Thorn Whip

A
Damage

Thorn Whip is a Damage spell. Damage spells focus on dealing harm to enemies.

See all Damage spells →
 spell that lashes thorny vines to wound a foe and pull it closer, shaping the
battlefield

Thorn Whip is a Battlefield Shaping spell. Battlefield Shaping spells alter terrain, create obstacles, introduce hazards, and affect enemy positioning.

See all Battlefield Shaping spells →
.

2024 Rules
Level & School
Transmutation cantrip
Casting Time
Action
Range
30 feet
Components
V, S, M (the stem of a thorny plant)
Duration
Instantaneous
Classes
Druid

You create a vine-like whip covered in thorns that lashes out at your command toward a creature in range. Make a melee spell attack against the target. On a hit, the target takes 1d6 Piercing damage, and if it is Large or smaller, you can pull it up to 10 feet closer to you.

Cantrip Upgrade. The damage increases by 1d6 when you reach levels 5 (2d6), 11 (3d6), and 17 (4d6).

2014 Rules
Level & School
Transmutation cantrip
Casting Time
Action
Range
30 feet
Components
V, S, M (the stem of a plant with thorns)
Duration
Instantaneous
Classes
Druid

You create a long, vine-like whip covered in thorns that lashes out at your command toward a creature in range. Make a melee spell attack against the target. If the attack hits, the creature takes 1d6 piercing damage, and if the creature is Large or smaller, you pull the creature up to 10 feet closer to you.

Cantrip Upgrade. This spell's damage increases by 1d6 when you reach 5th level (2d6), 11th level (3d6), and 17th level (4d6).

Thorn Whip 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

Effectively the same spell. The 2024 version is reworded but functions identically.

Thorn Whip popularity

Thorn Whip is a seldom chosen cantrip. Choosing it adds a unique option to your spellbook.

Spells similar to Thorn Whip

  • Grasping Vine 4th-level conjuration

    It’s a plant-themed spell that manipulates reach to seize or affect a target and shapes the battlefield much like this vine whip.

  • Entangle 1st-level conjuration

    Both are druid spells that use plants to control enemy positioning and alter the fight area rather than just dealing straightforward ranged damage.

  • Spike Growth 2nd-level transmutation

    This also uses natural terrain and thorny growths to reshape the battlefield and punish movement, echoing the thorny, area-control feel.

  • Shillelagh Transmutation cantrip

    Although it buffs a weapon rather than making an attack itself, it’s a druid melee-focused option that serves similar close-combat, nature-themed tactics.

  • Shocking Grasp Evocation cantrip

    As a melee spell attack cantrip used for single-target damage at touch range, it matches the tactical niche of an up-close offensive magical option.