Power Word Kill

Level & School
9th-level enchantment
Casting Time
Action
Range
60 feet
Components
V
Duration
Instantaneous
Classes
Bard, Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard

You compel one creature you can see within range to die. If the target has 100 Hit Points or fewer, it dies. Otherwise, it takes 12d12 Psychic damage.

Level & School
9th-level enchantment
Casting Time
Action
Range
60 feet
Components
V
Duration
Instantaneous
Classes
Bard, Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard

You utter a word of power that can compel one creature you can see within range to die instantly. If the creature you choose has 100 hit points or fewer, it dies. Otherwise, the spell has no effect.

Power Word Kill 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

The 2024 version adds that if the target has more than 100 hit points, it takes 12d12 psychic damage instead of no effect; the 2014 version has no damage component and only kills if hit points are 100 or fewer.

Spells similar to Power Word Kill

  • Finger of Death

    Both deal significant damage based on the target's HP and use saving throws.

  • True Resurrection

    Both spells involve the concept of life and death, reviving or affecting creatures directly.

  • Power Word Stun

    Both are high-level spells that can incapacitate targets based on their hit points.

  • Power Word Heal

    Both spells directly influence hit points of a target, dealing with extreme effects.

  • Circle of Death

    Both spells deal high damage to targets in an area and have saving throw mechanics.