Lightning Bolt

3rd-level evocation · D&D 5e (SRD)

2024 rules (SRD 5.2.1)

Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Self
Components: V, S, M (a bit of fur and a crystal rod)
Duration: Instantaneous

A stroke of lightning forming a 100-foot-long, 5-foot-wide Line blasts out from you in a direction you choose. Each creature in the Line makes a Dexterity saving throw, taking Lightning damage on a failed save or half as much damage on a successful one.

Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot

The damage increases by for each spell slot level above 3.

2014 rules (SRD 5.1)

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

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 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 Higher Levels

When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 4th level or higher, the damage increases by for each slot level above 3rd.