Thunderwave

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.

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

The 2024 version clarifies "range" as "Self" with a 15-foot cube, removes "originating from you" for the cube, and states "only" for half damage on a successful save. It also simplifies object push wording and confirms damage increase per slot level. No change in damage or push mechanics.

Spells similar to Thunderwave

  • Shatter

    Both spells deal thunder damage and affect multiple creatures within a specified area.

  • Burning Hands

    Similar area of effect and instant damage, though Burning Hands deals fire damage instead.

  • Thunderous Smite

    Both involve thunder damage, with Thunderous Smite adding extra damage to a melee attack.

  • Dissonant Whispers

    Both spells cause damage and can affect the target's position, causing it to move away.

  • Gust of Wind

    Both spells involve pushing creatures away, with Gust of Wind using strong winds.