Fireball

A
Damage

Fireball is a Damage spell. Damage spells focus on dealing harm to enemies.

See all Damage spells →
 spell that erupts in a fiery blast, scorching
multiple creatures

Fireball is a Multi Target spell. Multi Target spells have an area of effect or can explicitly target multiple allies or enemies.

See all Multi Target spells →
 and setting the battlefield ablaze.

2024 Rules
Level & School
3rd-level evocation
Casting Time
Action
Range
150 feet
Components
V, S, M (a ball of bat guano and sulfur)
Duration
Instantaneous
Classes
Sorcerer, Wizard

A bright streak flashes from you to a point you choose within range and then blossoms with a low roar into a fiery explosion. Each creature in a 20-foot-radius Sphere centered on that point makes a Dexterity saving throw, taking 8d6 Fire damage on a failed save or half as much damage on a successful one. Flammable objects in the area that aren't being worn or carried start burning.

Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. The damage increases by 1d6 for each spell slot level above 3.

2014 Rules
Level & School
3rd-level evocation
Casting Time
Action
Range
150 feet
Components
V, S, M (a tiny ball of bat guano and sulfur)
Duration
Instantaneous
Classes
Sorcerer, Wizard

A bright streak flashes from your pointing finger to a point you choose within range and then blossoms with a low roar into an explosion of flame. Each creature in a 20-foot radius sphere centered on that point must make a Dexterity saving throw. A target takes 8d6 fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

The fire spreads around corners. It ignites flammable objects in the area that aren't being worn or carried.

Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 4th level or higher, the damage increases by 1d6 for each slot level above 3rd.

Fireball 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

The 2024 version no longer says the fire spreads around corners, so that part of the spell’s area is no longer explicitly called out. Otherwise, the damage, range, components, targets, and upcasting are the same.

Fireball popularity

Fireball is one of the most popular level 3 spells in the game. Choosing it adds a D&D staple to your spellbook.

Spells similar to Fireball

  • Delayed Blast Fireball 7th-level evocation

    A larger, delayed version of the same exploding fire effect that scales with higher slots in almost identical spell roles.

  • Lightning Bolt 3rd-level evocation

    Same level and school, a long-range evocation that deals heavy area damage in a different shape but serves the same battlefield-burst purpose.

  • Wall of Fire 4th-level evocation

    Also fire-based evocation area damage that controls space and repeatedly harms creatures that enter or remain in the zone.

  • Fire Storm 7th-level evocation

    A high-level, multi-area fire barrage that fills a similar niche of widespread, heavy fire damage across the battlefield.

  • Burning Hands 1st-level evocation

    A lower-level evocation that provides a short-range burst of fire to hit multiple targets, sharing the same elemental and tactical feel.

Fireball is featured in