Scorching Ray

A
Damage

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

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 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.

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, 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
Source
Player's Handbook (2024)

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
Source
Player's Handbook (2014)

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

How popular is Scorching Ray? It is a commonly found spell in the game, and is often chosen over other options when available. This spell is a reliable addition to any spellbook.

Read about how this popularity data is calculated.

Spells similar to Scorching Ray

Scorching Ray is featured in