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Message: <blockquote data-quote="KarinsDad" data-source="post: 2040783" data-attributes="member: 2011">If you expect to be fighting monsters, you typically would not take Heat Metal.If you expect to be fighting humanoids in armor, you might.So while Flaming Sphere can indeed be cast against more opponents, I would hope that Druids (typically) would not take Heat Metal when they do not perceive that they will use it.Plus, Heat Metal can still be switched out by a Druid for a Summon Nature's Ally, so it's not exactly wasted, even if you do not run into armored foes. In fact, the Heat Metal / Summon Nature's Ally combination has MORE utility against more foes than Flaming Sphere.Heat Metal is one of those spells that does have limited utility. But, that does not make my statement any less true."Also, the percentage of opponents who wear metal armor is also a minor limitation (in which case, you just do not cast the spell and cast something else) compared to the limitations of Flaming Sphere."One limitation (which means you would not cast the spell or would not take the spell in the first place and hence do not lose anything) versus more than a half dozen ways to avoid or neutralize the spell. Doesn't sound like a contest to me.Well, the 22D4 version would have more of an impact I suspect than the 8D4 version, especially if used against PCs and they are not aware that it is Extended.</blockquote>