Guiding Bolt
2024 Rules
- Level & School
- 1st-level evocation
- Casting Time
- Action
- Range
- 120 feet
- Components
- V, S
- Duration
- 1 round
- Classes
- Cleric
- Source
- Player's Handbook (2024)
You hurl a bolt of light toward a creature within range. Make a ranged spell attack against the target. On a hit, it takes 4d6 Radiant damage, and the next attack roll made against it before the end of your next turn has Advantage.
Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. The damage increases by 1d6 for each spell slot level above 1.
2014 Rules
- Level & School
- 1st-level evocation
- Casting Time
- Action
- Range
- 120 feet
- Components
- V, S
- Duration
- 1 round
- Classes
- Cleric
- Source
- Player's Handbook (2014)
A flash of light streaks toward a creature of your choice within range. Make a ranged spell attack against the target. On a hit, the target takes 4d6 radiant damage, and the next attack roll made against this target before the end of your next turn has advantage, thanks to the mystical dim light glittering on the target until then.
Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 2nd level or higher, the damage increases by 1d6 for each slot level above 1st.
Guiding Bolt 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences
Guiding Bolt popularity
How popular is Guiding Bolt? It is one of the most popular spells in the game, and is often chosen over other options when available. This spell is a proven favourite among spellcasters.
- #2 picked level 1 Cleric spell
- Top 10% of all 5e spells
- Top 25% of all level 1 spells
Read about how this popularity data is calculated.
Spells similar to Guiding Bolt
Sacred Flame Evocation cantrip
Clerics use both spells for ranged radiant damage, though this cantrip relies on a saving throw instead of an attack roll.
Players prefer Sacred Flame over Guiding Bolt
Magic Missile 1st-level evocation
Its 120-foot range and 1st-level slot make it a comparable long-distance damage option, despite using force damage and automatic hits.
Players prefer Guiding Bolt over Magic Missile
Inflict Wounds 1st-level necromancy
Clerics can choose either for strong 1st-level single-target damage, with this one trading radiant range for necrotic melee power.
Players prefer Guiding Bolt over Inflict Wounds
Starry Wisp Evocation cantrip
The spell offers a ranged radiant attack from the evocation school, but at cantrip strength.
Players prefer Guiding Bolt over Starry Wisp
Chromatic Orb 1st-level evocation
Both are 1st-level ranged evocations that launch damaging projectiles, although this spell offers varied damage types.
Players prefer Guiding Bolt over Chromatic Orb
Spellfire Flare 1st-level evocation
It is a 1st-level evocation that deals radiant damage at range, making it a very close offensive counterpart.
Players prefer Guiding Bolt over Spellfire Flare