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% of all 5e spells
- Bottom 50% picked level 5 Wizard spell
- Bottom 10% picked level 5 Cleric spell
Read about how this popularity data is calculated.
Spells similar to Dawn
Moonbeam 2nd-level evocation
Both create a movable, radiant area that damages creatures repeatedly while requiring concentration.
Players prefer Moonbeam over Dawn
Call Lightning 3rd-level conjuration
Both sustain area damage through concentration and let the caster spend later turns directing further strikes.
Players prefer Call Lightning over Dawn
Flame Strike 5th-level evocation
It matches Dawn's level, evocation school, cleric access, range, and multi-target radiant damage, but lacks the ongoing zone.
Players prefer Flame Strike over Dawn
Sunbeam 6th-level evocation
The spells share radiant damage, concentration, repeated attacks across multiple turns, and strong cleric-wizard overlap.
Players prefer Sunbeam over Dawn
Sickening Radiance 4th-level evocation
A persistent radiant zone makes it a close tactical match, even though its secondary effects differ.
Players prefer Dawn over Sickening Radiance
Wall of Light 5th-level evocation
This is another concentration-based radiant effect that shapes the battlefield and can deal damage over time.
Players prefer Dawn over Wall of Light