Thunderclap

A
Damage

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

See all Damage spells →
 spell that blasts nearby foes in a thunderous burst,
multiple creatures

Thunderclap is a Multi Target spell. Multi Target spells have an area of effect or can explicitly target multiple allies or enemies.

See all Multi Target spells →
 making a
save-or-suck

Thunderclap is a Save or Suck spell. Save or Suck spells fall entirely flat if the target succeeds on a saving throw.

See all Save or Suck spells →
 test to withstand the shock.

2024 Rules
Level & School
Evocation cantrip
Casting Time
Action
Range
Self
Components
S
Duration
Instantaneous
Classes
Bard, Druid, Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard

Each creature in a 5-foot Emanation originating from you must succeed on a Constitution saving throw or take 1d6 Thunder damage. The spell's thunderous sound can be heard up to 100 feet away.

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

2014 Rules
Level & School
Evocation cantrip
Casting Time
Action
Range
Self
Components
S
Duration
Instantaneous
Classes
Bard, Druid, Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard

You create a burst of thunderous sound that can be heard up to 100 feet away. Each creature within range, other than you, must succeed on a Constitution saving throw or take 1d6 thunder damage.

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

Thunderclap 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

Thunderclap now affects creatures in a 5-foot Emanation centered on you instead of “each creature within range, other than you.” That makes the area more clearly defined at the table. Everything else functions the same.

Thunderclap popularity

Thunderclap is one of the rarest cantrips in the game. Choosing it will set you apart from all other casters.

Spells similar to Thunderclap

  • Thunderwave 1st-level evocation

    It’s an evocation that originates on you and deals thunder damage to multiple nearby creatures in an area around the caster.

  • Shatter 2nd-level evocation

    Shatter deals thunder damage in an area and forces a Constitution save, making its damage type and save mechanic closely match this spell.

  • Word of Radiance Evocation cantrip

    This cantrip is a self-originating area effect that forces a saving throw against damage to every creature in melee range, playing the same tactical role at cantrip level.

  • Arms of Hadar 1st-level conjuration

    Arms of Hadar is a short-range, self-centered burst that damages every creature nearby on the caster’s turn, so its use-case and area-of-effect feel similar.

  • Acid Splash Evocation cantrip

    As a cantrip that can hit multiple targets and fits the quick-damage, area-oriented niche, it parallels this spell’s role despite using a different damage type.