Chaos Bolt
2014 Rules
- Level & School
- 1st-level evocation
- Casting Time
- Action
- Range
- 120 feet
- Components
- V, S
- Duration
- Instantaneous
- Classes
- Sorcerer
- Source
- Xanathar's Guide to Everything
You hurl an undulating, warbling mass of chaotic energy at one creature in range. Make a ranged spell attack against the target. On a hit, the target takes 2d8 + 1d6 damage. Choose one of the d8s. The number rolled on that die determines the attack's damage type, as shown below.
Chaos Bolt
| d8 | Damage Type |
|---|---|
| 1 | Acid |
| 2 | Cold |
| 3 | Fire |
| 4 | Force |
| 5 | Lightning |
| 6 | Poison |
| 7 | Psychic |
| 8 | Thunder |
If you roll the same number on both d8s, the chaotic energy leaps from the target to a different creature of your choice within 30 feet of it. Make a new attack roll against the new target, and make a new damage roll, which could cause the chaotic energy to leap again.
A creature can be targeted only once by each casting of this spell.
Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 2nd level or higher, each target takes 1d6 extra damage of the type rolled for each slot level above 1st.
Chaos Bolt 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences
Chaos Bolt is currently only available in the 2014 edition.
Chaos Bolt popularity
How popular is Chaos Bolt? It is a seldom seen spell in the game, but is often chosen over other options when available. This spell could be a valuable addition for spellbooks.
- Top 25% picked level 1 Sorcerer spell
- Bottom 50% of all 5e spells
- Bottom 10% of all level 1 spells
Read about how this popularity data is calculated.
Spells similar to Chaos Bolt
Sorcerous Burst Evocation cantrip
Both are sorcerer spells that hurl ranged evocation damage with a choice of several damage types.
Players prefer Sorcerous Burst over Chaos Bolt
Scorching Ray 2nd-level evocation
Multiple ranged spell attacks make it a comparable choice when focusing damage across several enemies.
Players prefer Scorching Ray over Chaos Bolt
Magic Missile 1st-level evocation
This 1st-level spell has the same 120-foot reach and can distribute instantaneous damage among multiple targets.
Players prefer Magic Missile over Chaos Bolt
Chromatic Orb 1st-level evocation
It is a 1st-level sorcerer evocation that makes a ranged attack for variable elemental damage and can reach more than one creature.
Players prefer Chaos Bolt over Chromatic Orb
Ice Knife 1st-level conjuration
Like Chaos Bolt, it deals instantaneous damage at range and can spread its impact beyond the initial target.
Players prefer Chaos Bolt over Ice Knife
Jim's Magic Missile 1st-level evocation
Its low-level ranged force projectiles also let a sorcerer affect several creatures with one casting.
Players prefer Chaos Bolt over Jim's Magic Missile