Dragon's Breath
2024 Rules
- Level & School
- 2nd-level transmutation
- Casting Time
- Bonus action
- Range
- Touch
- Components
- V, S, M (a hot pepper)
- Duration
- Concentration, 1 minute
- Classes
- Artificer, Sorcerer, Wizard
- Source
- Player's Handbook (2024)
You touch one willing creature, and choose Acid, Cold, Fire, Lightning, or Poison. Until the spell ends, the target can take a Magic action to exhale a 15-foot Cone. Each creature in that area makes a Dexterity saving throw, taking 3d6 damage of the chosen type on a failed save or half as much damage on a successful one.
Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. The damage increases by 1d6 for each spell slot level above 2.
2014 Rules
- Level & School
- 2nd-level transmutation
- Casting Time
- Bonus action
- Range
- Touch
- Components
- V, S, M (a hot pepper)
- Duration
- Concentration, 1 minute
- Classes
- Sorcerer, Wizard
- Source
- Xanathar's Guide to Everything
You touch one willing creature and imbue it with the power to spew magical energy from its mouth, provided it has one. Choose acid, cold, fire, lightning, or poison. Until the spell ends, the creature can use an action to exhale energy of the chosen type in a 15-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a Dexterity saving throw, taking 3d6 damage of the chosen type on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 3rd level or higher, the damage increases by 1d6 for each slot level above 2nd.
Dragon's Breath 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences
Dragon's Breath popularity
How popular is Dragon's Breath? It is a commonly found spell in the game, and is often chosen over other options when available. This spell is a reliable addition to any spellbook.
- Top 25% picked level 2 Wizard spell
- Top 50% of all 5e spells
- Top 50% picked level 2 Sorcerer spell
- Top 50% picked level 2 Artificer spell
- Top 50% of all level 2 spells
Read about how this popularity data is calculated.
Spells similar to Dragon's Breath
Elemental Weapon 3rd-level transmutation
Both are 3rd-level-or-lower Transmutation spells that empower a touched creature with ongoing elemental damage.
Players prefer Elemental Weapon over Dragon's Breath
Chromatic Orb 1st-level evocation
It shares the same caster classes and broad choice of acid, cold, fire, lightning, or poison damage, although its effect is immediate rather than sustained.
Players prefer Dragon's Breath over Chromatic Orb
Flaming Sphere 2nd-level conjuration
Like Dragon's Breath, it is a 2nd-level concentration damage spell that creates repeatable area attacks and rewards continued actions over multiple rounds.
Players prefer Dragon's Breath over Flaming Sphere
Aganazzar's Scorcher 2nd-level evocation
This same-level spell delivers elemental damage to multiple targets in a narrow area and shares the sorcerer and wizard lists.
Players prefer Dragon's Breath over Aganazzar's Scorcher
Flame Arrows 3rd-level transmutation
The spells both touch an ally and maintain a concentration-based damage enhancement that can produce attacks throughout a fight.
Players prefer Dragon's Breath over Flame Arrows
Rime's Binding Ice 2nd-level evocation
Both use a short cone and a Dexterity save to damage several creatures, though Rime's Binding Ice adds a slowing effect.
Players prefer Dragon's Breath over Rime's Binding Ice