Dawn
2014 Rules
- Level & School
- 5th-level evocation
- Casting Time
- Action
- Range
- 60 feet
- Components
- V, S, M (a sunburst pendant worth at least 100 gp)
- Duration
- Concentration, 1 minute
- Classes
- Cleric, Wizard
- Source
- Xanathar's Guide to Everything
The light of dawn shines down on a location you specify within range. Until the spell ends, a 30-foot-radius, 40-foot-high cylinder of bright light glimmers there. This light is sunlight.
When the cylinder appears, each creature in it must make a Constitution saving throw, taking 4d10 radiant damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. A creature must also make this saving throw whenever it ends its turn in the cylinder.
If you're within 60 feet of the cylinder, you can move it up to 60 feet as a bonus action on your turn.
Dawn 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences
Dawn is currently only available in the 2014 edition.
Dawn popularity
How popular is Dawn? It is a seldom seen spell in the game, and is chosen less than other options when available. This spell may fill a specific niche for a spellbook.
- Bottom 50% of all level 5 spells
- Bottom 50% picked level 5 Wizard spell
- Bottom 50% of all 5e spells
- Bottom 10% picked level 5 Cleric spell
Read about how this popularity data is calculated.
Spells similar to Dawn
Spirit Guardians 3rd-level conjuration
Like Dawn, it surrounds an area with an ongoing aura that punishes enemies who stay inside it.
Players prefer Spirit Guardians over Dawn
Blade Barrier 6th-level evocation
This is another cleric-friendly concentration spell that turns a space into a dangerous zone enemies want to avoid.
Players prefer Blade Barrier over Dawn
Sunbeam 6th-level evocation
It also channels intense sunlight for sustained radiant damage and can be repositioned while you keep concentrating.
Players prefer Sunbeam over Dawn
Sickening Radiance 4th-level evocation
Both create a persistent area that keeps hurting creatures turn after turn, though this one trades radiant light for a harsher debuffing effect.
Players prefer Dawn over Sickening Radiance
Wall of Light 5th-level evocation
It shares the same level and school, and both spells create a radiant battlefield hazard you can use to pressure clustered foes.