Dancing Lights

A
Utility

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

See all Utility spells →
 spell that conjures hovering lights to light the dark or form a ghostly figure, with swift
bonus action movement

Dancing Lights is a Action Economy spell. Action Economy spells grant you more choices on future turns.

See all Action Economy spells →
.

2024 Rules
Level & School
Illusion cantrip
Casting Time
Action
Range
120 feet
Components
V, S, M (a bit of phosphorus)
Duration
Concentration, up to 1 minute
Classes
Bard, Sorcerer, Wizard

You create up to four torch-size lights within range, making them appear as torches, lanterns, or glowing orbs that hover for the duration. Alternatively, you combine the four lights into one glowing Medium form that is vaguely humanlike. Whichever form you choose, each light sheds Dim Light in a 10-foot radius.

As a Bonus Action, you can move the lights up to 60 feet to a space within range. A light must be within 20 feet of another light created by this spell, and a light vanishes if it exceeds the spell's range.

2014 Rules
Level & School
Evocation cantrip
Casting Time
Action
Range
120 feet
Components
V, S, M (a bit of phosphorus or wychwood, or a glowworm)
Duration
Concentration, 1 minute
Classes
Bard, Sorcerer, Wizard

You create up to four torch-sized lights within range, making them appear as torches, lanterns, or glowing orbs that hover in the air for the duration. You can also combine the four lights into one glowing vaguely humanoid form of Medium size. Whichever form you choose, each light sheds dim light in a 10-foot radius.

As a bonus action on your turn, you can move the lights up to 60 feet to a new spot within range. A light must be within 20 feet of another light created by this spell, and a light winks out if it exceeds the spell's range.

Dancing Lights 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

It changed from Evocation to Illusion. That can matter for effects that key off a spell’s school, but the spell’s actual casting and play use are otherwise the same.

Dancing Lights popularity

Dancing Lights is a seldom chosen cantrip. Choosing it adds a unique option to your spellbook.

Spells similar to Dancing Lights

  • Light Evocation cantrip

    Both spells create a source of illumination at range and are commonly used for simple lighting needs by the same spellcasters.

  • Prestidigitation Transmutation cantrip

    This cantrip provides a handful of small sensory and visual effects, including producing light, making it a close functional cousin for utility and flavor.

  • Minor Illusion Illusion cantrip

    Minor Illusion similarly creates a sensory illusion at range and is often chosen for theatrical or stealthy utility rather than for direct combat.

  • Continual Flame 2nd-level evocation

    Although higher level and permanent, it shares the same core concept of creating reliable light where you need it.

  • Mage Hand Conjuration cantrip

    Mage Hand is a ranged cantrip that creates a remotely movable effect you can command, matching Dancing Lights' use of mobile, tactical placement.