Light
2024 Rules
- Level & School
- Evocation cantrip
- Casting Time
- Action
- Range
- Touch
- Components
- V, M (a firefly or phosphorescent moss)
- Duration
- 1 hour
- Classes
- Bard, Cleric, Sorcerer, Wizard
You touch one Large or smaller object that isn't being worn or carried by someone else. Until the spell ends, the object sheds Bright Light in a 20-foot radius and Dim Light for an additional 20 feet. The light can be colored as you like.
Covering the object with something opaque blocks the light. The spell ends if you cast it again.
2014 Rules
- Level & School
- Evocation cantrip
- Casting Time
- Action
- Range
- Touch
- Components
- V, M (a firefly or phosphorescent moss)
- Duration
- 1 hour
- Classes
- Bard, Cleric, Sorcerer, Wizard
You touch one object that is no larger than 10 feet in any dimension. Until the spell ends, the object sheds bright light in a 20-foot radius and dim light for an additional 20 feet. The light can be colored as you like. Completely covering the object with something opaque blocks the light. The spell ends if you cast it again or dismiss it as an action.
If you target an object held or worn by a hostile creature, that creature must succeed on a Dexterity saving throw to avoid the spell.
Light 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences
Light popularity
How popular is Light? It is one of the most popular spells in the game, but is chosen less than other options when available. This spell may not be the most inspiring but may still be useful.
- #3 of all cantrips
- Top 5% of all 5e spells
- Top 50% picked Bard cantrip
- Top 50% picked Wizard cantrip
- Top 50% picked Sorcerer cantrip
- Bottom 50% picked Cleric cantrip
Spells similar to Light
Prestidigitation Transmutation cantrip
A versatile cantrip that can create small sensory effects including a brief light, serving the same everyday lighting and flavor role as the target spell.
Dancing Lights Illusion cantrip
Creates visible lights at range and is a cantrip used primarily to provide illumination and theatrical effects in similar situations.
Continual Flame 2nd-level evocation
A longer‑lasting spell that makes an object shed light, essentially the noncantrip, persistent version of the same illumination effect.
Daylight 3rd-level evocation
Produces a large, bright area of illumination for an extended period, functioning as a higher‑level alternative when strong light is needed.
Faerie Fire 1st-level evocation
Although it also grants tactical benefits, it creates visible glowing outlines that provide illumination and reveal hidden targets, overlapping the target spell's lighting purpose.