Delayed Blast Fireball

Level & School
7th-level evocation
Casting Time
Action
Range
150 feet
Components
V, S, M (a ball of bat guano and sulfur)
Duration
Concentration, up to 1 minute
Classes
Sorcerer, Wizard

A beam of yellow light flashes from you, then condenses at a chosen point within range as a glowing bead for the duration. When the spell ends, the bead explodes, and each creature in a 20- foot-radius Sphere centered on that point makes a Dexterity saving throw. A creature takes Fire damage equal to the total accumulated damage on a failed save or half as much damage on a successful one.

The spell's base damage is 12d6, and the damage increases by 1d6 whenever your turn ends and the spell hasn't ended. If a creature touches the glowing bead before the spell ends, that creature makes a Dexterity saving throw. On a failed save, the spell ends, causing the bead to explode.

On a successful save, the creature can throw the bead up to 40 feet. If the thrown bead enters a creature's space or collides with a solid object, the spell ends, and the bead explodes.

When the bead explodes, flammable objects in the explosion that aren't being worn or carried start burning.

Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. The base damage increases by 1d6 for each spell slot level above 7.

Level & School
7th-level evocation
Casting Time
Action
Range
150 feet
Components
V, S, M (a tiny ball of bat guano and sulfur)
Duration
Concentration, 1 minute
Classes
Sorcerer, Wizard

A beam of yellow light flashes from your pointing finger, then condenses to linger at a chosen point within range as a glowing bead for the duration. When the spell ends, either because your concentration is broken or because you decide to end it, the bead blossoms with a low roar into an explosion of flame that spreads around corners. Each creature in a 20-foot radius sphere centered on that point must make a Dexterity saving throw. A creature takes fire damage equal to the total accumulated damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

The spell's base damage is 12d6. If at the end of your turn the bead has not yet detonated, the damage increases by 1d6.

If the glowing bead is touched before the interval has expired, the creature touching it must make a Dexterity saving throw. On a failed save, the spell ends immediately, causing the bead to erupt in flame. On a successful save, the creature can throw the bead up to 40 feet. When it strikes a creature or a solid object, the spell ends, and the bead explodes.

The fire damages objects in the area and ignites flammable objects that aren't being worn or carried.

Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 8th level or higher, the base damage increases by 1d6 for each slot level above 7th.

Delayed Blast Fireball 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

Both versions have the same damage mechanics, increasing by 1d6 each turn if not detonated. The 2024 version specifies "up to" 1 minute duration, but the effect is essentially the same. The 2024 version clarifies the explosion triggers and effects but no significant mechanical differences.