Thunderclap 5e D&D Guide

Thunderclap is a damage Cantrip available to the Bard, Druid, Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard, and Artificer spell lists.

You can use your cries of anguish or anger against the ones who wronged you.

The ones closest to your trembling voice will feel pain, taking from their lifeforce what they took from you.

The Player’s Handbook states the following:

Thunderclap 5e

Evocation Cantrip

Casting Time: 1 action

Range: Self (5-foot-radius)

Components: S

Duration: Instantaneous

You create a burst of thunderous sound, which can be heard 100 feet away. Each creature other than you within 5 feet of you must make a Constitution saving roll.

On a failed save, the creature will take 1d6 thunder damage.

At Higher Levels: The spell’s damage increases by 1d6 when you reach the 5th level (2d6), 11th level (3d6), and 17th level (4d6).

Which Classes Can Pick Thunderclap?

Traditional classes, such as the Bard, Druid, Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard, and Artificer, can freely unlock Thunderclap.

All the traditional classes can unlock and use this spell at level 1.

There are no subclasses that unlock this spell for free.

Is Thunderclap Good in 5e?

Thunderclap isn’t a good spell. Its damage relies on the caster being at least 5 feet from the intended targets.

For most spellcasters, this isn’t a favorable place to be. They should instead be in the backline, providing utility to the martial classes upfront.

Advantages – Thunderclap

No Concentration

Thunderclap doesn’t have any concentration. If it did, creatures in range of the caster could easily target them and cancel the spell.

One Component

This spell only has a Somatic component. Players need only be able to use one hand to cast this spell and nothing else.

It’s a bonus that it doesn’t use any materials. Finding materials for Cantrips aren’t usually worth it.

Most materials are rare, take time to get, or go for a pretty penny.

Disadvantages – Thunderclap

Very Close Range

Thunderclap has a range of self that blasts 1d6 Thunder damage in a 5-foot radius around the caster.

The spell doesn’t do any damage if the creatures aren’t 5 feet or closer to the caster.

It makes the caster more vulnerable to attack, as enemies are much closer to the caster.

Running away is also not an option, as the enemies will simply follow you and try to attack you constantly.

Uses an Action

Spells that use actions, especially Cantrips, can waste your action. In combat, having an action allows you to attack or cast powerful spells that provide what’s necessary for your party.

Wasting it on a spell like Thunderclap limits your value on that turn. So instead, try using a higher-level spell, or make an attack if that will be more effective.

Note: There are some excellent Cantrips, like Mage Hand, Mind Sliver, and Shape Water, which are much better to use your action on.

Spells Similar To Thunderclap

Sword Burst is a very similar spell to Thunderclap. The main difference is that it uses a Verbal component and deals Force damage instead of Thunder damage.

When or How Should I Use Thunderclap?

Even though Thunderclap might not be a good spell, players can still use it effectively in certain situations.

Surrounded by Enemies

Spellcasters are usually found in the backline, along with supportive players buffing and healing the martial classes in the front.

That’s why it doesn’t happen often, but you can become surrounded by enemies in some situations.

If this happens, having a spell like Thunderclap can come in handy.

Casting it will deal a bit of damage to all the creatures around you. It might not be a lot, but it might help get some creatures off you until backup arrives.

Get the Attention of Enemies

Thunderclap doesn’t only deal damage. It also has a booming sound effect that players can hear from up to 100 feet away.

Sometimes, you’ll have the upper hand on enemies as you sneak into their hideouts. At that moment, they won’t know how many of you there are and be completely oblivious to your next moves.

Split Up

Your party can split up, having the one with Thunderclap cast the spell as soon as everyone is ready. The enemies will usually focus on the sound and charge in your direction.

The other group can reveal themselves and join the battle when the time is right.

Now you not only threw the enemies off guard, but you surrounded them and can now make quick work of their group.

Yell Allies Your Location

Players can hear the sound created by Thunderclap from 100 feet away.

If you are ever lost, you can simply use this spell (making sure nobody is around you) to let your party know your rough location.

Just ensure they’re within 100 feet from you, as any further than that will make the spell ineffective.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Thunderclap Work Inside a Silence Spell?

Thunderclap doesn’t work inside a Silence spell. Even though Thunderclap isn’t cast using a Verbal component, it still meets the requirements to have its damage nullified.

Anything inside the area of Silence will not be damaged by Thunder damage.

Note: If you are inside the Silence spell and the enemies are at most 5 feet away from you (but not inside the Silence spell), you can damage them.

Does Thunderclap Work Like Usual Underwater?

Thunderclap can be cast underwater. Nothing in its description prohibits players from casting it while underwater.

The only thing that could be affected is the distance the sound travels. However, it isn’t known how it changes since it isn’t mentioned.

Final Thoughts

To be honest, Thunderclap functions better as a control spell than it does as a damage spell.

The damage can be seen as an addition as the sound it makes can be used more often than the damage.

Overall, if you’re a spellcaster looking for spells that deal consistent damage, you shouldn’t pick Thunderclap.

You’ll be better off taking spells like Fire Bolt and Chill Touch.