Maelstrom
2014 Rules
- Level & School
- 5th-level evocation
- Casting Time
- Action
- Range
- 120 feet
- Components
- V, S, M (paper or leaf in the shape of a funnel)
- Duration
- Concentration, 1 minute
- Classes
- Druid
- Source
- Xanathar's Guide to Everything
A swirling mass of 5-foot-deep water appears in a 30-foot radius centered on a point you can see within range. The point must be on the ground or in a body of water. Until the spell ends, that area is difficult terrain, and any creature that starts its turn there must succeed on a Strength saving throw or take 6d6 bludgeoning damage and be pulled 10 feet toward the center.
Maelstrom 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences
Maelstrom is currently only available in the 2014 edition.
Maelstrom popularity
How popular is Maelstrom? It is one of the rarest spells in the game, but is often chosen over other options when available. This spell is a rare and unique offering.
- Bottom 50% picked level 5 Druid spell
- Bottom 25% of all level 5 spells
- Bottom 10% of all 5e spells
Read about how this popularity data is calculated.
Spells similar to Maelstrom
Tsunami 8th-level conjuration
This is the big-area version of the same idea: a massive druidic water effect that controls space and hits many creatures.
Players prefer Tsunami over Maelstrom
Control Water 4th-level transmutation
Both reshape water at long range, and this one is the clearest match for turning the battlefield itself into a hazard.
Players prefer Maelstrom over Control Water
Sleet Storm 3rd-level conjuration
Like Maelstrom, it blankets a wide area, slows movement, and keeps enemies dealing with a difficult, miserable terrain.
Players prefer Maelstrom over Sleet Storm
Wall of Water 3rd-level evocation
It is another druid spell that uses water to alter the battlefield, though it is more defensive than damaging.
Players prefer Maelstrom over Wall of Water
Watery Sphere 4th-level conjuration
It creates a watery area that affects multiple creatures over time and is one of the closest druid water-control spells.
Players prefer Maelstrom over Watery Sphere