Power Word Kill
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.
At a Glance
Level
9th
School
Enchantment
Casting Time
1 action
Range
60 feet
Duration
Instantaneous
Concentration
No
How Power Word Kill Works
| Casting Time | 1 action |
|---|---|
| Range | 60 feet |
| Components | V |
| Duration | Instantaneous |
Available to:
BardSorcererWarlockWizard
Damage
Instant death if target has 100 HP or fewer
Common Mistakes
Common Mistake
Not having a backup plan if the target has more than 100 HP - spell is completely wasted
Common Mistake
Forgetting there's no save or attack roll - if they have ≤100 HP, they just die
Common Mistake
Using it on creatures immune to being charmed - the spell works regardless of immunities
DM Tips
DM Tip
This spell doesn't care about legendary resistances or immunities - it's not a charm or death effect
DM Tip
Meta knowledge issue - players might know enemy HP, keep this in mind
Sources & Further Reading
- Power Word Kill — D&D 5e Wikidot — Full SRD text
- Power Word Kill — Roll20 Compendium — Structured reference
- Power Word Kill — D&D Beyond — Official digital reference