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
Source
Player's Handbook (2024)

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
Range
Self
Components
V
Duration
Concentration, 1 minute
Classes
Ranger
Source
Player's Handbook (2014)

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

It no longer requires Concentration and it no longer waits for your next hit; you cast it as you hit a creature, then it resolves immediately. The duration is now Instantaneous. The old cap on upcasting is gone, so the damage can keep scaling by 1d10 per slot level.

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.

Spells similar to Hail of Thorns