Lightning Bolt

A
Damage

Lightning Bolt is a Damage spell. Damage spells focus on dealing harm to enemies.

See all Damage spells →
 spell that unleashes a piercing bolt of lightning in a line, striking
multiple foes

Lightning Bolt is a Multi Target spell. Multi Target spells have an area of effect or can explicitly target multiple allies or enemies.

See all Multi Target spells →
 with sudden shock and intense storm-born force.

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

Effectively the same spell. The 2024 version is reworded but functions identically.

Lightning Bolt popularity

How popular is Lightning Bolt? It is a commonly found spell in the game, and is often chosen over other options when available. This spell is a reliable addition to any spellbook.

Spells similar to Lightning Bolt

Lightning Bolt is featured in