Disintegrate vs Power Word Kill
Single-target nukes for the killing blow.
Disintegrate
- Level
- 6
- School
- Transmutation
- Casting Time
- Action
- Range
- 60 feet
- Components
- V, S, M
- Duration
- Instantaneous
- Concentration
- No
- Ritual
- No
- Classes
- Sorcerer, Wizard
You launch a green ray at a target you can see within range. The target can be a creature, a nonmagical object, or a creation of magical force, such as the wall created by Wall of Force. A creature targeted by this spell makes a Dexterity saving throw. On a failed save, the target takes 10d6 + 40 Force damage. If this damage reduces it to 0 Hit Points, it and everything nonma
Full entry →Power Word Kill
- Level
- 9
- School
- Enchantment
- Casting Time
- Action
- Range
- 60 feet
- Components
- V
- Duration
- Instantaneous
- Concentration
- No
- Ritual
- No
- Classes
- Bard, Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard
You compel one creature you can see within range to die. If the target has 100 Hit Points or fewer, it dies. Otherwise, it takes 12d12 Psychic damage.
Full entry →Which one should you pick?
- Pick Disintegrate: Pick Disintegrate against high-HP targets — 10d6 + 40 force damage on a failed Dex save.
- Pick Power Word Kill: Pick Power Word Kill against any target at 100 HP or less — no save, no roll.
- Tiebreaker: Power Word Kill needs a target you know is below 100 HP; pair with a scout or a Hold Monster wait-and-see opening.