a Constitution saving throw, taking 8d8 Necrotic damage on a failed save or half as much damage on a successful one.
Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. The damage increases by 2d8 for each spell slot level above 6.
2014 Rules
- Level & School
- 6th-level necromancy
- Casting Time
- Action
- Range
- 150 feet
- Components
- V, S, M (the powder of a crushed black pearl worth at least 500 gp)
- Duration
- Instantaneous
- Classes
- Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard
- Source
- Player's Handbook (2014)
A sphere of negative energy ripples out in a 60-foot-radius sphere from a point within range. Each creature in that area must make a Constitution saving throw. A target takes 8d6 necrotic damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 7th level or higher, the damage increases by 2d6 for each slot level above 6th.
Circle of Death 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences
Circle of Death popularity
How popular is Circle of Death? It is a seldom seen spell in the game, but is often chosen over other options when available. This spell could be a valuable addition for spellbooks.
- #1 picked level 6 Warlock spell
- Top 25% of all level 6 spells
- Top 25% picked level 6 Wizard spell
- Top 25% picked level 6 Sorcerer spell
- Bottom 50% of all 5e spells
Read about how this popularity data is calculated.
Spells similar to Circle of Death
Chain Lightning 6th-level evocation
Both are 6th-level, long-range spells that deal substantial instantaneous damage to multiple targets without requiring concentration.
Players prefer Chain Lightning over Circle of Death
Harm 6th-level necromancy
It matches the necrotic damage type, 6th-level power, Constitution save, and immediate damage-focused design, but affects only one creature.
Players prefer Harm over Circle of Death
Fire Storm 7th-level evocation
Its 150-foot range and immediate area damage make it a close tactical alternative for devastating clustered enemies.
Players prefer Fire Storm over Circle of Death
Abi-Dalzim's Horrid Wilting 8th-level necromancy
It is a high-level necrotic blast with a large area, instantaneous resolution, and a strong focus on damaging many creatures at range.
Players prefer Circle of Death over Abi-Dalzim's Horrid Wilting
Sunburst 8th-level evocation
The spell fills a similar high-level niche by delivering instantaneous area damage at long range, with radiant rather than necrotic damage.
Players prefer Circle of Death over Sunburst
Otiluke's Freezing Sphere 6th-level evocation
This shares the same level, instantaneous timing, long reach, and mass-damage purpose, though it uses cold energy instead.
Players prefer Circle of Death over Otiluke's Freezing Sphere