Continual Flame

A
Utility

Continual Flame is a Utility spell. Utility spells solve problems outside of combat or provide unique situational advantages.

See all Utility spells →
 spell that gives an object a steady, heatless flame for lasting light that can’t be quenched.

2024 Rules
Level & School
2nd-level evocation
Casting Time
Action
Range
Touch
Components
V, S, M (ruby dust worth 50+ GP, which the spell consumes)
Duration
Until dispelled
Classes
Cleric, Druid, Wizard

A flame springs from an object that you touch. The effect casts Bright Light in a 20-foot radius and Dim Light for an additional 20 feet. It looks like a regular flame, but it creates no heat and consumes no fuel. The flame can be covered or hidden but not smothered or quenched.

2014 Rules
Level & School
2nd-level evocation
Casting Time
Action
Range
Touch
Components
V, S, M (ruby dust worth 50 gp, which the spell consumes)
Duration
Until dispelled
Classes
Cleric, Wizard

A flame, equivalent in brightness to a torch, springs forth from an object that you touch. The effect looks like a regular flame, but it creates no heat and doesn't use oxygen. A continual flame can be covered or hidden but not smothered or quenched.

Continual Flame 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

Continual Flame now explicitly sheds Bright Light in a 20-foot radius and Dim Light for another 20 feet, instead of just being described as torch-bright. It also now consumes no fuel, and Druids can cast it too.

Continual Flame popularity

Continual Flame is a commonly chosen level 2 spell. Choosing it adds an established option to your spellbook.

Spells similar to Continual Flame

  • Light Evocation cantrip

    Both create a visible magical light on an object you touch and are chosen when a caster needs illumination rather than combat effects.

  • Daylight 3rd-level evocation

    It produces a larger, bright light area like this spell does, and players pick it for the same basic purpose of banishing darkness.

  • Dancing Lights Illusion cantrip

    This spell also provides portable magical illumination and is a common low-level alternative for situations where light is required.

  • Arcane Lock 2nd-level abjuration

    Though it secures objects rather than lighting them, it shares the touch range and an indefinite duration that lasts until dispelled, making it similar as a permanent utility effect on an object.

  • Magic Mouth 2nd-level illusion

    It creates a lasting magical effect tied to an object that persists until dispelled, serving a comparable out-of-combat utility niche.