Hail of Thorns

Damage Multi Target

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.

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

The 2014 version has a duration of "up to 1 minute," allowing the spell to last that long, while the 2024 version is "Instantaneous," meaning the effect occurs immediately upon hitting. The damage scaling wording differs: 2014 specifies "damage increases by 1d10 for each slot level above 1st," whereas 2024 states "damage increases by 1d10 for each spell slot level above 1."

Spells similar to Hail of Thorns

  • Lightning Arrow, 3rd-level transmutation

    It converts a ranger's ranged attack into an area-effect strike that deals extra damage around the target, very close in function and purpose.

  • Conjure Barrage, 3rd-level conjuration

    This ranger spell creates a shower of ammunition from your position that hits a target and nearby creatures, matching the same thematic and tactical role at a higher level.

  • Ice Knife, 1st-level conjuration

    It deals direct damage to a target and then explodes to damage creatures nearby with a Dexterity save for half, mirroring the hit-plus-AoE-with-save pattern.

  • Ensnaring Strike, 1st-level conjuration

    Like Hail of Thorns, it modifies a ranger's weapon attack as a personal buff that triggers on hit, applying an additional effect centered on the struck target.

  • Cordon of Arrows, 2nd-level transmutation

    This ranger option creates arrow-based damage that affects multiple targets and can be placed to punish foes, sharing the arrow/area-damage theme and ranger focus.