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

How popular is Dancing Lights? It is a commonly found spell in the game, but is chosen less than other options when available. This spell may be situational for many spellbooks.

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