Hellish Rebuke

You point your finger, and the creature that damaged you is momentarily surrounded by hellish flames. The creature must make a Dexterity saving throw. It takes 2d10 fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

At a Glance

Level
1st
School
Evocation
Casting Time
1 reaction, which you take in response to being damaged by a creature within 60 feet of you that you can see
Range
60 feet
Duration
Instantaneous
Concentration
No

How Hellish Rebuke Works

Casting Time1 reaction, which you take in response to being damaged by a creature within 60 feet of you that you can see
Range60 feet
ComponentsV, S
DurationInstantaneous
Saving ThrowDexterity

Available to:

Damage

2d10 fire(Dexterity)

At Higher Levels

When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 2nd level or higher, the damage increases by 1d10 for each slot level above 1st.

Common Mistakes

Common Mistake
Forgetting it's a reaction when you take damage, not when you're attacked
Common Mistake
Not using it because you're saving spell slots - it's excellent damage for a 1st-level spell
Common Mistake
Thinking you can use it after taking damage from any source - the creature must be within 60 feet and visible
Common Mistake
Forgetting it scales well with higher spell slots

DM Tips

DM Tip
Iconic warlock spell that makes attacking them dangerous
DM Tip
Average damage of 11 at 1st level is excellent
DM Tip
Can discourage enemies from focusing the warlock
DM Tip
The fire damage is thematic but can be resisted by some creatures

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Further Reading