Finger of Death

Necromancy

Level: 7th-level

Casting Time: 1 action

Range: 60 feet

Duration: Instantaneous

Components: V, S

You send negative energy coursing through a creature that you can see within range, causing it searing pain. The target must make a constitution saving throw. It takes 7d8 + 30 necrotic damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. A humanoid killed by this spell rises at the start of your next turn as a zombie that is permanently under your command, following your verbal orders to the best of its ability.

Spell Details

School: Necromancy

Level: 7

Ritual: No

Concentration: No

Classes: Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard

A-Tier Massive single-target damage with no damage reduction on failure makes it a reliable finisher for high-level casters.

Player Guide

Use Finger of Death as a guaranteed damage spell against tough single targets when you need consistent output rather than crowd control. Position yourself safely behind frontline allies and use it to eliminate priority threats like enemy casters or dangerous melee combatants. The spell is most effective against creatures with lower Constitution saves; use divination magic or scouting to identify weak saves before committing your action.

Spell Combos

true-polymorph Transform a creature into a harmless form, then finish it with Finger of Death when it can't save.hold-person Paralyzed targets have disadvantage on saves, making Finger of Death's damage nearly guaranteed.power-word-stun Stun locks a target before unleashing Finger of Death for massive burst damage.

DM Tips

Finger of Death can quickly eliminate PCs; consider enemy spell slot economy and battlefield positioning before using it on player characters. The spell's high damage may trivialize combat against lower-CR enemies, so reserve it for genuinely dangerous foes to maintain challenge.