The multiverse of Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition is a realm of wonder and boundless possibilities for spellcasters to weave their magic. Among the vast array of spells, the element of ice stands out as a potent force, capable of freezing foes in their tracks, chilling them to the bone, and turning the battlefield into a winter wonderland of frosty devastation.
In this article, we embark on a journey through the realms of ice magic, exploring the best ice spells available in Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition. Whether you’re a frost-loving Sorcerer, a chill-inducing Warlock, or a spellcasting Wizard attuned to the cold, this comprehensive list will guide you in wielding the freezing power of ice to overcome any adversaries your Dungeon Master might throw your way.
1. Frostbite
Frostbite is a cantrip that epitomizes the essence of ice spells. As a cantrip, it is readily available to most spellcasters and provides a reliable source of ice damage throughout the early levels of your campaign.
Frostbite allows the caster to unleash a blast of frigid air on a single target within range, dealing cold damage and potentially imposing disadvantage on the target’s next weapon attack. This spell is a great choice for players who wish to consistently deal ice damage, even at the lowest levels, and create opportunities to hinder enemy attacks.
2. Ice Knife
Ice Knife is a 1st-level spell that hurls a magically conjured frozen dagger at a target. Upon impact, the dagger explodes, dealing piercing damage to the primary target, as well as cold damage to any creatures within a 5-foot radius. Ice Knife combines both piercing and cold damage, making it an excellent option for overcoming creatures resistant to one or the other.
The spell’s area-of-effect damage can also be beneficial in dealing with tightly grouped enemies, making it a versatile choice for spellcasters. This spell functions as both a ranged attack when shot at targets and as a melee attack if the caster chooses to wield the knife up close. The latter is good when in a pinch but be careful of the explosion as well as the checks made for your attack.
3. Snilloc’s Snowball Swarm
Ice does not have to take the form of sharp, rock-hard blades. It can also be found and used in the snow. Snilloc’s Snowball Swarm is a 2nd-level spell that summons a flurry of magical snowballs, dealing cold damage to creatures in a designated area.
Unlike many spells that require spell attacks or saving throws, Snilloc’s Snowball Swarm automatically hits all creatures within the affected area, making it a reliable choice for spellcasters who prefer consistent and guaranteed damage. This spell’s thematic nature and its ability to target multiple enemies make it a flavorful and potent option in icy encounters.
4. Ice Storm
As a 4th-level spell, Ice Storm unleashes a devastating hail of ice upon a specified area, covering the target in cold damage. This spell deals substantial cold damage to creatures within the radius and may also impose difficult terrain, further hindering enemy movement. Ice Storm is a powerful area-of-effect spell, allowing spellcasters to control the battlefield and deliver significant damage to multiple foes.
This spell shines in encounters with large groups of enemies or when facing formidable foes vulnerable to cold damage. It is also exceptional in non-frigid environments such as a forest, where snow and ice are rare. The terrain control is not only beneficial for strategy but also flavorful and can create unique scenarios for your party to play around.
5. Cone of Cold
Cone of Cold, a 5th-level spell, is a classic and powerful ice spell that can deal tremendous cold damage to all creatures caught within its cone-shaped area of effect. This spell is an excellent choice for spellcasters who want to unleash a devastating wave of frigid energy, especially in confrontations with powerful single targets or large enemy groups.
The sheer power of Cone of Cold makes it a spellcasters’ favorite when it comes to dealing massive cold damage on a grand scale.
6. Otiluke’s Freezing Sphere
Otiluke’s Freezing Sphere is a 6th-level spell that allows spellcasters to conjure a massive sphere of ice and cold, hurling it at a target. Upon impact, the sphere deals a substantial amount of cold damage, with the added potential for secondary damage if the target fails its saving throw.
Furthermore, the sphere can burst upon hitting a solid surface, releasing a freezing explosion that engulfs nearby creatures in additional cold damage. Otiluke’s Freezing Sphere offers both single-target and area-of-effect damage, making it a versatile and potent choice for icy-themed spellcasters.
7. Wall of Ice
Wall of Ice is a 6th-level spell that conjures a solid wall of ice, capable of blocking passages, hindering enemy movements, and providing cover for allies.
This spell can be used both defensively and offensively, allowing spellcasters to control the battlefield by restricting enemy access and creating strategic barriers. Additionally, the wall of ice deals cold damage to creatures that pass through it, further adding to its versatility as both a protective and damaging spell.
8. Investiture of Ice
Investiture of Ice is a 6th-level spell that envelops the caster in frigid energy, granting them resistance to cold damage and the ability to deal cold damage to creatures that come into contact with them.
This spell also enables the caster to extinguish flames and create a chilling aura, potentially inflicting cold damage on any creature that starts its turn within 5 feet of the caster. Investiture of Ice offers spellcasters a unique and defensive means of dealing cold damage, making it an enticing choice for characters seeking to become a walking blizzard.
9. Frost Fingers
Frost Fingers is an 8th-level spell that lets spellcasters project icy beams of cold energy from their fingers, dealing cold damage to creatures within a long, narrow cone.
The spell’s range and potential damage output make it a powerful choice for spellcasters seeking to deal significant cold damage in a straight line, potentially affecting multiple enemies in one shot. Frost Fingers offers a dramatic and visually appealing means of unleashing the freezing power of ice on the battlefield.
10. Meteor Swarm
Meteor Swarm is a 9th-level spell that causes meteors to rain down upon a designated area, each meteor dealing fire damage on impact. However, with a simple thematic change, spellcasters can opt to have the meteors manifest as icy projectiles, dealing cold damage instead.
While the spell’s base damage is fire-related, DMs can easily accommodate the flavor shift to make it an ice-focused ability. Meteor Swarm is a legendary spell, and the option to infuse it with the chilling touch of ice adds a unique twist for players with a preference for cold-themed magic.
Conclusion on the top 5e Ice spells
This comprehensive list showcases the best ice spells available in Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition. From cantrips like Frostbite to epic spells like Meteor Swarm, each spell offers a unique and flavorful way to wield the chilling power of ice against enemies.
Spellcasters can tailor their choices to suit their character’s playstyle, group dynamics, and personal preferences. Embrace the frigid allure of ice, and let its freezing embrace pave the way to triumph in the realms of Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition. May your icy spells freeze the hearts of your foes and leave them in awe of your power!