Destructive Wave
2024 Rules
- Level & School
- 5th-level evocation
- Casting Time
- Action
- Range
- Self
- Components
- V
- Duration
- Instantaneous
- Classes
- Paladin
Destructive energy ripples outward from you in a 30-foot Emanation. Each creature you choose in the Emanation makes a Constitution saving throw. On a failed save, a target takes 5d6 Thunder damage and 5d6 Radiant or Necrotic damage (your choice) and has the Prone condition. On a successful save, a target takes half as much damage only.
2014 Rules
- Level & School
- 5th-level evocation
- Casting Time
- Action
- Range
- Self (30-foot radius)
- Components
- V
- Duration
- Instantaneous
- Classes
- Paladin
You strike the ground, creating a burst of divine energy that ripples outward from you. Each creature you choose within 30 feet of you must succeed on a Constitution saving throw or take 5d6 thunder damage, as well as 5d6 radiant or necrotic damage (your choice), and be knocked prone. A creature that succeeds on its saving throw takes half as much damage and isn’t knocked prone.
Destructive Wave 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences
Destructive Wave popularity
How popular is Destructive Wave? It is a seldom seen spell in the game, but is chosen above nearly all other options when available. This spell is a rare gem that spellcasters seek out.
- #1 picked level 5 Paladin spell
- Bottom 50% of all level 5 spells
- Bottom 50% of all 5e spells
Spells similar to Destructive Wave
Flame Strike 5th-level evocation
Also a fifth-level area-damage evocation that mixes damage types and is chosen when you want a powerful, single-action burst against groups of enemies.
Players prefer Destructive Wave over Flame Strike
Cloudkill 5th-level conjuration
Although it persists, Cloudkill is a fifth-level multi-target damage spell that shapes the battlefield and pressures groups of enemies in much the same scenarios.
Players prefer Destructive Wave over Cloudkill
Synaptic Static 5th-level enchantment
This fifth-level spell is an instant multi-target damage effect with a save for reduced impact, making it mechanically comparable as an AOE damage option at the same slot level.
Players prefer Destructive Wave over Synaptic Static
Cone of Cold 5th-level evocation
A fifth-level evocation you cast from yourself that deals heavy area damage to multiple targets and offers a save for half damage, matching its role and power level closely.
Players prefer Destructive Wave over Cone of Cold
Jallarzi's Storm of Radiance 5th-level evocation
A fifth-level radiant-themed evocation that damages multiple targets in an area over time and appeals to similar tactical use against clustered foes.
Players prefer Destructive Wave over Jallarzi's Storm of Radiance