Lightning Arrow
- Level & School
- 3rd-level transmutation
- Casting Time
- Bonus action, which you can take immediately after hitting or missing a target with a ranged attack using a weapon
- Range
- Self
- Components
- V, S
- Duration
- Instantaneous
- Classes
- Ranger
As your attack hits or misses the target, the weapon or ammunition you're using transforms into a lightning bolt. Instead of taking any damage or other effects from the attack, the target takes 4d8 Lightning damage on a hit or half as much damage on a miss. Each creature within 10 feet of the target then makes a Dexterity saving throw, taking 2d8 Lightning damage on a failed save or half as much damage on a successful one.
The weapon or ammunition then returns to its normal form.
Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. The damage for both effects of the spell increases by 1d8 for each spell slot level above 3.
- Level & School
- 3rd-level transmutation
- Casting Time
- Bonus action
- Range
- Self
- Components
- V, S
- Duration
- Concentration, up to 1 minute
- Classes
- Ranger
The next time you make a ranged weapon attack during the spell’s duration, the weapon’s ammunition, or the weapon itself if it’s a thrown weapon, transforms into a bolt of lightning. Make the attack roll as normal. The target takes 4d8 lightning damage on a hit, or half as much damage on a miss, instead of the weapon’s normal damage.
Whether you hit or miss, each creature within 10 feet of the target must make a Dexterity saving throw. Each of these creatures takes 2d8 lightning damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
The piece of ammunition or weapon then returns to its normal form.
Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 4th level or higher, the damage for both effects of the spell increases by 1d8 for each slot level above 3rd.
Lightning Arrow 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences
The 2024 version changes the damage timing to "instantaneous," removing the "next attack" restriction, and states the attack "hits or misses" explicitly. It also clarifies that the damage occurs regardless of hit or miss, and simplifies the damage increase wording.