Magic Missile

Level & School
1st-level evocation
Casting Time
Action
Range
120 feet
Components
V, S
Duration
Instantaneous
Classes
Sorcerer, Wizard

You create three glowing darts of magical force. Each dart strikes a creature of your choice that you can see within range. A dart deals 1d4 + 1 Force damage to its target. The darts all strike simultaneously, and you can direct them to hit one creature or several.

Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. The spell creates one more dart for each spell slot level above 1.

Level & School
1st-level evocation
Casting Time
Action
Range
120 feet
Components
V, S
Duration
Instantaneous
Classes
Sorcerer, Wizard

You create three glowing darts of magical force. Each dart hits a creature of your choice that you can see within range. A dart deals 1d4 + 1 force damage to its target. The darts all strike simultaneously, and you can direct them to hit one creature or several.

Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 2nd level or higher, the spell creates one more dart for each slot level above 1st.

Magic Missile 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

Both versions create 3 darts dealing 1d4+1 force damage each, striking simultaneously, and can target multiple creatures. The 2024 version states "The spell creates one more dart for each spell slot level above 1," while the 2014 version says "when you cast this spell using a spell slot of 2nd level or higher, the spell creates one more dart." The core mechanics are essentially the same.

Spells similar to Magic Missile

  • Eldritch Blast

    Both require a ranged spell attack and deal damage to a target within range.

  • Fire Bolt

    Both are ranged spells that deal damage and require a spell attack against a target.

  • Witch Bolt

    Similar in that both involve a ranged spell attack, and deal damage over time if they maintain a connection.

  • Scorching Ray

    Both involve multiple attacks against a target or targets within range.

  • Chromatic Orb

    Both are ranged attacks that allow the caster to choose the damage type upon casting.