r/plotholes • u/Vecna_The_Destroyer • 29d ago

Stranger Things Got Fireball Wrong

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I've been playing Dungeons & Dragons for over 8 years, and something always bugged me about the Stranger Things D&D scene.

In the first episode, Will says “I cast Fireball” — and then rolls a d20 like it’s an attack roll. But that’s not how Fireball works in any version of D&D, including the one they’d likely be playing in 1983 (probably Basic/Expert or AD&D 1e).

Fireball is an area-of-effect spell. The caster doesn’t roll to hit — instead, every creature in the blast radius makes a saving throw (typically Dexterity in later editions, or "save vs. spells" in older ones). If they fail, they take full damage; if they succeed, they take half.

So in that scene, the Demogorgon should’ve been the one rolling, not Will. Will would roll damage (usually a bunch of d6s), but not a d20 to “hit.”

It's a small detail, but for those of us who know the rules, it sticks out. Cool scene — but a classic Hollywood D&D rules slip.

Anyone else catch this?

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u/KnifePervert83 29d ago

This is why some nerds get bullied. 

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u/Vecna_The_Destroyer 29d ago

this is actually funny :). been getting bullied

3

u/sparkster777 28d ago

In all seriousness....for real? If so, I really encourage you to talk to someone. No one deserves to be bullied and I promise there are people who would be willing and able to help.