Hellish Rebuke: 5e Mechanics and Guide To Using the Spell

Casting Time

1 reaction, taken in response to receiving damage from an enemy

School

Evocation

Damage/Effect

Fire

Range

60 feet

Class

Warlock

Attack/Save

DEX Save

Duration

Instantaneous

Level

Components

V, S

Spell Description:

You point your finger, and the creature that damaged you is momentarily surrounded by hellish flames.

The creature must make a Dexterity saving throw. It takes 2d10 fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 2nd level or higher, the damage increases by 1d10 for each slot level above 1st.

	1st level	5th level	7th level	9th level
Damage Dice	2d10	6d10	8d10	10d10
Minimum Damage	2	6	8	10
Average Damage	10.2	30.5	40.5	50.5
Maximum Damage	20	60	80	100

Level: Warlock (1), Oathbreaker (3), Bard (10, Magical Secrets)

Materials Required: None

Number of Targets: 1

Die Type: d10

Number of Dice: 2 (increases by 1 for every spell slot used above 1st)

Damage Type: Fire

Save: Dexterity

Damage On Successful Save: Half

Statuses Inflicted: None

Status Duration: None

Affected By Cover: Yes

Advantage: None

Disadvantage: None

Who Can Cast Hellish Rebuke?

Warlocks are the only ones who have Hellish Rebuke on their spell list naturally in 5e. Oathbreaker Paladins get Hellish Rebuke on their expanded spell list when they reach level 3. Bards can cast Hellish Rebuke if they take it with their Magical Secrets feature.

3rd-level Tieflings in the Bloodline of Asmodeus can also cast Hellish Rebuke at the second level using their Infernal Legacy.

What Is Hellish Rebuke?

Hellish Rebuke is a reaction spell, meaning that it cannot be cast unless its reaction condition is met. When damaged by an enemy within 60 feet of you, the caster can use their reaction to cause the enemy to be momentarily engulfed by searing flames, dealing fire damage.

The spell provokes a Dexterity save from the enemy and deals half damage on a successful save.

When and Where Should I Cast Hellish Rebuke?

Pact of the Blade Warlocks will have an easy time getting off Hellish Rebukes as using their Pact Weapon will put them in the melee range of enemies.

Hellish Rebuke has no area of effect, and therefore aside from creatures that are immune — like Fire Elementals — there’s not really a wrong time to cast Hellish Rebuke.

Why Should I Take Hellish Rebuke?

Hellish Rebuke is a reaction spell that creates a robust additional wall preventing the Warlock, who can sometimes find themselves a squishier caster, from being an easy target for enemies.

Common Questions About Hellish Rebuke

How many times can Tieflings cast Hellish Rebuke?

Tieflings from the Bloodline of Asmodeus can cast Hellish Rebuke once per long rest without using a spell slot. This cast will always be treated as if it were cast at the second level.

Can Hellish Rebuke be Counterspelled?

Yes. Hellish Rebuke is a reaction as is Counterspell, and there is no rule that says a reaction’s trigger cannot be someone else’s reaction. Thus Hellish Rebuke can be Counterspelled.

Can you cast Hellish Rebuke on your turn?

Yes, so long as the trigger condition is met. If someone uses a reaction that damages you, you can absolutely cast Hellish Rebuke on your turn.

Does Hellish Rebuke trigger Hex?

No. Hex only triggers actions that would cause the player to make an attack roll, either with a weapon or a spell. Hellish Rebuke requires a save from the target rather than an attack roll. It does not trigger Hex’s damage.

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Luxia Le( Expert Contributor )

When I’m not writing about RPGs, I’m playing Dungeons & Dragons, Magic: the Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh!, X-Wing miniatures, and many other lovingly-crafted tabletop games with the people I love.