Few spells in D&D inspire as much awe and trepidation as those found at the very pinnacle of arcane power. Among these, Power Word Kill stands out as a spell both revered and feared, capable of ending lives with a mere utterance.

Picture the scene: a climactic battle against a fearsome foe, your party on the brink of defeat, when suddenly, with a single word, the tide turns in your favor as the foe collapses lifeless. It’s the stuff of legends, and it’s what makes Power Word Kill one of the most fascinating spells in the game.

But what exactly makes this legendary spell so powerful? How can you wield it to its fullest potential, and what are the pitfalls you should avoid?

In this article, we’ll dive deep into the mechanics of Power Word Kill, explore strategies for its effective use, and weigh its strengths and weaknesses.

Whether you’re a seasoned spellcaster or new to arcane arts, join us on this journey as we unravel the mysteries of one of D&D’s most iconic spells: Power Word Kill.

What is Power Word Kill?

Power Word Kill is the ultimate showstopper in the spellcaster’s repertoire and is a particular favorite of many liches.

This 9th-level enchantment spell lets you utter a single, devastating word that can instantly snuff out the life of any creature with 100 hit points or fewer.

No saving throws, no second chances—just immediate death.

With a range of 60 feet and requiring only a verbal component, it’s as swift as it is deadly. But beware: its potency is limited to those already weakened in battle (or on the squishy side to begin with), making its strategic use crucial for maximum impact.

LEVEL: 9th

CASTING TIME: 1 Action

RANGE/AREA: 60 ft

COMPONENTS: V

DURATION: Instant

SCHOOL: Enchantment

ATTACK/SAVE: None

DAMAGE/EFFECT: Control / Damage

SPELL LISTS: Bard, Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard

You utter a word of power that can compel one creature you can see within range to die instantly. If the creature you choose has 100 hit points or fewer, it dies. Otherwise, the spell has no effect.

How to Use Power Word Kill Effectively

Mastering Power Word Kill is all about timing and target selection.

This is a spell with a ton of power. I mean… it IS one of the strongest spells in the entire game, after all! So you want to make sure to use your judgment when it comes to exactly where, when, and how you will use this!

Here’s how to make sure your enemies never see it coming:

Target Selection

First up: Choose your victim wisely.

Ultimately, Power Word Kill is a finisher, perfect for those critical moments when you’ve been able to weaken an enemy and need to bring things to a swift end.

Keep an eye on your foes’ hit points; any creature with 100 HP or fewer is fair game. Spells like Detect Thoughts might give you some clues about the target’s overall health, as well as paying close attention to how the target is acting and the DM’s descriptions.

You’ve got one shot to make this spell work successfully without wasting your precious level 9 spell slot, so keep your eyes open and gauge when a target is ripe for the taking.

Strategic Considerations

Of course, it’s true when they say that timing is everything.

Unleash Power Word Kill when it can turn the tide of battle—perhaps to eliminate a powerful spellcaster before they can unleash their own devastating spells or to swiftly end a fight with a particularly dangerous enemy.

Coordinate with your party to soften up tough foes, ensuring they fall below the 100 HP threshold just in time for your spell to seal the deal.

Keep in mind that where Power Word Kill particularly shines is that you are using your level 9 spell slot to potentially save the rest of the party a ton of expended resources (spell slots, hit dice, class features, healing potions, etc).

Alternative Uses

While primarily a combat spell, don’t overlook its potential in narrative-driven scenarios. Need to discreetly eliminate a key NPC without a trace? Power Word Kill can be your silent assassin.

Just remember, the spell’s effectiveness hinges on the target’s hit points, so it’s best used when you’re certain of your foe’s vulnerability.

By keeping these best practices in mind, you’ll wield Power Word Kill like a true master, striking fear into the hearts of your enemies and cementing your reputation as a spellcaster who is absolutely not to be trifled with.

Pros and Cons of Power Word Kill

As with any spell, Power Word Kill has its own unique set of advantages and drawbacks.

By understanding these pros and cons, you can better judge when to pull “Power Word Kill” out of your spellbook and when to save that precious 9th-level slot for another game-changing spell.

Use it wisely, and you’ll be the hero—or villain—of many epic tales.

Pros

  • Guaranteed Kill: When the target has 100 HP or fewer, Power Word Kill is an instant, no-nonsense death sentence. No saving throws, no resistances—just pure, unadulterated power.
  • Speed and Simplicity: With only a verbal component, you can cast it quickly and without the need for complex preparations. It’s perfect for those high-stakes moments when every second counts.
  • Versatility: It’s effective against a wide range of creatures. From powerful spellcasters to constructs to fearsome beasts, as long as they meet the HP requirement, this will affect them all.

Cons

  • HP Limitation: Its biggest drawback is the 100 HP cap. Against high-HP foes, it’s essentially useless until they’ve been significantly weakened.
  • High-Level Slot: As a 9th-level spell, it consumes one of your most precious spell slots. You’ll need to weigh its use against other powerful options in your arsenal to make sure that you’re picking the best strategic option. This isn’t something you want to waste, but it’s also something you want to protect so much that you never get to use it.
  • Situational Effectiveness: Power Word Kill is a fantastic spell when the conditions are right, but in a battle against multiple high-HP enemies or creatures with unknown health, it can feel like a major gamble.

FAQs – Power Word Kill 5e

What happens if the target has more than 100 HP?

If the target has more than 100 hit points, Power Word Kill has no effect whatsoever. The spell simply fizzles, leaving your foe unharmed and you down one precious 9th-level spell slot.

Is “Power Word Kill” effective against undead or constructs?

Absolutely! As long as the undead or construct has 100 hit points or fewer, Power Word Kill will still work its lethal magic. There are no type restrictions in the spell’s description, making it a versatile tool against a variety of foes.

How do Temporary Hit Points affect Power Word Kill?

The short answer is that they don’t because Temporary Hit Points aren’t the same as regular hit points. A character with 100 hit points and 1 temporary hit point is still at or below the 100 hit points necessary for Power Kill to affect them. You can learn more about temporary hit points here!

Are there any ways to increase the effectiveness of “Power Word Kill”?

While the spell’s core mechanic is fixed, you can increase its effectiveness through clever play. Use spells and abilities that reveal or reduce enemy hit points, coordinate with your party to focus fire on a target, and save Power Word Kill for those critical moments when a guaranteed elimination can turn the tide of battle.

Can “Power Word Kill” be countered?

Yes, like any other spell, Power Word Kill can potentially be countered by spells such as Counterspell. Timing and spellcasting order become crucial in high-stakes battles where countering is a possibility.

Does a PC affected by Power Word Kill get Death Saving Throws?

Nope. There are no death saving throws or anything. They are just immediately dead.

Final Thoughts – Power Word Kill 5e

Power Word Kill isn’t just a spell; it’s a statement.

This is a legendary example of the ultimate expression of arcane might, a tool of precision and power that can turn the tide of any battle when used wisely. From its guaranteed lethality to its high-stakes limitations, in a way this spell embodies the thrill and strategy that make D&D so captivating.

As you venture forth in your campaigns, armed with the knowledge of how to wield Power Word Kill effectively, remember that the true magic lies in how you use it.

Whether you’re a cunning Warlock, a chessmaster Wizard, a quick-thinking Bard, or a daring Sorcerer, this spell can be your ace in the hole, your dramatic finish, and your game-changing MVP moment in a mere word.

But now we’d love to hear your thoughts!

Have you used “Power Word Kill” in your adventures? Share your stories and strategies in the comments below.

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