Healing Word

A
Support

Healing Word is a Support spell. Support spells strengthen, protect, or buff allies.

See all Support spells →
spell that lets you restore
healing

Healing Word is a Healing spell. Healing spells restore hit points and bring characters back to life.

See all Healing spells →
to a creature you can see, even from afar.

2024 Rules

Level & School
1st-level abjuration
Casting Time
Bonus action
Range
60 feet
Components
V
Duration
Instantaneous
Classes
Bard, Cleric, Druid

A creature of your choice that you can see within range regains Hit Points equal to 2d4 plus your spellcasting ability modifier.

Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. The healing increases by 2d4 for each spell slot level above 1.

2014 Rules

Level & School
1st-level evocation
Casting Time
Bonus action
Range
60 feet
Components
V
Duration
Instantaneous
Classes
Bard, Cleric, Druid

A creature of your choice that you can see within range regains hit points equal to 1d4 + your spellcasting ability modifier. This spell has no effect on undead or constructs.

Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 2nd level or higher, the healing increases by 1d4 for each slot level above 1st.

Healing Word 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

Healing Word now heals for 2d4 + your spellcasting ability modifier instead of 1d4 + mod, and it scales by 2d4 per slot level above 1st instead of 1d4. The undead/construct restriction is gone.

Healing Word popularity

Healing Word is one of the most popular level 1 spells in the game. Choosing it adds a D&D staple to your spellbook.

Spells similar to Healing Word

  • Mass Healing Word 3rd-level abjuration

    It’s the direct higher‑level version of this spell: a bonus‑action, ranged heal used by the same classes that scales to affect multiple allies at once.

  • Cure Wounds 1st-level abjuration

    A same‑tier, single‑target healing spell used by the same classes that differs mainly in range and action economy.

  • Prayer of Healing 2nd-level abjuration

    A party healing option from the same tradition that trades a bonus action and single target for an area heal at one level higher.

  • Goodberry 1st-level conjuration

    A level‑1 nature‑aligned healing option that gives small, repeatable healing resources and is commonly picked by the same kinds of casters.

  • Aura of Vitality 3rd-level abjuration

    Provides repeated bonus‑action healing over time and serves a similar tactical niche of keeping allies up during combat, though at a higher level and with concentration.

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