Flame Blade

A
Damage

Flame Blade is a Damage spell. Damage spells focus on dealing harm to enemies.

See all Damage spells →
 spell that conjures a blazing sword in your hand, striking foes with fiery melee attacks and swift
bonus action

Flame Blade is a Action Economy spell. Action Economy spells grant you more choices on future turns.

See all Action Economy spells →
 recall.

2024 Rules
Level & School
2nd-level evocation
Casting Time
Bonus action
Range
Self
Components
V, S, M (a sumac leaf)
Duration
Concentration, up to 10 minutes
Classes
Druid, Sorcerer

You evoke a fiery blade in your free hand. The blade is similar in size and shape to a scimitar, and it lasts for the duration. If you let go of the blade, it disappears, but you can evoke it again as a Bonus Action.

As a Magic action, you can make a melee spell attack with the fiery blade. On a hit, the target takes Fire damage equal to 3d6 plus your spellcasting ability modifier.

The flaming blade sheds Bright Light in a 10-foot radius and Dim Light for an additional 10 feet.

Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. The damage increases by 1d6 for each spell slot level above 2.

2014 Rules
Level & School
2nd-level evocation
Casting Time
Bonus action
Range
Self
Components
V, S, M (leaf of sumac)
Duration
Concentration, 10 minutes
Classes
Druid

You evoke a fiery blade in your free hand. The blade is similar in size and shape to a scimitar, and it lasts for the duration. If you let go of the blade, it disappears, but you can evoke the blade again as a bonus action.

You can use your action to make a melee spell attack with the fiery blade. On a hit, the target takes 3d6 fire damage.

The flaming blade sheds bright light in a 10-foot radius and dim light for an additional 10 feet.

Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 4th level or higher, the damage increases by 1d6 for every two slot levels above 2nd.

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

The blade’s attack now deals 3d6 plus your spellcasting ability modifier, and its upcasting scales faster: +1d6 for each slot level above 2nd instead of every two slot levels. Sorcerers can also learn it now.

Flame Blade popularity

Flame Blade is a seldom chosen level 2 spell. Choosing it adds a unique option to your spellbook.

Spells similar to Flame Blade

  • Spiritual Weapon 2nd-level evocation

    It conjures a weapon-like force you attack with on subsequent turns and is a 2nd-level spell focused on single-target damage and action-economy.

  • Flaming Sphere 2nd-level conjuration

    Both create a persistent fiery effect that requires concentration and can be used repeatedly to deal fire damage using your actions.

  • Shillelagh Transmutation cantrip

    This is a druid melee-focused spell that transforms your weapon attacks and serves a similar role of empowering close-combat attacks for a duration.

  • Produce Flame Conjuration cantrip

    Like Flame Blade it creates a glowing, fiery implement in your hand that provides light and can be used to make attacks over a sustained period.

  • Magic Weapon 2nd-level transmutation

    Both spells enhance melee combat by turning mundane attacks into magical/elemental threats, making them useful choices for close-quarters fighters.