Hunger of Hadar DnD 5e: Mechanics and Guide

Spell Description:

You open a gateway to the dark between the stars, a region infested with unknown horrors. A 20-foot-radius sphere of blackness and bitter cold appears, centered on a point with range and lasting for the duration.

This void is filled with a cacophony of soft whispers and slurping noises that can be heard up to 30 feet away. No light, magical or otherwise, can illuminate the area, and creatures fully within the area are blinded. 

The void creates a warp in the fabric of space, and the area is difficult terrain. Any creature that starts its turn in the area takes 2d6 cold damage.

Any creature that ends its turn in the area must succeed on a Dexterity saving throw or take 2d6 acid damage as milky, otherworldly tentacles rub against it.

What Is Hunger of Hadar?

Hunger of Hadar is a 3rd-level Conjuration spell from the Warlock spell list. It allows the caster to target a point in space and conjure a bitter cold and magical darkness in a 20-foot sphere around that point.

Creatures within the sphere of influence will take damage if they start or end their turn in the globe and are blinded while they are inside.

Who Can Cast Hunger of Hadar?

Hunger of Hadar is a Warlock spell, and they get access to the spell starting at the 5th level when they get access to 3rd-level spells. Other than Bards who can cast the spell using their Magical Secrets ability, no one else has access to this spell.

When and Where Should I Cast Hunger of Hadar?

Hunger of Hadar is an exciting spell primarily useful for its flavor and controlling spaces or setting up ambushes. Unfortunately, the fact that it entirely obscures the area of effect, means that it’s going to be challenging to use this spell without hurting your allies.

Directly or indirectly, there are few ways to prevent this spell from affecting allies. 

There are, of course, good uses for the spell. It is perfect for setting up traps with attacks such as Cordon of Arrows and Delayed Blast Fireball.

Why Should I Take Hunger of Hadar?

Warlocks have smaller spell lists, overall, compared to other spellcasting classes, and it may come down to a lack of other viable options or the need for more robust control spells within the team.

Alternatives to Hunger of Hadar

• Black Tentacles
• Blindness/Deafness
• Darkness

Common Questions About Hunger of Hadar

Can you see into Hunger of Hadar’s sphere?

No. It is impossible to see into Hunger of Hadar’s sphere of influence.

Can I move Hunger of Hadar?

No. Once you cast Hunger of Hadar, the only way to move the positioning of the spell is to recast it.

Can I see in Hunger of Hadar if I have Darkvision?

No. Hunger of Hadar’s darkness is magical, so darkvision is not affected by it. Furthermore, it blinds the afflicted characters, so only characters with Blindsight would be able to see.

Does Hunger of Hadar go around corners?

If Hunger of Hadar is cast on a corner, its sphere will extend around the corner. There is no written indication that the spell should interact unusually with corners.