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Burning Hands1st-level Evocation

3d6 in a 15-foot cone — and you are standing at the pointy end.

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Level
1st
School
Evocation
Casting Time
1 action
Range
Self
Duration
Instantaneous

The card

Burning Hands

1st-level Evocation

Burning Hands

Casting
1 action
Range
Self
Duration
Instantaneous

Components: V, S

As you hold your hands with thumbs touching and fingers spread, a thin sheet of flames shoots forth from your outstretched fingertips. Each creature in a 15-foot cone must make a dexterity saving throw. A creature takes 3d6 fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

The fire ignites any flammable objects in the area that aren't being worn or carried.

Bringing it to the table

Usage

Available toSorcererWizard
At higher levelsWhen you cast this spell using a spell slot of 2nd level or higher, the damage increases by 1d6 for each slot level above 1st.

Best Used For

13d6 fire in a 15-foot cone off your own hands. At 1st level, three goblins in that cone is the best turn a wizard gets.
2The cone starts at you. To catch three creatures you are usually within reach of all three — the last place a d6-hit-die caster wants to be standing.
3Dexterity save for half, so it never whiffs completely. That is a real edge over spells that need an attack roll.
4It ignites flammable objects nobody is wearing or carrying. At a table that tracks fire, that line is worth more than the damage.

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Add Burning Hands to a Character

Pick one of the classes that gets it — level and the rest fill themselves in.

The Forge

Forge a character with Burning Hands

Choose a class that gets this spell. The forge builds the character around it.

Forge a Sorcerer with Burning Hands

Sorcerer · level 1 · pre-filled

Counsel

Burning Hands, Answered

How much damage does Burning Hands do?

3d6 fire — about 10 on average — to everything in a 15-foot cone, Dexterity save for half. Each slot level above 1st adds 1d6.

How big is the Burning Hands cone?

A 15-foot cone originating from you, so it is 15 feet across at the far edge. Good positioning catches several creatures — at the cost of standing 15 feet from them.

Is Burning Hands good in 5e?

At levels 1–4 against grouped enemies, yes — it is one of the few area spells you have. It scales badly: by the time you hold 3rd-level slots, Fireball deals 8d6 at 150 feet while this deals 5d6 in your own face.

Does Burning Hands use a save or an attack roll?

A Dexterity saving throw — no attack roll. Creatures that succeed still take half, so it always does something.

Put It In A Spellbook

Pick a class, and forge the character that casts it. Your first is free.

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Sorcerer 5eWizard 5eCharacter Creator