In the realm of Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, reaction spells offer players an exciting way to respond to events in combat. One such reaction spell is Hellish Rebuke, a fiery and punishing spell that allows characters to strike back at enemies who have harmed them. This spell is a favorite among Warlocks, particularly those who serve the Fiend patron, but it is also accessible to other spellcasters. In this guide, we’ll delve into what Hellish Rebuke is, how it works, its strategic applications, and why it’s so beloved by players.
What is Hellish Rebuke?
Hellish Rebuke is a 1st-level evocation spell that allows you to use your reaction to retaliate against a creature that has damaged you with a melee attack. When cast, the spell channels fiery energy from the lower planes of existence to engulf the attacker, forcing them to make a Dexterity saving throw. On a failed save, the creature takes 2d10 fire damage, or half as much on a successful save.
Hellish Rebuke provides a fiery burst of damage as a reaction, making it a powerful tool for certain classes that rely on retaliation, such as Warlocks with the Fiend patron.
Basic Spell Details:
- Level: 1st
- Casting Time: 1 reaction, which you take in response to being damaged
- Range: 60 feet
- Components: Verbal (V), Somatic (S)
- Duration: Instantaneous
- Damage Type: Fire
- Saving Throw: Dexterity (to halve the damage)
What Makes Hellish Rebuke Unique?
Hellish Rebuke is particularly unique in that it allows players to deal significant damage in response to an attack, often catching enemies off-guard. It’s a spell that fits well into a reactive combat style, especially for characters who are often targeted by enemies due to their positioning or role in the party.
How Does Hellish Rebuke Work?
Hellish Rebuke is cast immediately after you’ve been hit by a melee attack. It’s important to remember that it only works in response to a creature dealing damage to you, so you can’t use it against ranged attacks or other forms of damage.
Steps to Cast Hellish Rebuke:
- Trigger: You’re hit by a melee attack and take damage.
- Reaction: You use your reaction to cast Hellish Rebuke.
- Dexterity Saving Throw: The creature that damaged you must make a Dexterity saving throw.
- Damage: On a failed save, the creature takes 2d10 fire damage. On a successful save, they take half damage.
- Instantaneous: The effects occur immediately, and the spell ends after the damage is dealt.
Since the spell only uses your reaction, you can only cast it once per round. The timing is key, as you have to wait for the correct moment to retaliate.
Who Can Cast Hellish Rebuke?
Hellish Rebuke is available to several classes and subclasses in D&D 5e. Here are the main characters who can access the spell:
1. Warlocks (Fiend Patron)
Warlocks are one of the primary spellcasters that use hellish rebuke 5e, especially those who are patrons of the Fiend. The Fiend patron provides a thematic and mechanical reason for Warlocks to learn Hellish Rebuke, as it ties in with their fiendish origins and grants access to fire-based abilities. For Fiendish Warlocks, Hellish Rebuke is a staple of their spell list.
2. Sorcerers
Sorcerers, particularly those with the Draconic Bloodline or Shadow Magic origin, also gain access to Hellish Rebuke. The spell provides a useful means of defense for these spellcasters who might otherwise be vulnerable to melee attackers.
3. Other Options
While Hellish Rebuke isn’t part of the core spell list for most classes, certain feats, magic items, or subclass abilities (such as the Oath of Conquest Paladin or certain subclasses with elemental magic) may grant access to it.
Strategic Use of Hellish Rebuke
Hellish Rebuke is an excellent tool for a player who wants to respond to damage and punish enemies for attacking them. But how can you best use it in a strategic sense? Here are a few tips for maximizing its potential in combat:
1. Managing Your Reaction
Since Hellish Rebuke requires a reaction, it’s important to manage your reactions wisely. Using your reaction on a powerful melee attack can help you mitigate damage while dealing a significant blow in return. However, you’ll want to make sure that you’re using your reaction at the right time, as you only get one per round.
2. Exploiting Fire Vulnerabilities
Many creatures, especially fiends and undead, are vulnerable to fire damage. If you’re facing an enemy with a weakness to fire, Hellish Rebuke can be an excellent way to capitalize on that vulnerability and deal extra damage. Understanding the types of creatures you’re up against will help you decide when to use the spell for maximum effect.
3. Using It as a Deterrent
Hellish Rebuke doesn’t just deal damage—it also acts as a deterrent for enemies. When foes see that attacking you triggers a fiery punishment, they may hesitate to target you. This can be especially useful if you’re a tanky character who wants to draw enemies away from more vulnerable party members.
4. Scaling Damage with Higher Spell Slots
Hellish Rebuke is a 1st-level spell, but its damage increases if cast using higher-level spell slots. For each level above 1st, the damage increases by an additional 1d10. If you have available higher-level spell slots and know that you’re about to take a big hit, casting Hellish Rebuke at a higher level can significantly increase its damage output.
For example:
- 1st-level spell slot: 2d10 fire damage
- 2nd-level spell slot: 3d10 fire damage
- 3rd-level spell slot: 4d10 fire damage
Using a higher-level spell slot can turn Hellish Rebuke into a much more devastating response to an attack, making it even more worthwhile for powerful foes.
5. Avoiding Overuse
While Hellish Rebuke is a powerful spell, it’s a limited resource since it uses your reaction. Be careful not to waste it on weaker foes or smaller attacks when you might need it for a more significant strike later on. It’s best used against powerful melee attackers or enemies you want to punish for getting too close.
Advantages of Hellish Rebuke
- Natural Retaliation: The spell feels like a natural extension of a character who’s been harmed, creating an exciting moment where your character takes vengeance.
- Fire Damage: Fire is a powerful damage type in D&D 5e. Many enemies are weak to fire or have no resistance to it, making Hellish Rebuke a reliable form of damage.
- No Attack Roll: The lack of an attack roll makes Hellish Rebuke simpler and more reliable. Instead of needing to hit with a spell, it relies on the enemy making a saving throw.
Disadvantages of Hellish Rebuke
- Reaction Limitation: You can only cast Hellish Rebuke once per round, and you need to wait for the right moment when an enemy hits you with a melee attack.
- Dexterity Saving Throw: The target can avoid much of the damage with a successful Dexterity saving throw. Enemies with high Dexterity scores or those proficient in saving throws against fire can mitigate the spell’s effectiveness.
Conclusion
Hellish Rebuke is one of the most iconic spells in Dungeons & Dragons 5e for those who want to strike back with fiery retribution. It’s a reactionary spell that lets you deal significant fire damage when you’ve been hurt, and with its scaling damage and strategic applications, it offers both flavor and effectiveness in combat. Whether you’re playing a Warlock with a Fiend patron, a Sorcerer, or another class with access to this spell, Hellish Rebuke is a versatile and exciting option for players who enjoy a fiery vengeance. Use it wisely, and it can become a powerful tool in your combat arsenal.
