Vitriolic Sphere

A
Damage

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

See all Damage spells →
 spell that hurls acid in a burst, scorching
multiple creatures

Vitriolic Sphere 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 →
 now and again after the blast.

2024 Rules
Level & School
4th-level evocation
Casting Time
Action
Range
150 feet
Components
V, S, M (a drop of bile)
Duration
Instantaneous
Classes
Sorcerer, Wizard

You point at a location within range, and a glowing, 1-foot- diameter ball of acid streaks there and explodes in a 20-foot-radius Sphere. Each creature in that area makes a Dexterity saving throw. On a failed save, a creature takes 10d4 Acid damage and another Sd4 Acid damage at the end of its next turn. On a successful save, a creature takes half the initial damage only.

Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. The initial damage increases by 2d4 for each spell slot level above 4.

2014 Rules
Level & School
4th-level evocation
Casting Time
Action
Range
150 feet
Components
V, S, M (a drop of giant slug bile)
Duration
Instantaneous
Classes
Sorcerer, Wizard

You point at a place within range, and a glowing 1-foot ball of emerald acid streaks there and explodes in a 20-foot radius. Each creature in that area must make a Dexterity saving throw. On a failed save, a creature takes 10d4 acid damage and 5d4 acid damage at the end of its next turn. On a successful save, a creature takes half the initial damage and no damage at the end of its next turn.

Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 5th level or higher, the initial damage increases by 2d4 for each slot level above 4th.

Vitriolic Sphere 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

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

Vitriolic Sphere popularity

Vitriolic Sphere is a seldom chosen level 4 spell. Choosing it adds a unique option to your spellbook.

Spells similar to Vitriolic Sphere

  • Fireball 3rd-level evocation

    Both are evocation spells that lob a long-range sphere that deals large area damage at once, making them the go-to AOE damage options for wizards and sorcerers.

  • Melf's Acid Arrow 2nd-level evocation

    It uses the same damage type and the uncommon mechanic of dealing acid now and additional acid damage later, though it's single-target and a lower level.

  • Ice Storm 4th-level evocation

    A same-level evocation effect that hits a zone for mixed damage from range, serving a similar tactical role of striking multiple foes with an elemental attack.

  • Wall of Fire 4th-level evocation

    Shares spell level and elemental damage focus while shaping an area that damages creatures, offering another way to control space and deal recurring harm.

  • Cloudkill 5th-level conjuration

    Although higher level, it is a caster AOE that creates a damaging cloud that affects multiple targets over time, matching the sustained-area threat concept.