Thorn Whip 5E

Thorn Whip 5E, found on page 282 of the Player’s Handbook, is one of the most used Druid cantrips out there, and for good reason. In this article, we will break down how the spell works and some interesting ways to use it.

Thorn Whip

cantrip transmutation

• Casting Time: 1 action
• Range: 30 feet
• Components: V S M (The stem of a plant with thorns)
• Duration: Instantaneous
• Classes: Artificer, Druid
• You create a long, vine-like whip covered in thorns that lashes out at your command toward a creature in range. Make a melee spell attack against the target. If the attack hits, the creature takes 1d6 piercing damage, and if the creature is Large or smaller, you pull the creature up to 10 feet closer to you. This spell’s damage increases by 1d6 when you reach 5th level (2d6), 11th level (3d6), and 17th level (4d6).

Higher Levels Damage Graph

	1st level	5th level	11th level	17th level
Damage Dice	1d6	2d6	3d6	4d6
Min Damage	1	2	3	4
Average Damage	3.5	7	10.5	14
Max Damage	6	12	18	24

What class can cast Thorn Whip?

Thorn Whip 5E is exclusively a Druid spell, so all Druids have the ability to cast it, as well as anybody who has access to their spell list through the feat Magic Initiate.

At what level can you cast Thorn Whip?

Thorn Whip 5E is a cantrip, so it can be cast at first level by a spellcaster that has access to Druid spells.

Spell Components for Thorn Whip.

Thorn Whip 5E requires you two have a stem of a plant with thorns, such as a rose, holly, or hawthorn. This component is not consumed with the spell, so you do not have to worry about replacing it every time you cast Thorn Whip.

Are there any feats that allow you to cast Thorn Whip?

If you are not a Druid but wish to learn Thorn Whip 5E, you can do so by taking the Magic Initiate feat. You would choose to gain access to Druid spells, allowing you to learn two cantrips and one first-level spell from the Druid spell list.

Alternative uses for Thorn Whip.

One of the most unique things about Thorn Whip is its ability to move people around the battlefield. On a successful hit, you are allowed to pull your target up to 10 feet closer to you against their will.

There are many ways you can use this forced movement, from as simple as moving your enemy closer to you or your fighters, pulling somebody off a ladder, or pulling somebody off of a ledge.

Say an archer has a good vantage point on top of a 20-foot building. He will then be very disappointed to find himself on the ground level with you and your companions. You could also use it to pull somebody into a trap you have already set.

You could also use it to pull your allies out of danger. Though you will deal some damage to them, it may be worth it just to get them out of a bad situation. Some DMs allow you to move your allies without damaging them but check with your DM first.

I’ve also heard of some DMs allowing Thorn Whip to be used to pull the caster towards the enemy they struck. This is not something I would allow as a DM, but you never know if you don’t ask, so ask yours and see if it’s an option.

Our Thoughts.

Thorn Whip is one of those special cantrips that not only do damage but cause an effect, pulling your enemy towards you up to 10 feet. Simply for this fact, Thorn Whip is better than most damaging cantrips out there.

Thorn Whip is particularly useful if you can use it in a clever way, as outlined above, causing people to fall off things or pulling them into harm while also doing a little damage. For this reason, it is a must for most Druids.

FAQ’s about Thorn Whip

Is Thorn Whip pull optional?

Yes, you can choose not to pull your target at all. Or, to be more specific, you can choose to pull your enemy 0 feet. The important language in the spell here is “you pull the creature up to 10 feet closer to you.” up to meaning you can pull them up to 0 to 10 feet.

Can Thorn Whip grab objects?

No, if you read this spell, it states, “vine-like whip covered in thorns that lashes out at your command toward a creature in range.” the spell specifically says creature, not object. However, this really comes down to your DM’s preference. Something to consider if your DM allows you to use Thorn Whip to move an object; Thorn Whip does damage, so make sure whatever you’re moving can take it. Don’t be surprised when you decide to move a tankard of ale but instead make a giant mess.

Is Thorn whip magic damage?

No, Thorn Whip does not do “magic damage.” It does piercing damage. If we look at the spell, it states, “If the attack hits, the creature takes 1d6 piercing damage.” If it were indeed a form of “magical damage,” it would say something like 1d6 force damage or necrotic damage.

Can thorn whip cause opportunity attacks?

No, Thorn Whip does not cause opportunity attacks. On page 195 of the Player’s Handbook under opportunity attacks, it states, “You also don’t provoke an opportunity atta⁠ck when you telep⁠ort or when someone or something moves you without using your Movement, action, or Reaction”