Hail of Thorns

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

  • Arms of Hadar

    Both create an area effect from the caster, dealing damage to nearby enemies.

  • Cordon of Arrows

    Both involve ranged attacks and have an area effect that triggers when a creature enters a specified space.

  • Cloud of Daggers

    Both conjure a damaging area effect that harms creatures within a specific area.

  • Ensnaring Strike

    Both involve a ranged attack that generates additional effects on hit, including area control.

  • Thunderous Smite

    Both enhance a melee attack with additional damage and effects, affecting nearby creatures.