Tidal Wave
2014 Rules
- Level & School
- 3rd-level conjuration
- Casting Time
- Action
- Range
- 120 feet
- Components
- V, S, M (a drop of water)
- Duration
- Instantaneous
- Classes
- Druid, Sorcerer, Wizard
- Source
- Xanathar's Guide to Everything
You conjure up a wave of water that crashes down on an area within range. The area can be up to 30 feet long, up to 10 feet wide, and up to 10 feet tall. Each creature in that area must make a Dexterity saving throw. On a failed save, a creature takes 4d8 bludgeoning damage and is knocked prone. On a successful save, a creature takes half as much damage and isn't knocked prone. The water then spreads out across the ground in all directions, extinguishing unprotected flames in its area and within 30 feet of it, and then it vanishes.
Tidal Wave 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences
Tidal Wave is currently only available in the 2014 edition.
Tidal Wave popularity
How popular is Tidal Wave? It is a seldom seen spell in the game, and is chosen less than other options when available. This spell may fill a specific niche for a spellbook.
- Bottom 50% of all 5e spells
- Bottom 50% picked level 3 Wizard spell
- Bottom 50% of all level 3 spells
- Bottom 50% picked level 3 Sorcerer spell
- Bottom 10% picked level 3 Druid spell
Read about how this popularity data is calculated.
Spells similar to Tidal Wave
Maelstrom 5th-level evocation
Both are druid-accessible water- or storm-themed effects that deal bludgeoning damage across a contested area.
Players prefer Maelstrom over Tidal Wave
Ice Storm 4th-level evocation
This fourth-level spell combines bludgeoning damage with a broad battlefield-affecting area against multiple targets.
Players prefer Ice Storm over Tidal Wave
Thunderwave 1st-level evocation
The spells share an instantaneous area attack, a saving throw, and the ability to scatter or knock enemies out of position.
Players prefer Thunderwave over Tidal Wave
Erupting Earth 3rd-level transmutation
It is a same-level area burst that deals bludgeoning damage to multiple creatures and alters the battlefield.
Players prefer Erupting Earth over Tidal Wave
Pulse Wave 3rd-level evocation
Both are instantaneous third-level area attacks that use bludgeoning-like force to disrupt enemy positioning.
Players prefer Tidal Wave over Pulse Wave
Dust Devil 2nd-level conjuration
It creates a damaging bludgeoning hazard that affects groups and controls where enemies can safely stand.
Players prefer Tidal Wave over Dust Devil