Sword Burst
2014 Rules
- Level & School
- Conjuration cantrip
- Casting Time
- Action
- Range
- Self (5-foot radius)
- Components
- V
- Duration
- Instantaneous
- Classes
- Artificer, Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard
- Source
- Tasha's Cauldron of Everything
You create a momentary circle of spectral blades that sweep around you. All other creatures within 5 feet of you must succeed on a Dexterity saving throw or take 1d6 force damage.
Cantrip Upgrade. This spell's damage increases by 1d6 when you reach 5th level (2d6), 11th level (3d6) and 17th level (4d6).
Sword Burst 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences
Sword Burst is currently only available in the 2014 edition.
Sword Burst popularity
How popular is Sword Burst? It is a commonly found spell in the game, but it is almost never chosen when available. This spell is not highly valued.
- Top 50% of all 5e spells
- Bottom 10% of all cantrips
- Bottom 10% picked Wizard cantrip
- Bottom 10% picked Warlock cantrip
- Bottom 10% picked Artificer cantrip
- Bottom 10% picked Sorcerer cantrip
Read about how this popularity data is calculated.
Spells similar to Sword Burst
Word of Radiance Evocation cantrip
This also hits nearby enemies around your own position and rewards being surrounded.
Players prefer Word of Radiance over Sword Burst
Burning Hands 1st-level evocation
Like Sword Burst, it’s a low-level burst that clears creatures right next to you, just in a cone instead of a ring.
Players prefer Burning Hands over Sword Burst
Thunderwave 1st-level evocation
Both are point-blank area blasts that punish enemies who get too close, though this one pushes them away.
Players prefer Thunderwave over Sword Burst
Thunderclap Evocation cantrip
It’s another close-range cantrip that blasts everything around you with a saving throw.
Players prefer Thunderclap over Sword Burst
Frost Fingers 1st-level evocation
It has the same “stay near me and get hit” feel, with a short-range cone that damages multiple creatures.
Players prefer Sword Burst over Frost Fingers