Scorching Ray

A
Damage

Scorching Ray is a Damage spell. Damage spells focus on dealing harm to enemies.

See all Damage spells →
 spell that hurls fiery rays at one foe or
multiple targets

Scorching Ray 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 →
, searing them with blasts of fire.

2024 Rules
Level & School
2nd-level evocation
Casting Time
Action
Range
120 feet
Components
V, S
Duration
Instantaneous
Classes
Sorcerer, Wizard

You hurl three fiery rays. You can hurl them at one target within range or at several. Make a ranged spell attack for each ray. On a hit, the target takes 2d6 Fire damage.

Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. You create one additional ray for each spell slot level above 2.

2014 Rules
Level & School
2nd-level evocation
Casting Time
Action
Range
120 feet
Components
V, S
Duration
Instantaneous
Classes
Sorcerer, Wizard

You create three rays of fire and hurl them at targets within range. You can hurl them at one target or several.

Make a ranged spell attack for each ray. On a hit, the target takes 2d6 fire damage.

Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 3rd level or higher, you create one additional ray for each slot level above 2nd.

Scorching Ray 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

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

Scorching Ray popularity

Scorching Ray is a commonly chosen level 2 spell. Choosing it adds an established option to your spellbook.

Spells similar to Scorching Ray

  • Eldritch Blast Evocation cantrip

    Both fire off multiple separate beams that make the spell useful for hitting several foes or stacking hits on one target.

  • Magic Missile 1st-level evocation

    It launches several discrete missiles at range that can be split among targets, giving the same multi-projectile, single-turn flex the target spell provides.

  • Melf's Acid Arrow 2nd-level evocation

    This is the same spell level and school and functions as a single-target ranged magical projectile with ongoing damage flavor similar to a ray attack.

  • Ray of Frost Evocation cantrip

    It’s the same ray-style ranged attack with a single-target hit roll, making it mechanically similar even though it’s a lower-level option.

  • Ice Knife 1st-level conjuration

    Although it uses a melee-like projectile, it produces a primary hit and a secondary area effect, offering a multi-target damage pattern like casting multiple rays.

Scorching Ray is featured in