Hunger of Hadar

A
Damage

Hunger of Hadar is a Damage spell. Damage spells focus on dealing harm to enemies.

See all Damage spells →
 spell that blankets an area in Far Realm darkness, using
battlefield control

Hunger of Hadar is a Battlefield Shaping spell. Battlefield Shaping spells alter terrain, create obstacles, introduce hazards, and affect enemy positioning.

See all Battlefield Shaping spells →
 to torment
multiple creatures

Hunger of Hadar is a Multi Target spell. Multi Target spells have an area of effect or can explicitly target multiple allies or enemies.

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 with cold and acid horrors.

2024 Rules
Level & School
3rd-level conjuration
Casting Time
Action
Range
150 feet
Components
V, S, M (a pickled tentacle)
Duration
Concentration, up to 1 minute
Classes
Warlock

You open a gateway to the Far Realm, a region infested with unspeakable horrors. A 20-foot-radius Sphere of Darkness appears, centered on a point with range and lasting for the duration. The Sphere is Difficult Terrain, and it is filled with strange whispers and slurping noises, which can be heard up to 30 feet away. No light, magical or otherwise, can illuminate the area, and creatures fully within it have the Blinded condition.

Any creature that starts its turn in the area takes 2d6 Cold damage. Any creature that ends its turn there must succeed on a Dexterity saving throw or take 2d6 Acid damage from otherworldly tentacles.

Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. The Cold or Acid damage (your choice) increases by 1d6 for each spell slot level above 3.

2014 Rules
Level & School
3rd-level conjuration
Casting Time
Action
Range
150 feet
Components
V, S, M (a pickled octopus tentacle)
Duration
Concentration, up to 1 minute
Classes
Warlock

You open a gateway to the dark between the stars, a region infested with unknown horrors. A 20-foot-radius sphere of blackness and bitter cold appears, centered on a point within range and lasting for the duration. This void is filled with a cacophony of soft whispers and slurping noises that can be heard up to 30 feet away. No light, magical or otherwise, can illuminate the area, and creatures fully within the area are blinded.

The void creates a warp in the fabric of space, and the area is difficult terrain. Any creature that starts its turn in the area takes 2d6 cold damage. Any creature that ends its turn in the area must succeed on a Dexterity saving throw or take 2d6 acid damage as milky, otherworldly tentacles rub against it.

Hunger of Hadar 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

It now has an upcasting benefit: when cast with a slot above 3rd, the Cold or Acid damage of your choice increases by 1d6 per slot level.

Hunger of Hadar popularity

Hunger of Hadar is a commonly chosen level 3 spell. Choosing it adds an established option to your spellbook.

Spells similar to Hunger of Hadar

  • Cloud of Daggers 2nd-level conjuration

    Creates a small persistent conjured area that deals damage each turn and reshapes the battlefield in a similar way.

  • Spirit Guardians 3rd-level conjuration

    A concentration area that damages multiple creatures each turn and controls space around the caster like a dangerous zone.

  • Evard's Black Tentacles 4th-level conjuration

    Conjures writhing tentacles that occupy and shape an area while harming and hindering enemies, thematically and mechanically akin to tentacle-driven damage.

  • Stinking Cloud 3rd-level conjuration

    Produces a lingering area effect with sensory disruption and control that forces enemies to suffer ongoing consequences for staying inside.

  • Cloudkill 5th-level conjuration

    Forms a moving poisonous cloud that deals damage over time to anyone inside and is used to deny or shape space on the battlefield.