What level spell is Burning Hands?

In D&D 5e, Burning Hands is classified as a level 1 spell of the Evocation school. Available classes: Sorcerer, Wizard.

How much damage does Burning Hands deal?

On a base cast, Burning Hands deals 3d6 fire damage. The damage scales when upcast — see the higher-level note.

What save does Burning Hands require?

The save against Burning Hands is a Dexterity saving throw. Specific rules for a successful save are spelled out in the spell description.

What is the range of Burning Hands?

Burning Hands is self-target only — the caster is the target of the spell, not another creature.

What components and casting time does Burning Hands need?

To cast Burning Hands: the cast needs V, S with a standard Action.

Can Burning Hands be upcast?

Upcasting Burning Hands works as follows: The damage increases by 1d6 for each spell slot level above 1.

Burning Hands

Level 1 · Evocation

Damage
Save
AOE

Burning Hands is an evocation spell at level 1, sitting on the sorcerer and wizard lists. Cast time: Action. Range Self, components V/S, duration instantaneous. Effect: A thin sheet of flames shoots forth from you. At higher levels: The damage increases by 1d6 for each spell slot level above 1.

Stat Block

Level: 1
School: Evocation
Casting Time: Action
Range / Area: Self
Components: V, S
Duration: Instantaneous
Ritual: No
Concentration: No
Classes: Sorcerer, Wizard
Material: —

Description

A thin sheet of flames shoots forth from you. Each creature in a 15- foot Cone makes a Dexterity saving throw, taking 3d6 Fire damage on a failed save or half as much damage on a successful one. Flammable objects in the Cone that aren't being worn or carried start burning.

At Higher Levels: The damage increases by 1d6 for each spell slot level above 1.

5e (2014) vs 2024 changes

This spell has both a 5e (2014) and 2024 Player's Handbook version. Doungim shows the current 2024 stat block above. Differences between editions typically affect components, range, or scaling — check both source books for the table.

Doungim Lore

School Fit

Burning Hands is Evocation — focused magical energy released as a 15-foot cone of fire from the caster's hands. 3d6 Fire damage on a failed Dex save, half on success. The cone originates at the caster, so the spell forces the caster into melee or near-melee positioning.

Class Fit

Sorcerer: Sorcerers take Burning Hands at level 1 in fire-themed builds — Draconic with red or gold dragon ancestry specifically. The damage falls off after level 3 against fire-resistant enemies.
Wizard: Wizards take Burning Hands at level 1 in evocation-leaning builds. The spell is usually retrained out by level 5 when Fireball becomes available.

Sorcerer spells Wizard spells Evocation school Level 1

Related Spells

Frequently Asked Questions about Burning Hands

What level spell is Burning Hands?: In D&D 5e, Burning Hands is classified as a level 1 spell of the Evocation school. Available classes: Sorcerer, Wizard.
How much damage does Burning Hands deal?: On a base cast, Burning Hands deals 3d6 fire damage. The damage scales when upcast — see the higher-level note.
What save does Burning Hands require?: The save against Burning Hands is a Dexterity saving throw. Specific rules for a successful save are spelled out in the spell description.
What is the range of Burning Hands?: Burning Hands is self-target only — the caster is the target of the spell, not another creature.
What components and casting time does Burning Hands need?: To cast Burning Hands: the cast needs V, S with a standard Action.
Can Burning Hands be upcast?: Upcasting Burning Hands works as follows: The damage increases by 1d6 for each spell slot level above 1.

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