Hellish Rebuke

Level 1 / Evocation

Level & School

Level 1 Evocation

Casting Time

1 reaction (taking damage from a creature that you can see within 60 feet of yourself)

Range

60 ft.

Duration

Instantaneous

Components

V, S

Ritual

No

Target / Area

1 creature

Spell Description

The creature that damaged you is momentarily surrounded by green flames. It makes a Dexterity saving throw, taking 2d10 Fire damage on a failed save or half as much damage on a successful one.
Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. The damage increases by 1d10 for each spell slot level above 1.

Examples and common questions

Myth Meister explanations of the 2024 rules, reviewed 2026-09-22. Examples are original commentary; the reference above contains the licensed rules.

Does it prevent the damage that triggered it?

No. You have already taken damage when the Reaction becomes available. Resolve that damage, then the triggering creature’s saving throw and the spell’s damage.

Can I use it after an attack misses?

A miss that deals no damage does not meet the trigger. Taking damage is required. An unseen creature or one beyond 60 feet also fails the stated trigger.

What changes with a higher-level slot?

A level-2 slot deals 3d10 Fire damage, and a level-3 slot deals 4d10. Each slot level above 1 adds 1d10; a successful save still halves the damage.

Can I use it twice before my next turn?

Under the normal Reaction rules, once you take a Reaction you cannot take another until the start of your next turn. Check whether you already spent yours before casting.