Melf's Acid Arrow
2024 Rules
- Level & School
- 2nd-level evocation
- Casting Time
- Action
- Range
- 90 feet
- Components
- V, S, M (powdered rhubarb leaf)
- Duration
- Instantaneous
- Classes
- Wizard
- Source
- Player's Handbook (2024)
A shimmering green arrow streaks toward a target within range and bursts in a spray of acid. Make a ranged spell attack against the target. On a hit, the target takes 4d4 Acid damage and 2d4 Acid damage at the end of its next turn. On a miss, the arrow splashes the target with acid for half as much of the initial damage only.
Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. The damage (both initial and later) increases by 1d4 for each spell slot level above 2.
2014 Rules
- Level & School
- 2nd-level evocation
- Casting Time
- Action
- Range
- 90 feet
- Components
- V, S, M (powdered rhubarb leaf and an adder's stomach)
- Duration
- Instantaneous
- Classes
- Wizard
- Source
- Player's Handbook (2014)
A shimmering green arrow streaks toward a target within range and bursts in a spray of acid. Make a ranged spell attack against the target. On a hit, the target takes 4d4 acid damage immediately and 2d4 acid damage at the end of its next turn. On a miss, the arrow splashes the target with acid for half as much of the initial damage and no damage at the end of its next turn.
Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 3rd level or higher, the damage (both initial and later) increases by 1d4 for each slot level above 2nd.
Melf's Acid Arrow 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences
Melf's Acid Arrow popularity
How popular is Melf's Acid Arrow? It is a commonly found spell in the game, but is chosen less than other options when available. This spell may be situational for many spellbooks.
- Top 50% of all 5e spells
- Bottom 50% picked level 2 Wizard spell
- Bottom 50% of all level 2 spells
Read about how this popularity data is calculated.
Spells similar to Melf's Acid Arrow
Scorching Ray 2nd-level evocation
This same-level wizard attack spell also uses ranged spell attacks to deliver substantial single-target or focused damage.
Players prefer Scorching Ray over Melf's Acid Arrow
Chromatic Orb 1st-level evocation
Both are low-level wizard Evocations cast at long range against a target, and Chromatic Orb can deal acid damage.
Players prefer Chromatic Orb over Melf's Acid Arrow
Witch Bolt 1st-level evocation
Both focus on damaging one enemy at range while rewarding effects that continue beyond the initial casting.
Players prefer Witch Bolt over Melf's Acid Arrow
Vitriolic Sphere 4th-level evocation
It is an acid-damaging Evocation from the sorcerer and wizard lists, with a similar ranged offensive purpose and delayed damage potential.
Players prefer Vitriolic Sphere over Melf's Acid Arrow
Ray of Sickness 1st-level necromancy
Like Acid Arrow, it is a ranged single-target attack from the wizard list that deals damage immediately and can impose an additional threat.
Players prefer Melf's Acid Arrow over Ray of Sickness
Tasha's Caustic Brew 1st-level evocation
Its acid damage and lingering harm make it a close thematic and tactical alternative, though it affects a line rather than one target.
Players prefer Melf's Acid Arrow over Tasha's Caustic Brew