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.

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.