Guiding Bolt
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
Guiding Bolt popularity
Guiding Bolt is a commonly chosen level 1 spell. Choosing it adds an established option to your spellbook.
- Top 50% level 1 Cleric spell
Spells similar to Guiding Bolt
Chromatic Orb 1st-level evocation
It's a 1st-level, single-target offensive spell that uses an attack roll and scales when cast with a higher slot, making it mechanically close to this spell.
Witch Bolt 1st-level evocation
It also involves a ranged spell attack against one creature and is chosen when a player wants focused, repeatable single-target damage.
Inflict Wounds 1st-level necromancy
As a 1st-level cleric spell that deals strong, concentrated damage to one target, it fills a similar niche despite being touch-range.
Faerie Fire 1st-level evocation
Although it doesn't deal damage directly, it creates the same tactical benefit by giving attackers an easier time hitting a marked group of targets.
Hunter's Mark 1st-level divination
Players pick this to single out a target and boost damage against it over multiple turns, which is a similar tactical choice to marking a foe for follow-up attacks.