Sleet Storm 5e: Mechanics and Guide To Using the Spell

Spell Description:

Until the spell ends, freezing rain and sleet fall in a 20-foot-tall cylinder with a 40-foot radius centered on a point you choose within range. The area is heavily obscured, and exposed flames in the area are doused.

The ground in the area is covered with slick ice, making it difficult terrain. When a creature enters the spell’s area for the first time on a turn or starts its turn there, it must make a Dexterity saving throw. On a failed save, it falls prone.

If a creature starts its turn in the spell’s area and is concentrating on a spell, the creature must make a successful Constitution saving throw against your spell save DC, or lose concentration.

What is Sleet Storm?

Sleet Storm causes icy sleet to rain down in a 20-foot cylinder, coating the ground in ice. The icy storm obscures vision in the cylinder and turns it into harsh terrain.

Any creature in the cylinder at the start of the spell or who starts their turn in the area of effect must make a Dexterity save or fall prone.

Who Can Cast Sleet Storm?

Sleet Storm can be taken by a large number of classes and subclasses. Druids, Sorcerers, and Wizards are the first to get access to the spell with it being on their default spell lists, available at 5th level.

Tempest Domain Clerics can also cast Sleet Storm starting at 5th level. Warlocks who choose The Marid Genie as their Patron also have Sleet Storm on their expanded spell list. 

Bards can take Sleet Storm at the 10th level or when they get their first Magical Secrets. Eldritch Knights and Arcane Tricksters will have to wait until the 14th level when they get their first 3rd level spell slots to cast Sleet Storm. 

When and Where Should I Cast Sleet Storm?

Sleet Storm is an excellent spell to cast if your party has a substantial amount of Area of Effect damage. Sleet Storm causes the entire area to become Heavily Obscured and Harsh Terrain, making it virtually impossible for both ranged and melee characters to deal damage inside of it.

If your team has a substantial amount of area of effect firepower, though, Sleet Storm can prevent characters from doing much of anything in response to the hail of spells upon them.

Why Should I Take Sleet Storm?

Sleet Storm’s control effect is very strong within teams that can accommodate its Harsh Terrain and Heavily Obscured statuses.

Common Questions About Sleet Storm