Shatter is the mid-range thunder bomb. A sudden loud ringing noise erupts from a point you choose; creatures in the sphere take thunder damage on a failed Constitution save, and nonmagical objects that aren’t being worn or carried also take the hit.
This Shatter 5E guide covers placement, constructs, and when to pick Thunderwave instead.
- Spell Level
- 2nd
- Spell Type
- Evocation
- Casting Time
- 1 Action
- Range
- 60 feet
- Component Requirements
- Verbal, Somatic, Material (a chip of mica)
- Duration
- Instantaneous
- Class
- Bard, Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard
- Area
- 10-foot-radius sphere
- At Higher Levels
- +1d8 thunder damage per slot level above 2nd
How does Shatter work?
A sudden loud ringing noise, painfully intense, erupts from a point of your choice within range. Each creature in a 10-foot-radius sphere centered on that point must make a Constitution saving throw. A creature takes thunder damage on a failed save, or half as much on a success.
A nonmagical object that isn’t being worn or carried also takes the damage if it’s in the spell’s area.
Creatures made of inorganic material such as stone, crystal, or metal may have disadvantage on the saving throw (per your rules text) — Shatter loves constructs and crystal horrors.
Best uses
- Clumped enemies at 60 feet (Thunderwave is melee-cone; Shatter is mid-range ball)
- Breaking brittle terrain objects, glass, ice sculptures, weak doors (DM permitting)
- Warlock / sorcerer blasts when Fireball isn’t online yet
Shatter vs Thunderwave
| Spell | Level | Shape | Extra |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shatter | 2nd | 10-ft sphere at range | Object damage; anti-inorganic riders |
| Thunderwave | 1st | 15-ft cube from you | Push creatures away |
Thunderwave is the “get off me” button. Shatter is the “delete that cluster over there” button.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Shatter alert the whole dungeon?
It’s loud by fiction. Many DMs treat thunder spells as noisy; plan stealth accordingly or use Silence elsewhere in the heist.
Is it good against undead?
Damage type is thunder — check resistances. Against metal/crystal constructs it often shines.
Should Bards take it?
Yes if you want a clean 2nd-level AoE that isn’t concentration. Pair with control like Hypnotic Pattern at 3rd.
