Light
2024 Rules
- Level & School
- Evocation cantrip
- Casting Time
- Action
- Range
- Touch
- Components
- V, M (a firefly or phosphorescent moss)
- Duration
- 1 hour
- Classes
- Artificer, Bard, Cleric, Sorcerer, Wizard
- Source
- Player's Handbook (2024)
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
- Artificer, Bard, Cleric, Sorcerer, Wizard
- Source
- Player's Handbook (2014)
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, and is often chosen over other options when available. This spell is a proven favourite among spellcasters.
- Top 5% of all 5e spells
- Top 25% of all cantrips
- Top 25% picked Wizard cantrip
- Top 25% picked Sorcerer cantrip
- Top 50% picked Artificer cantrip
- Top 50% picked Bard cantrip
- Bottom 50% picked Cleric cantrip
Read about how this popularity data is calculated.
Spells similar to Light
Prestidigitation Transmutation cantrip
Like this spell, it provides flexible minor magical effects useful for exploration and everyday problem-solving.
Players prefer Prestidigitation over Light
Daylight 3rd-level evocation
This evocation also provides a large area of bright illumination for an hour, but at a much greater scale.
Players prefer Daylight over Light
Dancing Lights Illusion cantrip
Both are light-producing cantrips used to illuminate spaces, though this spell creates one stationary source while Dancing Lights offers several moving lights.
Players prefer Light over Dancing Lights
Continual Flame 2nd-level evocation
It creates a persistent magical light by touching an object, differing mainly in its longer duration and higher level.
Players prefer Light over Continual Flame
Control Flames Transmutation cantrip
It is a utility cantrip with a one-hour duration that can manipulate the appearance and illumination of flames.
Players prefer Light over Control Flames
Pyrotechnics 2nd-level transmutation
Both interact with light for exploration and visibility, although Pyrotechnics produces a brief flash or smoke rather than sustained illumination.
Players prefer Light over Pyrotechnics