Inflict Wounds

A
Damage

Inflict Wounds is a Damage spell. Damage spells focus on dealing harm to enemies.

See all Damage spells →
 spell that channels a cruel touch to sear a creature with necrotic power, growing deadlier with higher spell slots.

2024 Rules
Level & School
1st-level necromancy
Casting Time
Action
Range
Touch
Components
V, S
Duration
Instantaneous
Classes
Cleric

A creature you touch makes a Constitution saving throw, taking 2d10 Necrotic 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 necromancy
Casting Time
Action
Range
Touch
Components
V, S
Duration
Instantaneous
Classes
Cleric

Make a melee spell attack against a creature you can reach. On a hit, the target takes 3d10 necrotic damage.

Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 2nd level or higher, the damage increases by 1d10 for each slot level above 1st.

Inflict Wounds 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

It changed from a melee spell attack that dealt 3d10 on a hit to a Constitution save for 2d10 necrotic damage, with half damage on a success. Upcasting still adds 1d10 per slot level above 1st.

Inflict Wounds popularity

Inflict Wounds is a commonly chosen level 1 spell. Choosing it adds an established option to your spellbook.

Spells similar to Inflict Wounds

  • Guiding Bolt 1st-level evocation

    A 1st-level cleric damage spell that targets a single creature and is chosen in similar tactical situations for burst single-target damage.

  • Ray of Sickness 1st-level necromancy

    A 1st-level necromancy option that deals damage to one creature and forces a saving throw, matching the school and single-target, save-for-effect pattern.

  • Chill Touch Necromancy cantrip

    A necromancy touch attack that deals necrotic damage at will, sharing the damage type and touch delivery even though it’s a cantrip.

  • Vampiric Touch 3rd-level necromancy

    A higher-level necromancy touch spell that similarly channels necrotic damage against a single target and scales with spell level, echoing the theme and progression.

  • Shocking Grasp Evocation cantrip

    A touch-range damage spell used for close-quarters single-target bursts, making it a mechanically similar choice despite differing damage type.