Burning Hands 5e - D&D 5th Edition Spell Book

Burning Hands 5e
Burning Hands 5e Image

Burning Hands 5e Spell Effects

1st-level evocation


Casting Time: 1 action

Range: Self (15-foot cone)

Components: V, S

Duration: Instantaneous


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.


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


All information on Burning Hands 5e comes from the DnD Player's Handbook.

Acid Splash 5e

Classes That Can Cast Burning Hands 5e

The following classes gain access to casting Burning Hands 5e as part of their normal class spell availability, within the Player's Handbook:


Burning Hands Spell Effectiveness

Damage 1st-Level Spell 2nd-Level Spell 3rd-Level Spell 4th-Level Spell 5th-Level Spell 6th-Level Spell 7th-Level Spell 8th-Level Spell 9th-Level Spell
Damage Dice 3d6 4d6 5d6 6d6 7d6 8d6 9d6 10d6 11d6
Average Damage 10.5 14 17.5 21 24.5 28 31.5 35 38.5
3-Target Damage 31 42 52 63 73 84 94 105 115
Average Fighter DPR 11 15 19 23 27 30.5 34 37.5 41

DPR

DPR indicates damage per round, but in this calculation, it does not account for hit chance. The intent of this table is to provide a roughly-accurate comparison between Burning Hands 5e damage and a fighter's damage per round, to compare. It's also worth noting that since Burning Hands 5e hits a 15-foot cone, it can certainly hit more (or less) than 3-targets at a time. Again, the numbers presented here are intended simply to provide an idea of how powerful the Burning Hands 5e spell may be.


Burning Hands 5e Usefulness

I have both been on the giving and receiving end of Burning Hands, and I can certainly say that when the spell is used properly, it can be absolutely devastating.

  • Obviously, Burning Hands 5e should primarily be cast on clusters of enemies. As you can see in the table above, hitting multiple targets with the spell can drastically raise the damage it deals.
  • Be sure to only cast Burning Hands 5e on targets who do not have fire damage resistance or immunities (below). Furthermore, try to maximize your usage of the spell on enemies with fire vulnerabilities.
  • Since Burning Hands only has an effect cast range of 15-feet, consider if you can actually kill enemies with the spell, rather than just damaging them. The reason is that if you cast on a large group, and many of them live, you probably become the main target for all of them, and being only 15-feet away, you won't have a lot of safety.


Fire Damage Resistances, Immunities, and Vulnerabilities

When using Burning Hands 5e, it's worth knowing ahead of time that in the DnD Monster Manual, there are 37 monsters with fire damage resistance, 40 monsters with fire damage immunity, and 9 monsters with fire damage vulnerability.


Surprisingly, of all damage types in the entire game, fire damage is the one that most monsters are vulnerable to, at 9. Meanwhile, there are 77 monsters in total that take reduced or no damage at all from fire, so be very cautious when casting Burning Hands. One of the worst things you can do as a spell caster in D&D is to waste a spell slot on a spell that deals reduced damage.

Combine Burning Hands with the Following Spells

Most spells in DnD 5e work even better in combination with other spells, effects, feats, and so on. Try combining Acid Splash 5e with some of these other effects.

  • Acid Splash 5e: this cantrip spell isn't one that you'd use in combination with Burning Hands. However, it does deal acid damage, so it's here to remind you that if you're facing an enemy with fire resistance or immunity, switch up your damage type.
  • Bane 5e: since bane reduced enemy saving throws by 1d4, it's a perfect way to make them more susceptible to your Burning Hands 5e spell.


Burning Hands 5e Counters

Hard counters to Burning Hands 5e are spells like Silence 5e, which prevent you from casting spells to begin with. If you know your enemy has silence, be very cautious around them, as you don't want to get locked out from spell casting.


There are also "soft counters" to Burning Hands, like Bless 5e and Haste 5e. Bless provides a +1d4 bonus to saving throws, while Haste provides advantage on Dexterity saving throws, making targets of these effects less likely to be hit from the full damage of Burning Hands.


Burning Hands-Type Spells in Eternity TTRPG

I created the Eternity TTRPG Game System about 15-years ago, and have been refining the game ever since. It's independently published, inspired by other great TTRPG systems, provides rules for having multiple game masters in your group, and features tactical gameplay in combat.


I've provided a spell example below that correlates pretty similarly to the Burning Hands 5e spell, if you want to see what another game like DnD looks like.

Pyromancer Class Icon

Pyromancer - Core Class Spell

Pyro Storm (Magic): up to 3 enemies in 4Range, -9Faith vs. Will, deals 1damage (deals 2damage to cryomancers). “Pyro Storm” cannot Double-Hit or give a Block.

Even if this Spell misses, you also gain

1 stack of “Inferno,” which gives you a chance to deal an additional 1damage with

certain pyromancer Spells. Stacks are not consumed when used, and you can gain up to 2 stacks. When casting “Pyro Storm,” roll d20. If you roll in the following values – based on your number of “Inferno” stacks – if your attack hits, you instead deal 2damage:

1 stack of “Inferno”: 19-20. 2 stacks of

“Inferno”: 17-20.

  • (Flames of the Abyss) -2Faith vs. Will.
  • (Magic of the Silver Lands) 8Range. You also have 8Range when casting this Spell, for Battle Duration.
  • (Elemental Fire) Every turn, Instantly cast this Spell with -12Faith vs. Will. Instantly casting “Pyro Storm” in this way does not give you an additional stack of “Inferno.” This Critical effect cannot Double-Hit or give a Block. 


Pyro Storm maxes out hitting 3-targets, whereas Burning Hands 5e can hit any number of targets in a small 15-foot cone area. However, otherwise, the spells are virtually the same. In Eternity TTRPG, characters can choose to cause their spells to "Critical," at-will, so Pyro Storm provides a few more players options, that way.


Every good RPG needs an area of effect fire damage spell.


Curious to learn more? Check out the Eternity TTRPG Core Game PDF!

Pyromancer - Core Class Spell

Pyro Storm (Magic): up to 3 enemies in 4Range, -9Faith vs. Will, deals 1damage (deals 2damage to cryomancers). “Pyro Storm” cannot Double-Hit or give a Block.

Even if this Spell misses, you also gain 1 stack of “Inferno,” which gives you a chance to deal an additional 1damage with

certain pyromancer Spells. Stacks are not consumed when used, and you can gain up to 2 stacks. When casting “Pyro Storm,” roll d20. If you roll in the following values – based on your number of “Inferno” stacks – if your attack hits, you instead deal 2damage:

1 stack of “Inferno”: 19-20. 2 stacks of “Inferno”: 17-20.

  • (Flames of the Abyss) -2Faith vs. Will.
  • (Magic of the Silver Lands) 8Range. You also have 8Range when casting this Spell, for Battle Duration.
  • (Elemental Fire) Every turn, Instantly cast this Spell with -12Faith vs. Will. Instantly casting “Pyro Storm” in this way does not give you an additional stack of “Inferno.” This Critical effect cannot Double-Hit or give a Block. 


Pyro Storm maxes out hitting 3-targets, whereas Burning Hands 5e can hit any number of targets in a small 15-foot cone area. However, otherwise, the spells are virtually the same. In Eternity TTRPG, characters can choose to cause their spells to "Critical," at-will, so Pyro Storm provides a few more players options, that way.


Every good RPG needs an area of effect fire damage spell.


Curious to learn more? Check out the Eternity TTRPG Core Game PDF!

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Jacob Tegtman Eternity TTRPG Creator

Author - Jacob Tegtman

Dear reader, I hope you enjoyed this article. Tabletop gaming has been a passion of mine since I was 6 years old. I've played just about every game from Dungeons and Dragons to video games like Final Fantasy. These games have inspired me, made me laugh, made me cry, and brought me endless hours of enjoyment.


I started Eternity TTRPG - and the indie tabletop game that goes along with it (Eternity Shop) - to share my love of gaming with others. I believe that in our technology-driven age, tabletop games help bring a sense of magic and community back into our world.


If you love the site, please share it with others! I have lots of gaming-related material for you to peruse and use in your own gaming sessions. If you have any questions about the site or want to contribute, just send me a message using the "Contact" page, which you can find in the site's footer.

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Is Dark Sun Coming Back in D&D 5.5e?

By Jacob Tegtman • November 18, 2025
Transcribed content from our recent YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BYfKn3_nXc Transcription What if I told you that Dark Sun , the brutal, sun-scorched D&D campaign setting, might be making a serious comeback … not with a full book yet, but through new Unearthed Arcana subclasses? That’s exactly what’s happening — and today, we’re breaking down those four apocalyptic subclasses and what they might mean for the future of Athas.  First, some context. Dark Sun is one of D&D’s grimmest, most apocalyptic settings — magic is destructive, the world is a harsh desert wasteland, and mighty Sorcerer-Kings rule with an iron fist. That desolation comes from the fact that in Dark Sun, magic doesn’t just draw power — it devours life . That’s why many mages, called defilers, siphon life from the land or even from living beings to fuel their spells. Historically, Dark Sun has also leaned heavily into psionics , making it very distinct among D&D worlds. Now, Wizards of the Coast has dropped a new Unearthed Arcana (UA) called “Apocalyptic Subclasses” , and all four subclasses in it feel very Dark Sun-inspired. Fans are interpreting that as a possible signal that a full on 5.5E Dark Sun sourcebook could be coming. To understand these Apocalyptic Subclasses, picture yourself stepping onto the cracked earth of a dying world. The sun hangs low and cruel, magic scorches the life around you, and survival is never guaranteed. That’s the energy these four subclasses channel. So let’s break them down — not just what they do, but how each one captures a different piece of Dark Sun’s brutal legacy. 1.Circle of Preservation Druid These druids focus on restoring life. In an apocalyptic wasteland, they represent the fragile hope — trying to heal and revitalize what’s left. Their mechanics emphasize “purifying” conditions or restoring vitality, meaning that they actively reverse the environmental damage caused by defiling magic — turning dead ground fertile again, cleansing blighted areas, and preserving what little life remains. Roleplay-wise: these could be preservers in the classic Dark Sun sense, using magic to bring back life instead of destroying it. 2. Gladiator Fighter A charismatic, show-man-warrior. Gladiators are huge in Dark Sun lore — arenas, duels, brutal spectacles. Mechanically, this subclass leans into “performance + combat.” According to community feedback, it uses weapon mastery and charisma in interesting ways, intimidating foes, rousing allies, and performing daring maneuvers that blend martial prowess with theatrical flair. In a Dark Sun campaign, gladiators could be slaves, champions of sorcerer-kings, or rebels. 3. Defiled Sorcery (Sorcerer) Now this is very Dark Sun. These sorcerers draw life energy — either from the environment or even from other creatures (hit dice) — to fuel their magic. The risk/reward is huge: you get powerful magic, but at a terrible cost. Perfect for a wasteland where magic is taboo and destructive. 4. Sorcerer-King Patron (Warlock) Warlocks who’ve made a pact with a Sorcerer-King — those tyrannical, magically powerful rulers of Athas. The patron imbues them with fear, command, and the oppressive power of their masters. This is a really flavorful pick: warlocks aligned with Sorcerer-Kings could be enforcers, gladiator-lords, or even secret agents of tyranny. To be clear with all of this Dark Sun speculation though, nothing is confirmed by Wizards of the Coast, yet. Unearthed Arcana is playtest material. Just because these subclasses are Dark Sun–flavored doesn’t guarantee a full sourcebook. Still, for longtime Dark Sun fans, this could be the biggest hint yet that Athas is returning in 5.5E. Understanding these subclasses is one thing — but using them in your campaign is where they really come alive. These options have strong thematic identities tied to survival, corruption, and power. So, here’s how DMs and players can integrate them into their campaigns in meaningful, story-rich ways. As a DM: Consider running a campaign set in a Dark Sun–inspired wasteland , even if you don’t go full canonical Athas. These subclasses give you hooks: gladiator arenas, life-draining magic, tyrant warlocks, and more. Think about NPCs: Defilers (sorcerers) and Sorcerer-King warlocks make for excellent villains. The preservation druids can even be the rebels. As a Player: If you want flavor: pick one of these subclasses to lean into the “wasteland survivor” vibe. Think about backstory: why does your defiler steal life? which Sorcerer-King did you make a pact with? That will drive roleplay. Just remember with all of this though because it's not final : some features might change or be removed. Also, balance could be off, currently: some players in the community already think certain features are strong or need tweaking. So yeah — these four apocalyptic subclasses are awesome, and they are giving major Dark Sun vibes . While they don’t guarantee a full Dark Sun 5.5E book, they’re definitely a strong signal. Whether you’re a fan of Athas already or just love grim, high-stakes fantasy, these subclasses open up some very cool possibilities . Let me know in the comments: which subclass do you want to try first? And do you think Wizards of the Coast is actually building toward a Dark Sun comeback?
D&D: Forgotten Realms book cover with heroes. Characters in action with blue energy, forest background, and pre-order text.

Heroes of Faerun: special regional equipment and innovative magic

By Jacob Tegtman • November 14, 2025
Transcribed content from our recent YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpPgFjr-hhg Transcription Want to take your character from just another face in the crowd to a legend whose name echoes through the halls of the Forgotten Realms? Today we’re diving into the brand-new sourcebook that gives players power, story, and world in one package: Heroes of Faerûn. It’s just out as of a couple days ago, and we’re here to show you why this one could change the way you play characters in the Realms. First up: what exactly is Heroes of Faerûn? The book is a 192-page hardcover sourcebook by Wizards of the Coast set in the Forgotten Realms for 5.5 edition D&D rules. What’s included? Eight new subclasses, a new Circle Magic system (for group spellcasting!), dozens of feats and backgrounds, regional equipment, a breakdown of the Realms’ regions, factions, deities — everything a player needs to plug their character into Faerûn. In short: this is a player-centric book — not just for DMs. Many Realms books lean DM-heavy, but this one is about you the player stepping into the legend. Why is this book a big deal? Here are three reasons:  1. Expanded Player Options — Eight new subclasses means fresh ways to play: you’re not just rehashing what everyone else plays. And when you pair that with new backgrounds, feats, and special “regional” equipment — that gives some serious customization. 2. Setting Integration — The Forgotten Realms has been around for decades, but sometimes the player options feel generic. This book leans into lore: it gives eight factions, a primer on 42 gods, and overviews on ten Realms’ regions. That depth gives your character a place and a story. 3. Innovation: Circle Magic & Group Play — One of the standout mechanics is what’s called “Circle Magic.” This isn’t just another spell list: it’s a system where casters can combine efforts for enhanced effects. It opens up group tactics, teamwork for roleplaying magic casting, and can shake up how your table views magic on the whole. So, if you’re a player who wants more than “I show up and roll dice” — this book gives you tools for story, mechanics and flavor. Let’s dig into the contents (and I’ll highlight the ones I’m most excited about): The 8 new subclasses are: College of the Moon (Bard), Knowledge Domain (Cleric), Banneret (Fighter), Oath of the Noble Genies (Paladin), Winter Walker (Ranger), Scion of the Three (Rogue), Spellfire (Sorcerer), and Bladesinger (Wizard) There are also 18 backgrounds, over 30 new feats, 19 new spells, 3 magic items, 12 mundane items, 2 monsters, 13 maps, and overviews for 10 regions of Faerûn. There’s also Faction membership for eight classic and emerging factions (like the Harpers, Zhentarim, and Purple Dragon Knights) that offer character hooks, renown, and special rewards. Now for Highlights that I’m particularly keen on trying, myself: The oath of the noble genies (Paladin). These paladins draw power from the Elemental Planes through pacts with powerful genies, wielding elemental abilities like Elemental Smite which enhances a Divine Smite with effects such as grappling enemies, dealing fire damage, or knocking foes away. The region overviews: these let you pick lesser-used Realms locales as your homeland, giving characters unique flavor rather than defaulting to the Sword Coast. Circle magic: I am very excited to see exactly how this pans out with my gaming group, but I think the potential here for spell casters to enhance each others’ effects, and create group casts, is amazing. If you pick up Heroes of Faerûn, here are some tips for how to get the most from it: Talk to your DM early. Especially regarding Circle Magic and faction mechanics — decide how renown works, and how group casting will work specifically for your group. Pick a region + faction combo. Let your background tie you to a place (say, Tethyr or Calimshan) and a faction (Harpers, Zhentarim) so your character has immediate hooks. Use the new subclasses to complement the setting. If you’re from the north-wastes of Faerûn, maybe the Winter Walker Ranger is a better fit than a typical forest-walking ranger. Be proactive with story. Since the book emphasizes lore, lean into it: pick a god early, pick your renown path, choose an equipment piece from your region. These add role-play texture. Don’t let the feast of options overwhelm. With 18 backgrounds, 34 feats, and many spells — pick a few you like, then build from there. No need to try everything at once. So: if you’re a player who wants more (mechanics, flavor, story) and you’re set in the Forgotten Realms, Heroes of Faerûn might be your next go-to book. If you give it a try or if you liked this breakdown, hit like, subscribe and ring the bell for future D&D news and breakdowns. In the comments: tell me which subclass from the book you’re most excited about, or which faction you’d join in Faerûn. Thanks for watching — and may your name echo through the Realms.
A D&D Beyond adventure cover: a skeletal figure with a glowing sword stands in ruins.

The Tenebrous Stone - New Free D&D Beyond Adventure

By Jacob Tegtman • November 12, 2025
Transcribed content from our recent YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_0s9az8hmo Transcription Free adventures on D&D Beyond? You love to see it. This week, Wizards of the Coast dropped The Tenebrous Stone — a brand-new, totally free Forgotten Realms adventure that pits your party against cultists, undead, and a mysterious demonic artifact. But here’s the kicker: it might also hint at new DM tools for 5.5E’s upcoming Adventures in Faerûn. Let’s dive in.  Welcome back to Eternity TTRPG , your go-to source for everything happening across the planes of Dungeons & Dragons — from new books and adventures to the coolest things happening in Faerûn and beyond. Last week, Wizards quietly released The Tenebrous Stone — a free adventure available right now on D&D Beyond. It’s set in classic Forgotten Realms territory: the chilly reaches of Damara , where a cult of Orcus has hidden a demonic stone in a basalt quarry near the town of Helmsdale. The artifact radiates despair, turns workers into undead, and — as always — it’s up to your level 3 party to fix everything before the entire region becomes a necrotic wasteland. The adventure clocks in at about three encounters — perfect for a single evening session or if you can work your DM magic to stretch it out a bit, a spooky two-shot. It’s also fully preloaded into D&D Beyond’s new Maps VTT , and you don’t even need a subscription to run it. That’s a pretty smart way for Wizards to get more DMs testing the platform. But here’s what really caught people’s attention: The Tenebrous Stone is labeled as a ‘Deity Adventure’ — language we haven’t seen before. That phrasing suggests Wizards might be introducing a new adventure tagging system in the upcoming Adventures in Faerûn , a book we still know surprisingly little about.” Imagine a system where adventures are organized by which gods or faiths they involve — Ilmater, Lolth, Tyr — making it easier for DMs to build campaigns around divine themes. It’s a small detail, but it could mean a huge leap forward for campaign-building tools. Right now, though, that ‘Deity’ tag doesn’t do much mechanically. But it gives us a glimpse into what Wizards might be cooking — especially for Dungeon Masters who’ve been asking for better adventure-creation tools. Bell of Lost Souls’ blog coverage on this topic also ends with a great point: DMs carry the game. They create the world, the encounters, the tension — and while that’s rewarding, it’s also a lot of work. If Wizards can use tools like these ‘Deity Adventure’ tags to streamline prep or inspire new story hooks, that could be a win for the entire community. Perhaps – a way to streamline DM prep and inspire great adventures. So whether you’re looking for a one-shot full of undead cultists or just curious what 5.5E’s adventure system might look like, The Tenebrous Stone is worth checking out. It’s free, fun, and a peek behind the screen at what’s coming next for Faerûn. So — what do you think? Are you – like me – downloading The Tenebrous Stone for your next game night? Would you want to see more deity-themed adventures in D&D 2025? Drop your thoughts in the comments — and while you’re there, hit like , subscribe , and ring that bell so you don’t miss our next dive into the world of tabletop chaos.
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