Thunderwave

A
Damage

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

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 spell that blasts nearby foes with thunder, hitting
multiple creatures

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

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 and
shaping the battlefield

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

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 by driving them back.

2024 Rules
Level & School
1st-level evocation
Casting Time
Action
Range
Self
Components
V, S
Duration
Instantaneous
Classes
Bard, Druid, Sorcerer, Wizard

You unleash a wave of thunderous energy. Each creature in a 15- foot Cube originating from you makes a Constitution saving throw. On a failed save, a creature takes 2d8 Thunder damage and is pushed 10 feet away from you. On a successful save, a creature takes half as much damage only.

In addition, unsecured objects that are entirely within the Cube are pushed 10 feet away from you, and a thunderous boom is audible within 300 feet.

Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. The damage increases by 1d8 for each spell slot level above 1.

2014 Rules
Level & School
1st-level evocation
Casting Time
Action
Range
Self (15-foot cube)
Components
V, S
Duration
Instantaneous
Classes
Bard, Druid, Sorcerer, Wizard

A wave of thunderous force sweeps out from you. Each creature in a 15-foot cube originating from you must make a Constitution saving throw. On a failed save, a creature takes 2d8 thunder damage and is pushed 10 feet away from you. On a successful save, the creature takes half as much damage and isn't pushed.

In addition, unsecured objects that are completely within the area of effect are automatically pushed 10 feet away from you by the spell's effect, and the spell emits a thunderous boom audible out to 300 feet.

Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 2nd level or higher, the damage increases by 1d8 for each slot level above 1st.

Thunderwave 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

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

Thunderwave popularity

Thunderwave is one of the most popular level 1 spells in the game. Choosing it adds a D&D staple to your spellbook.

Spells similar to Thunderwave

  • Shatter 2nd-level evocation

    It deals thunder damage in an area, can harm or destroy unattended objects, and is a higher-level area thunder effect similar in theme and function.

  • Thunderclap Evocation cantrip

    A self-originating thunder burst that hits every creature nearby, matching the sound-and-area feel of the spell at a lower power level.

  • Burning Hands 1st-level evocation

    A first-level evocation that creates a cone of damage originating from the caster, serving the same close-range, multi-target damage role.

  • Arms of Hadar 1st-level conjuration

    A self-centered area effect that damages every creature around the caster at first level, offering a similar tactical option for close-quarters fights.

  • Wardaway 1st-level abjuration

    Listed as a first-level effect that shapes the battlefield and deals area damage, making it a close mechanical cousin in use and intent.