Shatter 5e
Shatter is a 2nd-level evocation spell that blasts a 10-foot-radius sphere within 60 feet with thunder. Each creature in the area makes a Constitution saving throw, taking 3d8 thunder damage (13.5 on average) on a failure or half on a success. It deals 1d8 more per slot level above 2nd.
Pick a slot and press Roll.
Shatter at a glance
| Level | 2nd-level evocation |
| Casting time | 1 action |
| Range | 60 feet (10-foot-radius sphere) |
| Components | V, S, M (a chip of mica) |
| Duration | Instantaneous |
| Classes | Bard, Sorcerer, Wizard |
| Resolution | Constitution saving throw; half damage on a success |
| Damage type | Thunder |
Shatter damage by slot level
| Slot | Dice | Min | Average | Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd-level slot | 3d8 | 3 | 13.5 | 24 |
| 3rd-level slot | 4d8 | 4 | 18 | 32 |
| 4th-level slot | 5d8 | 5 | 22.5 | 40 |
| 5th-level slot | 6d8 | 6 | 27 | 48 |
| 6th-level slot | 7d8 | 7 | 31.5 | 56 |
| 7th-level slot | 8d8 | 8 | 36 | 64 |
| 8th-level slot | 9d8 | 9 | 40.5 | 72 |
| 9th-level slot | 10d8 | 10 | 45 | 80 |
How Shatter works
How it works: Pick a point you can see within 60 feet. A burst of painful sound fills a 10-foot-radius sphere centered there. Every creature inside makes a Constitution saving throw. On a failed save it takes 3d8 thunder damage; on a success it takes half, rounded down. You roll the damage once and apply it to every creature in the area.
Constructs and inorganic targets: In the 2024 rules a Construct makes the saving throw with disadvantage, which makes Shatter a strong pick against golems, animated armor and similar foes. The 2014 rule was broader: any creature made of inorganic material, such as stone, crystal or metal, had disadvantage. Nonmagical objects in the area that nobody is wearing or carrying also take the damage.
Upcasting: Each slot level above 2nd adds 1d8. A 3rd-level slot rolls 4d8 (18 average) and a 9th-level slot rolls 10d8 (45 average). Use the roller above to roll the right dice for your slot.
Tactics: The sphere is 20 feet across, so it catches groups packed into corridors or doorways. Watch your allies: Shatter does not spare friendly creatures in the area. The blast is loud, so it is a poor choice when you are trying to stay hidden.
Shatter: 2014 vs 2024 rules
| 2014 PHB | 2024 PHB | |
|---|---|---|
| Damage | 3d8 thunder | 3d8 thunder |
| Save | Constitution, half on success | Constitution, half on success |
| Disadvantage on the save | Creatures made of inorganic material | Constructs |
| Upcasting | +1d8 per slot above 2nd | +1d8 per slot above 2nd |
| Class list | Bard, Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard | Bard, Sorcerer, Wizard |
Shatter FAQ
How much damage does Shatter do in 5e?
Shatter deals 3d8 thunder damage, 13.5 on average, to each creature that fails its Constitution save. A successful save halves the damage.
Does Shatter scale with higher spell slots?
Yes. It adds 1d8 thunder damage for each slot level above 2nd, reaching 10d8 (45 average) with a 9th-level slot.
Can Shatter hit my allies?
Yes. Every creature in the 10-foot-radius sphere must save, including your party, so place the center point carefully.
Is Shatter good against constructs?
Yes. In the 2024 rules Constructs roll the save with disadvantage; in the 2014 rules any creature made of inorganic material, like stone, crystal or metal, did. Either way they fail more often and take full damage more often.
Did Shatter change in the 2024 rules?
Only slightly. The 2024 version keeps 3d8 thunder damage, the Constitution save, the 10-foot sphere and the same upcasting, but disadvantage now applies to Constructs and Warlock is no longer on its class list.
Related
Other 2nd-level spells
- Acid Arrow
- Aid
- Alter Self
- Animal Messenger
- Arcane Lock
- Arcanist's Magic Aura
- Augury
- Blindness/Deafness
- Blur
- Calm Emotions
- Continual Flame
- Darkness
Rules are summarised in our own words; monster stat blocks are reproduced from the SRD. This work includes material from the System Reference Document 5.2 ("SRD 5.2") by Wizards of the Coast LLC, available at dndbeyond.com/srd. The SRD 5.2 is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Card icons by Lorc and Delapouite from game-icons.net, licensed under CC BY 3.0.
Wizards of the Coast LLC is the trademark holder for Dungeons & Dragons, Wizards of the Coast, and their respective logos worldwide.
Wizards of the Coast LLC does not support, endorse, approve, or have any affiliation with DnD Dice Roller. According to the Wizards of the Coast LLC's Fan Site Policy, DnD Dice Roller may use its trademarks and other intellectual property. Please visit Wizards of the Coast's website at www.wizards.com if you want additional information about the company, its trademarks, or other intellectual property.
Contains content from the System Reference Document 5.1 and 5.2 by Wizards of the Coast LLC, used under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.