Guiding Bolt

A
Damage

Guiding Bolt is a Damage spell. Damage spells focus on dealing harm to enemies.

See all Damage spells →
spell that hurls radiant light to strike a foe and leave it easier to hit.

2024 Rules

Level & School
1st-level evocation
Casting Time
Action
Range
120 feet
Components
V, S
Duration
1 round
Classes
Cleric

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

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

Effectively the same spell. The 2024 version is reworded but functions identically.

Guiding Bolt popularity

How popular is Guiding Bolt? It is one of the most popular spells in the game, and is chosen above nearly all other options when available. This spell is an iconic D&D staple.

Spells similar to Guiding Bolt

Guiding Bolt is featured in