Hail of Thorns

A
Damage

Hail of Thorns is a Damage spell. Damage spells focus on dealing harm to enemies.

See all Damage spells →
 spell that turns a ranged hit into a burst of thorns, striking the target and
nearby foes

Hail of Thorns 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 →
 around it.

2024 Rules
Level & School
1st-level conjuration
Casting Time
Bonus action, which you take immediately after hitting a creature with a Ranged weapon
Range
Self
Components
V
Duration
Instantaneous
Classes
Ranger

As you hit the creature, this spell creates a rain of thorns that sprouts from your Ranged weapon or ammunition. The target of the attack and each creature within 5 feet of it make a Dexterity saving throw, taking 1d10 Piercing damage on a failed save or half as much damage on a successful one.

Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. The damage increases by 1d10 for each spell slot level above 1.

2014 Rules
Level & School
1st-level conjuration
Casting Time
Bonus action, which you take immediately after hitting a creature with a Ranged weapon
Range
Self
Components
V
Duration
Concentration, up to 1 minute
Classes
Ranger

The next time you hit a creature with a ranged weapon attack before the spell ends, this spell creates a rain of thorns that sprouts from your ranged weapon or ammunition. In addition to the normal effect of the attack, the target of the attack and each creature within 5 feet of it must make a Dexterity saving throw. A creature takes 1d10 piercing damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. If you cast this spell using a spell slot of 2nd level or higher, the damage increases by 1d10 for each slot level above 1st (to a maximum of 6d10).

Hail of Thorns 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

No longer requires Concentration, and it’s now instantaneous instead of lasting up to 1 minute. The upcast scaling no longer has a 6d10 maximum, so it keeps increasing by 1d10 per slot level beyond 1st.

Hail of Thorns popularity

How popular is Hail of Thorns? 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.

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