Lightning Bolt
2024 Rules
- 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.
2014 Rules
- 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
Lightning Bolt popularity
How popular is Lightning Bolt? It is a commonly found spell in the game, and is chosen above nearly all other options when available. This spell is a widely sought-after option.
- #3 picked level 3 Sorcerer spell
- #3 picked level 3 Wizard spell
- Top 25% of all level 3 spells
- Top 50% of all 5e spells
Spells similar to Lightning Bolt
Fireball 3rd-level evocation
A same-level evocation staple that deals heavy area damage at range and is chosen for the same crowd‑clearing purpose.
Players prefer Fireball over Lightning Bolt
Chain Lightning 6th-level evocation
Higher-level lightning-themed evocation that hits multiple targets with big instantaneous damage, serving a similar tactical niche against groups.
Players prefer Chain Lightning over Lightning Bolt
Call Lightning 3rd-level conjuration
Lightning damage and multi‑target output make it thematically close, though it requires concentration and can be used repeatedly over a fight.
Players prefer Lightning Bolt over Call Lightning
Cone of Cold 5th-level evocation
A self‑originating evocation that deals large instantaneous area damage in a sweeping shape, used similarly for hitting clustered foes.
Players prefer Lightning Bolt over Cone of Cold
Laeral's Silver Lance 3rd-level evocation
A third‑level evocation available to the same spellcasters that delivers multi‑target damage from the caster in a single use.
Players prefer Lightning Bolt over Laeral's Silver Lance