Burning Hands 5e - Damage, Range, and Mechanics Explained

Ever wanted to wield fire’s unbridled force in your Dungeons & Dragons 5e quests? The spell Burning Hands is your go-to. This Wizard and Sorcerer favorite lets you unleash a burst of flames. Here’s a look into Burning Hands’ workings, showing why it’s key in the D&D 5e spells arsenal.

Key Takeaways

• Burning Hands is a 1st-level evocation cantrips that deals fire damage in a 15-foot cone
• The spell has a casting time of 1 action and a range of self, making it a versatile option for area of effect spells
• Creatures in the cone must make a Dexterity saving throw, taking 3d6 fire damage on a failed save or half as much on a success
• Burning Hands can also ignite flammable objects in the area, creating additional hazards for your enemies
• The spell is available to Wizards, Sorcerers, and several other spellcasting classes in D&D 5e

Why is Burning Hands great for newbies and seasoned pros in Dungeons & Dragons? We’ll delve deep into its use. Discover how it shines in your Xanathar’s Guide to Everything adventures.

Burning Hands 5e: The Basics

Let’s dive into how the famous burning hands spell works in Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition. We’ll look at its casting time and components. Also, we’ll check out the range and area of effect. Finally, we’ll discuss the damage and saving throw mechanics that set it apart. This spell is a favorite among magic users for good reason.

Casting Time and Components

The spell’s casting time is 1 action and needs Verbal (V) and Somatic (S) components. To use it, a caster must form a specific hand shape. They then release fire from their fingers towards their target. It’s cool, isn’t it?

Range and Area of Effect

The burning hands spell has a range of self (15-foot cone). This means it starts where the caster is and stretches 15 feet outward. The shape of its effect is like a cone. This lets it reach a bunch of foes who might be standing close to each other.

Damage and Saving Throw

With burning hands, everyone in the 15-foot cone must try to Dexterity saving throw. Those that don’t do well in this test get hit hard, taking 3d6 fire damage. If they dodge the flames, they’re still singed, but not as bad. Also, it can set things on fire, but not people or animals.

Strategic Uses of Burning Hands

Burning Hands is great for controlling crowds and changing the battle scene. When cast, it creates fire that spreads out around the caster. This makes everyone caught in it need to avoid the flames through quick moves. If they can’t, they might get hurt pretty bad. It’s a good move to scatter the enemies, making it easier for your team to win.

Synergies with Other Spells and Abilities

It’s even better when teamed up with spells or powers that boost fire or control. When you use the Sorcerer class’s Empower Spell, for instance, it gets even stronger. Or imagine adding a Fog Cloud first to hide your targets. Then they have to fight the fire in the fog, which makes it much more likely they’ll get burned.

Choosing the Elemental Adept (Fire) feat can make Burning Hands hit even harder. It’s all about working smarter, not just harder alone.

Burning Hands 5e for Different Classes

Wizards and Sorcerers often use spells like Burning Hands because they deal with elemental magic. Burning Hands works well for them since they can boost the spell’s power. They can do this because of their spell choice and slots for casting spells.

Clerics, especially those in the Light Domain, and Druids in the Circle of Wildfire can also find Burning Hands useful. Even though they don’t focus on spells like this, they can still make good use of it. It helps them control enemies and protect their team in battles.

Warlocks with The Fiend or The Genie patrons, Fighters who are Eldritch Knights, Monks practicing the Way of the Four Elements or Way of the Sun Soul, Rogues who are Arcane Tricksters, and racial spellcasters like Tieflings and Genasi can get Burning Hands too. They get it through special abilities or by choosing specific spells or feats. It’s not their main spell, but it can still be handy in some situations.

Comparing Burning Hands to Other AoE Spells In Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition, Burning Hands is a classic area of effect spell. It competes with spells like Fireball, Lightning Bolt, and Cone of Cold. Each of these spells deals massive damage over a wide area. But, they differ in how they do it, what they’re good for, and their power levels compared to Burning Hands.

Fireball and Cone of Cold can deal more damage than Burning Hands. Fireball brings 8d6 fire damage, and Cone of Cold hits with 8d8 cold damage in a 60-foot sphere. Yet, Burning Hands shines because it’s a spell one can use at lower levels. This lets spellcasters pick it up sooner in their journeys. Also, its 15-foot cone makes it great for close quarters or against many enemies bunched together.

Burning Hands can do something others can’t - it can set things on fire. So, it turns the battlefield into a more dangerous place for enemies. This makes it good for controlling the fight and making foes worry about where they step.

When choosing between Burning Hands and other AoE spells, it’s about what’s needed at the time. Consider how much power, what strategy, and which spells the group has. Thinking ahead about how spells work together can help make Burning Hands even more effective when used.

Optimizing Burning Hands 5e

To make Burning Hands stronger in your D&D 5e game, you need a plan. Use special feats, abilities, and combinations to unleash its true power. This way, you can turn a classic evocation spell into a strong asset for your character.

Feats and Abilities

Choosing feats like Elemental Adept (Fire) can really help. This feat lets you ignore enemies’ fire resistance. So, your Burning Hands can hit harder against more foes. Also, picking the Metamagic Adept feat offers powerful options like Empowered Spell. This can boost the spell’s damage even more.

The Empowered Spell ability from the Sorcerer class or the Potent Spellcasting from the Life Domain Cleric can also make a big difference. They increase the fire damage your Burning Hands causes. Imagine your enemies facing a much stronger fire attack.

Multiclassing and Spell Combinations

Looking into multiclassing can take your Burning Hands to another level. If you mix in classes that offer more spell options or damage boosts, like Sorcerer or Warlock, you can really make the spell shine. It’s all about fitting Burning Hands into your character’s spells and abilities smartly, to get the most out of it.

Pairing Burning Hands with different spells and powers can be a game-changer, too. Take using Fog Cloud first. It can make enemies have a hard time seeing, making it easier for them to fail certain saves against your Burning Hands. This kind of strategy opens up a wide range of tactical moves for you and your party.

Conclusion

Burning Hands 5e is a key spell for many D&D groups. It deals with fire and can harm many enemies at once. It’s also great for setting things on fire. This makes it perfect for controlling crowds, changing the battle scene, and hitting a bunch of enemies at one time.

Even with other strong spells out there, Burning Hands is a favorite for Wizards and Sorcerers. Its power to spread fire makes it a must-have for those who love using magic. Knowing how to use this spell well can help players a lot in their games.

It’s useful in many situations, like when you need to clear a dungeon or stop a ritual. Burning Hands fits right in with these adventures. So, anyone wanting to use magic in Dungeons & Dragons should make sure to learn about this spell. It’s a classic for a reason.