Cone of Cold

Damage Multi Target

Level & School
5th-level evocation
Casting Time
Action
Range
Self
Components
V, S, M (a small crystal or glass cone)
Duration
Instantaneous
Classes
Druid, Sorcerer, Wizard

You unleash a blast of cold air. Each creature in a 60-foot Cone originating from you makes a Constitution saving throw, taking 8d8 Cold damage on a failed save or half as much damage on a successful one. A creature killed by this spell becomes a frozen statue until it thaws.

Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. The damage increases by 1d8 for each spell slot level above 5.

Level & School
5th-level evocation
Casting Time
Action
Range
Self (60-foot cone)
Components
V, S, M (a small crystal or glass cone)
Duration
Instantaneous
Classes
Sorcerer, Wizard

A blast of cold air erupts from your hands. Each creature in a 60-foot cone must make a Constitution saving throw. A creature takes 8d8 cold damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

A creature killed by this spell becomes a frozen statue until it thaws.

Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 6th level or higher, the damage increases by 1d8 for each slot level above 5th.

Cone of Cold 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

The 2024 version adds Druid as a class, clarifies the cone originates from the caster, and rephrases the description. The damage increase wording is simplified; mechanically, both versions deal 8d8 cold damage with a 1d8 increase per slot level above 5. No significant mechanical differences in damage or effects.

Spells similar to Cone of Cold

  • Otiluke's Freezing Sphere, 6th-level evocation

    It’s an evocation cold-themed, high-level area damage spell that functions like a larger, more mobile version of an icy blast.

  • Ice Storm, 4th-level evocation

    This is another evocation spell that deals cold (and bludgeoning) area damage in a large zone and is used for the same battlefield-clearing purpose.

  • Chain Lightning, 6th-level evocation

    Although it targets in a different pattern, it’s an evocation spell at a higher level that delivers heavy single-instance damage to multiple targets, similar in role and power curve.

  • Fireball, 3rd-level evocation

    Fireball is the archetypal instant-area evocation damage spell used to clear groups, matching Cone of Cold’s tactical niche despite using fire instead of cold.

  • Cloudkill, 5th-level conjuration

    Cloudkill is a level-5 area-damage spell that shapes the battlefield and punishes clusters of enemies, making it a close tactical analogue even though it’s ongoing rather than instantaneous.