Skip to main content

Burning Hands

← Back to Spell List

Burning Hands
  • Level: 1
  • School: Evocation
  • Class: Sorcerer, Wizard
  • Casting Time: Action
  • Range: Self
  • Components: V, S
  • Duration: Instantaneous

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.

Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. The damage increases by 1d6 for each spell slot level above 1.

Tactical Usage​

When to Choose Burning Hands:

  • Excellent for clearing multiple weak enemies
  • Strong choice when surrounded or cornered
  • Valuable for consistent area damage at low levels
  • Essential for dealing with swarms or clusters

Positioning Strategy:

  • 15-foot cone requires close-range engagement
  • Position to hit maximum number of enemies
  • Consider friendly fire potential carefully
  • Use chokepoints to funnel enemies into cone

Damage Optimization:

  • 1st Level: 10.5 average damage (good early-game)
  • 2nd Level: 14 average damage (solid scaling)
  • 3rd Level: 17.5 average damage (competitive option)

Spell Combinations​

Setup Synergies:

  • Web: Group enemies for cone targeting
  • Grease: Prone enemies easier to position around
  • Entangle: Restrained enemies can't escape cone
  • Sleep: Unconscious enemies automatically fail saves

Environmental Enhancement:

  • Create Bonfire: Ignite additional fires
  • Grease: Ignite grease for ongoing fire damage
  • Oil: Pre-placed accelerants for enhanced burning
  • Combustible Materials: Maximize environmental ignition

Material Component Details​

Verbal and Somatic Components:

  • Casting Gesture: Hands extended forward for flame projection
  • Dramatic Effect: Visual spectacle of fire eruption
  • No Material Cost: Freely repeatable without component expense
  • Quick Casting: Single action for immediate area effect

Roleplay Opportunities:

  • Describe flames erupting from fingertips or palms
  • Reference heat building in hands before release
  • Use voice to convey the roar of sudden combustion
  • Emphasize the dramatic spread of magical fire

Creator Notes​

Adjudication Guidance:

  • 15-foot cone emanates from caster's position
  • Dexterity save represents dodging or minimizing exposure
  • Flammable objects ignition creates ongoing environmental effects
  • Fire damage type commonly resisted by certain creatures

Environmental Effects:

  • Creates lasting fires that may spread or cause complications
  • Can ignite clothing, equipment, or structures
  • May trigger environmental hazards or chain reactions
  • Useful for battlefield control through fire placement

Balancing Considerations:

  • 1st-level slot cost makes this accessible early
  • Close range requirement creates tactical risk
  • Area effect balanced by positioning limitations
  • Scaling keeps spell relevant at higher levels

Environmental Interactions​

Fire Spread:

  • Ignites dry vegetation, paper, cloth, and wood
  • May start larger fires in appropriate conditions
  • Creates smoke that could affect visibility
  • Can trigger environmental hazards or alarms

Object Interaction:

  • Burns through ropes, nets, or similar restraints
  • May destroy valuable but flammable items
  • Can clear vegetation or debris obstacles
  • Creates ash and residue after burning

Atmospheric Effects:

  • Generates heat and light in the affected area
  • May consume oxygen in enclosed spaces
  • Creates smoke and flame byproducts
  • Can affect air quality temporarily

Common Rulings & Clarifications​

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can I avoid hitting allies in the cone? A: No, the cone affects all creatures in the area.

Q: What counts as "flammable objects"? A: Paper, cloth, dry wood, oil, and similar materials (Creator discretion).

Q: Does the spell continue to burn objects after casting? A: The initial ignition is instantaneous, but normal fire rules apply afterward.

Q: Can I aim the cone in any direction? A: Yes, you choose the direction when casting.

Alternative Applications​

Environmental Manipulation:

  • Clearing Obstacles: Burn through vegetation or debris
  • Signaling: Create visible flames for communication
  • Crowd Control: Force movement away from fire
  • Destruction: Eliminate flammable evidence or materials

Creative Problem-Solving:

  • Melt ice or snow in cold environments
  • Create light source in dark areas
  • Trigger fire-based mechanisms or traps
  • Provide warmth in emergency situations

Area Fire Magic:

  • Fireball: Larger area, longer range
  • Flame Strike: Divine fire damage
  • Wall of Fire: Persistent fire barrier
  • Meteor Swarm: Ultimate fire area damage

1st-Level Area Effects:

  • Magic Missile: Guaranteed damage, multiple targets
  • Sleep: Incapacitation area effect
  • Thunderwave: Thunder damage with pushback
  • Color Spray: Blinding area effect

Scaling Alternatives:

  • Scorching Ray: Multiple targeted attacks
  • Flaming Sphere: Mobile persistent fire
  • Fireball: Higher-level area fire
  • Lightning Bolt: Line area damage

Scaling Analysis​

Level Progression:

  • Early Game (Levels 1-4): Excellent area damage option
  • Mid Game (Levels 5-10): Useful for weak enemy groups
  • Late Game (Levels 11+): Primarily for utility and environmental effects

Damage Scaling:

  • 1st Level: 10.5 average damage per target
  • 2nd Level: 14 average damage (good improvement)
  • 3rd Level: 17.5 average damage (still competitive)

Long-Term Viability:

  • Area effect remains useful for weak enemy clusters
  • Environmental applications never become obsolete
  • Low-level slot cost allows frequent use
  • Close range becomes more dangerous at higher levels

Narrative Flavor​

Extended Description: You thrust your hands forward while speaking words of evocation that seem to crackle with contained heat. Fire builds in your palms like miniature suns before suddenly erupting outward in a devastating cone of magical flame. The thin sheet of fire spreads with incredible speed, washing over everything in its path and leaving behind the acrid smell of burned air and the lingering heat of elemental destruction.

Sensory Details:

  • Visual: Brilliant cone of orange and red flames
  • Thermal: Intense heat wave and burning sensation
  • Auditory: Roar of combustion and crackling flames
  • Olfactory: Smoke, burned materials, and scorched air

Cultural Context: Burning Hands represents one of the most fundamental expressions of evocation magic, demonstrating the wizard's ability to channel elemental fire through pure force of will. Many magical traditions view this as a rite of passage for aspiring evokers, marking the transition from theoretical study to practical magical combat.