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The description of the Melf's Minute Meteors spell states, in part:

[...] you can expend one or two of the meteors, sending them streaking toward a point or points you choose within 120 feet of you. Once a meteor reaches its destination or impacts against a solid surface, the meteor explodes. Each creature within 5 feet of the point where the meteor explodes must make a Dexterity saving throw. [...]

This seems like a fairly easy ruling for when choosing a point, choose a point in between four squares and any creature in those four squares need to make a saving throw like so:

Melf's Minute Meteors Point Impact Diagram

However, how does this interact if if impacts a singular creature in the middle of a square? Does only that creature make it because only that creature is fully within 5 feet, or do the creatures in the 8 surrounding squares also need to make it (reference pics below)?

Melf's Minute Meteors Square Smaller Impact Diagram Melf's Minute Meteors Square Larger Impact Diagram

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Area of effect (when on a grid) is centered on an intersection

The meteors target a point (or points) and then explode, affecting everyone within five feet of the point - they thus have an area of effect.

When using a tactical map rules variant with area of effect spells, you should select an intersection, not the center of a space, as described in the rules for playing on a grid (DMG 251):

Choose an intersection of squares or hexes as the point of origin of an area of effect, then follow its rules as normal. If an area of effect is circular and covers at least half a square, it affects that square.

Related: How do I target the Moonbeam spell, using a grid?

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  • \$\begingroup\$ I assumed that "a point" could include both an intersection of squares and a point on a person in the middle of a square. thanks! \$\endgroup\$ Sep 7, 2020 at 22:07
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    \$\begingroup\$ If you are NOT using a map, the caster can declare "the point" to be anything - in that case, refer to DMG 249 for adjudicating area of effect with theater of the mind. \$\endgroup\$
    – Kirt
    Sep 7, 2020 at 22:10
  • \$\begingroup\$ Don’t know why I ever downvoted this, but I changed it to an upvote. \$\endgroup\$ Nov 25, 2021 at 23:39
  • \$\begingroup\$ @ThomasMarkov You may have thought at the time that your (since deleted) answer was better as it also included Xanathar's material. In any event, I appreciate the upvote. \$\endgroup\$
    – Kirt
    Nov 26, 2021 at 4:31

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