Lightning Bolt
A stroke of lightning forming a line 100 feet long and 5 feet wide blasts out from you in a direction you choose. Each creature in the line must make a Dexterity saving throw. A creature takes 8d6 lightning damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. The lightning ignites flammable objects in the area that aren't being worn or carried.
At a Glance
Level
3rd
School
Evocation
Casting Time
1 action
Range
Self (100-foot line)
Duration
Instantaneous
Concentration
No
How Lightning Bolt Works
| Casting Time | 1 action |
|---|---|
| Range | Self (100-foot line) |
| Components | V, S, M (a bit of fur and a rod of amber, crystal, or glass) |
| Duration | Instantaneous |
| Saving Throw | Dexterity |
Available to:
SorcererWizard
Damage
8d6 lightning(Dexterity)
At Higher Levels
When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 4th level or higher, the damage increases by 1d6 for each slot level above 3rd.
Common Mistakes
Common Mistake
Forgetting it's a line originating from you, not a point - you choose the direction
Common Mistake
Not accounting for the 5-foot width when counting affected creatures
Common Mistake
Thinking you can bend the line - it must be perfectly straight
DM Tips
DM Tip
Generally less useful than fireball due to the line shape, but better in corridors
DM Tip
Can hit more creatures than fireball if they're lined up properly
Sources & Further Reading
- Lightning Bolt — D&D 5e Wikidot — Full SRD text
- Lightning Bolt — Roll20 Compendium — Structured reference
- Lightning Bolt — D&D Beyond — Official digital reference