Shocking Grasp

A
Damage

Shocking Grasp is a Damage spell. Damage spells focus on dealing harm to enemies.

See all Damage spells →
 spell that sends crackling lightning through a touch, jolting a foe and stopping its opportunity attacks.

2024 Rules
Level & School
Evocation cantrip
Casting Time
Action
Range
Touch
Components
V, S
Duration
Instantaneous
Classes
Sorcerer, Wizard

Lightning springs from you to a creature that you try to touch. Make a melee spell attack against the target. On a hit, the target takes 1d8 Lightning damage, and it can't make Opportunity Attacks until the start of its next turn.

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
Touch
Components
V, S
Duration
Instantaneous
Classes
Sorcerer, Wizard

Lightning springs from your hand to deliver a shock to a creature you try to touch. Make a melee spell attack against the target. You have advantage on the attack roll if the target is wearing armor made of metal. On a hit, the target takes 1d8 lightning damage, and it can't take reactions until the start of its next turn.

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

Shocking Grasp 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

It no longer gives advantage against targets wearing metal armor. Its rider is also narrower: instead of stopping all reactions, it only stops the target from making Opportunity Attacks until the start of its next turn.

Shocking Grasp popularity

How popular is Shocking Grasp? It is one of the most popular spells in the game, and is often chosen over other options when available. This spell is a proven favourite among spellcasters.

Spells similar to Shocking Grasp