Thunderwave

← Back to Spell List

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

You unleash a wave of thunderous energy. Each creature in a 15-foot cube originating from you makes a Constitution saving throw. On a failed save, a creature takes 2d8 Thunder damage and is pushed 10 feet away from you. On a successful save, a creature takes half as much damage only.

In addition, unsecured objects that are entirely within the cube are pushed 10 feet away from you, and a thunderous boom is audible within 300 feet.

Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. The damage increases by 1d8 for each spell slot level above 1.

Tactical Usage

Point-Blank Area Control. Thunderwave provides immediate crowd control around the caster, pushing enemies away while dealing damage.

Emergency Escape Tool. The spell creates space by forcing enemies back, enabling tactical repositioning or retreat.

Multi-Target Damage Option. The 15-foot cube affects multiple adjacent enemies, maximizing early-level area damage potential.

Spell Combinations

Positioning Setup. Combining with battlefield control spells maximizes the tactical value of forced movement.

Damage Amplification. Using alongside other area damage spells creates comprehensive offensive strategies.

Escape Enhancement. Pairing with movement magic enables effective retreats after pushing enemies away.

Material Component Details

Verbal and Somatic Only. The spell requires only verbal and somatic components, making it accessible without material dependencies.

Thunder Manifestation. The components channel sound and sonic energy into devastating thunderous force.

Gestural Power Focus. The somatic component directs the thunderous energy emanation around the caster.

Creator Notes

Low-Level Area Damage. Thunderwave provides excellent early-level area damage with useful tactical movement.

Positioning Spell Design. The forced movement creates tactical value beyond pure damage output.

Scaling Damage Balance. The spell maintains relevance through higher-level casting while remaining balanced.

Environmental Interactions

Cube Area Origination. The 15-foot cube originates from the caster, affecting adjacent spaces systematically.

Object Displacement. Unsecured objects are pushed along with creatures, potentially affecting environmental elements.

Audible Range Impact. The thunderous boom is audible within 300 feet, potentially alerting distant creatures.

Common Rulings & Clarifications

Forced Movement Direction. Creatures and objects are pushed directly away from the caster's position.

Damage and Movement Timing. Both damage and forced movement occur simultaneously on failed saves.

Cube Origination Point. The cube originates from the caster's space rather than being placed at range.

Object Security Definition. Unsecured objects are those not being worn, carried, or physically secured in place.

Alternative Applications

Structural Damage. Using the force and thunder to damage fragile structures or environmental elements.

Crowd Dispersal. Clearing groups of non-hostile creatures from confined spaces through forced movement.

Sound Creation. Generating loud noise for signaling purposes or creating distractions.

Related Spells

Low-Level Area Spells. Various 1st-level spells provide area effects, while Thunderwave combines damage with forced movement.

Thunder Damage Comparison. Different spells provide thunder damage, while Thunderwave offers the most immediate area application.

Evocation Area Magic. The spell represents fundamental evocation magic focused on energy manipulation.

Scaling Analysis

Linear Damage Scaling. The spell gains 1d8 damage per spell level, maintaining effectiveness throughout progression.

Early-Level Value. Thunderwave provides excellent value at low levels when area damage options are limited.

Higher-Level Utility. The forced movement remains tactically valuable even when damage becomes less significant.

Narrative Flavor

Sonic Force Explosion. The thunderwave should appear as visible sound waves rippling outward from the caster.

Thunder Manifestation. The effect should emphasize overwhelming sonic energy rather than simple sound.

Force Wave Visualization. The spell should convey powerful concussive force pushing everything away from the epicenter.