Today, we’re diving into one of the more explosive options in your magical arsenal: Erupting Earth.

Imagine standing on the battlefield, your enemies closing in, and with a mere wave of your hand, the ground beneath them surges and shatters, sending them sprawling and creating a chaotic mess of rubble.

Sounds pretty epic, right?

That’s the power of Erupting Earth—a 3rd-level spell that combines raw destructive force with strategic battlefield control.

In this article, we’ll explore what makes Erupting Earth such a compelling choice for Druids, Sorcerers, and Wizards. We’ll break down its mechanics, offer tips on how to use it effectively, and weigh its pros and cons to help you decide if it deserves a spot in your spellbook.

So grab your spell components and prepare to unleash the fury of the earth!

What is Erupting Earth 5e?

Erupting Earth is a 3rd-level transmutation spell that packs a punch!

With a casting range of 120 feet, you can target a point on the ground and unleash a 20-foot cube of churning earth and stone. Every creature in that area must make a Dexterity saving throw or take 3d12 bludgeoning damage—half damage on a successful save.

But that’s not all! The ground in the affected area also becomes difficult terrain, slowing down anyone trying to move through it.

It’s a bit of a “two for one” kind of spell. Used well, it’s perfect for both dealing damage and controlling the battlefield, making it a versatile addition to any spellcaster’s toolkit.

LEVEL: 3rd

CASTING TIME: 1 Action

RANGE/AREA: 20ft cube

COMPONENTS: V, S, M*

DURATION: Instantaneous

SCHOOL: Transmutation

ATTACK/SAVE: DEX Save

DAMAGE/EFFECT: Bludgeoning damage

SPELL LISTS: Druid, Sorcerer, Wizard

Choose a point you can see on the ground within range. A fountain of churned earth and stone erupts in a 20-foot cube centered on that point.

Each creature in that area must make a Dexterity saving throw. A creature takes 3d12 bludgeoning damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

Additionally, the ground in that area becomes difficult terrain until cleared. Each 5-foot-square portion of the area requires at least 1 minute to clear by hand.

At Higher Levels: When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 4th level or higher, the damage increases by 1d12 for each slot level above 3rd.

* (a piece of obsidian)

How to Use Erupting Earth 5e Effectively

Mastering Erupting Earth can quickly turn the tide of battle in your favor.

Here are some tips to make sure you’re getting the most out of this explosive spell.

Choosing the Right Moment

Timing is everything. Erupting Earth shines when you can catch multiple enemies in its 20-foot cube.

Look for clusters of foes, especially those that rely on close formation tactics. Dropping this spell at the right moment can disrupt their plans and deal significant damage.

Maximizing Damage

To maximize the spell’s impact, aim for areas where enemies are likely to fail their Dexterity saving throws. This includes heavily armored foes or creatures with low Dexterity.

If you can combine Erupting Earth with spells or abilities that reduce enemy mobility, like Entangle or Web, you’ll increase the chances of them taking full damage.

Creating Tactical Advantages

It’s not just about the damage that this spell throws down. The difficult terrain created by Erupting Earth is a fantastic tool for controlling the battlefield!

You might use to:

  • Combine with Other Spells: Pair Erupting Earth with spells like Spike Growth or Wall of Fire to create layered defenses that enemies must struggle through.
  • Slow Down Pursuers: If you’re being chased, cast it behind your party to hinder your enemies’ advance.
  • Protect Your Flanks: Create a barrier of difficult terrain to protect vulnerable party members or to funnel enemies into a kill zone.

Synergies with Party Members

Look for opportunities to coordinate with your team to really maximize the spell’s effectiveness.

As some examples:

  • Tank and Control: Have your tank draw enemies into a tight group, then unleash Erupting Earth to hit them all at once.
  • Rogue, Monk, and Ranger: These classes hit quickly and can take advantage of slowed enemies to land devastating attacks, especially if the enemies are struggling through difficult terrain.

By using Erupting Earth strategically, you can not only deal significant damage but also control the flow of battle, giving your party a crucial advantage.

So, keep your eyes open, your spell components ready, and prepare to unleash the earth’s fury at just the right moment!

Pros and Cons of Erupting Earth 5e

Like any spell in D&D, Erupting Earth comes with its own set of strengths and weaknesses.

Let’s break them down so you can decide if this spell is a game-changer for your character or just a situational tool.

Pros

  • High Damage Output: With 3d12 bludgeoning damage, Erupting Earth can seriously hurt a cluster of enemies. It scales with higher-level spell slots, making it even more devastating as you progress.
  • Large Area of Effect: The 20-foot cube gives you a substantial area to target multiple foes at once. Perfect for disrupting enemy formations and causing chaos in their ranks.
  • Battlefield Control: The creation of difficult terrain is a fantastic way to slow down pursuers or protect your flanks. This can be especially useful for controlling the flow of battle and giving your party the upper hand.

Cons

  • High Spell Level: As a 3rd-level spell, Erupting Earth competes with some heavy hitters like Fireball and Counterspell. You’ll need to consider if the benefits outweigh using a precious 3rd-level slot.
  • Not So Grounded: This spell only affects creatures on the ground or 20ft above it, so flying enemies or those on elevated platforms are safe from its effects unless they’re in that range. Keep this in mind when choosing your targets!
  • Potential for Friendly Fire: With a large area of effect, there’s always a risk of catching your allies in the blast. Make sure to coordinate with your team to avoid any unintended casualties.

Erupting Earth is a powerful tool for both dealing damage and controlling the battlefield. Used strategically, it can be very powerful for both its damage-dealing and battlefield control capabilities!

However, its limitations do mean that you’ll need to use it strategically to get the most bang for your buck.

FAQs – Erupting Earth 5e

How does difficult terrain created by Erupting Earth work?

The ground in the affected area becomes difficult terrain, which means it costs twice as much movement to traverse. Each 5-foot-square portion of the area requires at least 1 minute to clear by hand. This can significantly slow down enemies and give your party time to regroup or reposition.

Can Erupting Earth be upcast for additional effects?

Yes, when you cast Erupting Earth using a spell slot of 4th level or higher, the damage increases by 1d12 for each slot level above 3rd. This makes the spell even more devastating as you gain access to higher-level spell slots.

Does Erupting Earth have any non-combat uses?

Absolutely! Erupting Earth can be used to alter terrain for strategic advantages, such as creating barriers or clearing obstacles. It can also be employed in creative ways during exploration, like revealing hidden structures or creating makeshift cover.

Conclusion – Erupting Earth 5e

From dealing massive damage to controlling the battlefield, Erupting Earth is a versatile addition to your spellbook that can turn the tide of battle in your favor.

We hope this guide has given you the insights and tips you need to use Erupting Earth effectively. Now it’s your turn to unleash the fury of the earth and watch your enemies tremble!

Have you used Erupting Earth in your campaigns? Share your experiences and creative uses in the comments below—we’d love to hear your stories!

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