Sacred Flame

Damage Save or Suck

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).

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

Both versions deal 1d8 radiant damage on a failed Dexterity save, increasing at levels 5, 11, and 17. The 2024 version grants immunity to Half Cover and Three-Quarters Cover for the saving throw, whereas the 2014 version states no benefit from cover. No other significant mechanical differences.

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.