Sacred Flame

A
Damage

Sacred Flame is a Damage spell. Damage spells focus on dealing harm to enemies.

See all Damage spells →
 cantrip that calls down radiant fire on a foe, forcing a
failed save

Sacred Flame is a Save or Suck spell. Save or Suck spells fall entirely flat if the target succeeds on a saving throw.

See all Save or Suck spells →
 into searing harm despite cover.

2024 Rules
Level & School
Evocation cantrip
Casting Time
Action
Range
60 feet
Components
V, S
Duration
Instantaneous
Classes
Cleric

Flame-like radiance descends on a creature that you can see within range. The target must succeed on a Dexterity saving throw or take 1d8 Radiant damage. The target gains no benefit from Half Cover or Three-Quarters Cover for this save.

Cantrip Upgrade. The damage increases by 1d8 when you reach levels 5 (2d8), 11 (3d8), and 17 (4d8).

2014 Rules
Level & School
Evocation cantrip
Casting Time
Action
Range
60 feet
Components
V, S
Duration
Instantaneous
Classes
Cleric

Flame-like radiance descends on a creature that you can see within range. The target must succeed on a Dexterity saving throw or take 1d8 radiant damage. The target gains no benefit from cover for this saving throw.

Cantrip Upgrade. The spell's damage increases by 1d8 when you reach 5th level (2d8), 11th level (3d8), and 17th level (4d8).

Sacred Flame 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

The 2024 version now only ignores Half Cover and Three-Quarters Cover on the save, instead of saying the target gets no benefit from cover generally. That makes the cover interaction narrower.

Sacred Flame popularity

Sacred Flame is a commonly chosen cantrip. Choosing it adds an established option to your spellbook.

Spells similar to Sacred Flame

  • Word of Radiance Evocation cantrip

    It's a cleric cantrip that deals radiant damage and uses an area-based saving throw, making it the closest thematic and mechanical analogue.

  • Toll the Dead Necromancy cantrip

    A damage cantrip that forces a saving throw for damage and is often chosen by casters who want a reliable single-target damage option.

  • Acid Splash Evocation cantrip

    This is a 60-foot damage cantrip that uses a saving throw and scales like other attack cantrips, so it matches Sacred Flame's range and save-based damage pattern.

  • Mind Sliver Enchantment cantrip

    A 60-foot cantrip that deals damage on a saving throw and is commonly picked for its reliably single-target save-or-take-damage effect.

  • Vicious Mockery Enchantment cantrip

    Though its effect is partly social, it's a damage cantrip that forces a saving throw and is a go-to spell for casters wanting a ranged save-for-damage option.