Lightning Bolt
- Level & School
- 3rd-level evocation
- Casting Time
- Action
- Range
- Self
- Components
- V, S, M (a bit of fur and a crystal rod)
- Duration
- Instantaneous
- Classes
- Sorcerer, Wizard
A stroke of lightning forming a 100-foot-long, 5-foot-wide Line blasts out from you in a direction you choose. Each creature in the Line makes a Dexterity saving throw, taking 8d6 Lightning damage on a failed save or half as much damage on a successful one.
Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. The damage increases by 1d6 for each spell slot level above 3.
- Level & School
- 3rd-level evocation
- Casting Time
- Action
- Range
- Self (100-foot line)
- Components
- V, S, M (a bit of fur and a rod of amber, crystal, or glass)
- Duration
- Instantaneous
- Classes
- Sorcerer, Wizard
A stroke of lightning forming a line 100 feet long and 5 feet wide blasts out from you in a direction you choose. Each creature in the line must make a Dexterity saving throw. A creature takes 8d6 lightning damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
The lightning ignites flammable objects in the area that aren't being worn or carried.
Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 4th level or higher, the damage increases by 1d6 for each slot level above 3rd.
Lightning Bolt 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences
The 2014 version specifies a 100-foot line with a range of "Self (100-foot line)" and ignites flammable objects. The 2024 version states range as "Self" with the line's dimensions in the description, and omits the igniting clause. Damage and scaling mechanics are essentially the same.
Spells similar to Lightning Bolt
Call Lightning
Both deal lightning damage in an area and require a target to succeed a saving throw.Thunderwave
Both are evocation spells that deal damage and have an area effect with saving throws involved.Lightning Arrow
Both utilize lightning damage and are evocation spells with ranged attacks.Chain Lightning
Both are powerful lightning-based damage spells that target multiple creatures.Shocking Grasp
Both involve lightning damage and require a successful attack roll.