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The 10 Best Fire Spells in D&D 5e | Arcane Eye
Xavier Ribeiro – Wizards of the Coast – Fireball
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Fire in the Hole
From low-level embers that singe a single target to cataclysmic blasts that engulf entire battlefields, fire magic has a wide range of potential effects in D&D. In this article, we’ll break down some of the best fire spells available in 5e, highlighting their uses, strengths, and potential drawbacks.
1. Fireball
3rd level Evocation
Source: Player’s Handbook
The gold standard for damage and fire spells in 5e. Fireball is intentionally designed to be overpowered for a 3rd-level slot, dealing 8d6 fire damage in a 20-foot radius. With its 150-foot range and massive AoE, it’s a prime choice for wiping out large groups of enemies.
Action economy is top-tier, as a single action can impact numerous targets, and it has no ongoing effects, allowing you to unleash it without concentration. Be wary of using it around allies, as the blast can easily hit unintended targets.
Optimized for Sorcerers using Metamagic (particularly Careful Spell or Empowered Spell) and for Wizards with the Evoker subclass, who can sculpt the spell to avoid allies.
2. Wall of Fire
4th level Evocation
Source: Player’s Handbook
This spell offers incredible battlefield control and consistent damage.
You can form a wall up to 60 feet long that deals 5d8 fire damage to anyone that crosses or ends their turn in the wall.
With a 1-minute duration and Concentration, Wall of Fire can control enemy movement and create choke points while also serving as a source of ongoing damage.
Druids, Sorcerers, and Wizards can all make good use of this spell.
3. Summon Elemental
4th level Conjuration
Source: Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything
Summon Elemental allows you to conjure a fire elemental that can deal fire damage and absorb a decent amount of damage thanks to its Resistances.
While not as damaging as other fire spells, the elemental can absorb hits and occupy enemy attention, making it a great option for crowd control.
Action economy here is strong due to the extra body on the field, but it does require Concentration and lacks significant burst damage.
4. Heat Metal
2nd level Transmutation
Source: Player’s Handbook
Heat Metal is a staple for Bards, Druids, and Artificers when facing enemies in metal armor or holding metal weapons. It deals 2d8 fire damage on the first hit and can continue dealing damage as a Bonus Action each turn, offering exceptional action economy.
Importantly, it has no save to avoid the initial or turn-after-turn damage, making it particularly effective against armored targets.
Additionally, it can force the target to drop their weapon or attack with Disadvantage, providing tactical control.
5. Meteor Swarm
9th level Evocation
Source: Player’s Handbook
The D&D version of a tactical nuke. Meteor Swarm hits four separate 40-foot-radius areas, dealing 20d6 fire damage and 20d6 bludgeoning damage. With a 1-mile range, it’s perfect for obliterating large groups or devastating a powerful enemy.
6. Hellish Rebuke
1st level Evocation
Source: Player’s Handbook
As a Reaction spell, Hellish Rebuke stands out for its unique timing, allowing Warlocks to strike back after being hit. It deals 2d10 Fire damage initially and scales by 1d10 for each level above 1st.
Reaction-based spells are rare, making this one particularly valuable for maximizing action economy. While it requires sight of the attacker, it can be a potent deterrent against melee attackers.
7. Scorching Ray
2nd level Evocation
Source: Player’s Handbook
Scorching Ray delivers 6d6 fire damage at level 2, spread across three rays.
Each ray requires a separate spell attack roll, offering multiple chances to land a Critical Hit, but also increasing the chance of missing some attacks.
Its versatility lies in the ability to focus all rays on one target or spread them across multiple enemies.
8. Burning Hands
1st level Evocation
Source: Player’s Handbook
A classic low-level AoE spell, Burning Hands deals 3d6 fire damage in a 15-foot cone. Its action economy is decent, hitting multiple enemies with a single action, but the close range makes it risky. Best used against swarms of weak enemies or when flanked. As the caster gains levels, Burning Hands becomes less effective compared to higher-level AoE options.
9. Fire Bolt
Evocation Cantrip
Source: Player’s Handbook
Fire Bolt is the go-to fire-based cantrip, dealing 1d10 Fire damage at range and scaling up to 4d10 at level 17. As a ranged spell attack, it benefits from a higher Critical Hit potential and can be combined with other features, such as the Evocation Wizard’s Empowered Evocation. However, fire is one of the most commonly resisted damage types, so consider alternative damage types against any foes.
10. Flaming Sphere
2nd level Conjuration
Source: Player’s Handbook
Flaming Sphere combines battlefield control and ongoing damage. The sphere moves as a bonus action, dealing 2d6 fire damage to creatures it collides with. The ongoing nature of the sphere makes it excellent for controlling the battlefield, forcing enemies to move or take damage repeatedly. However, it requires concentration and positioning to optimize damage output.