Evocation cantrip · 2024 version below
Flame-like radiance descends on a creature that you can see within range. The target must succeed on a Dexterity saving throw or take 1d8 radiant damage. The target gains no benefit from cover for this saving throw.
The spell's damage increases by 1d8 when you reach 5th level (2d8), 11th level (3d8), and 17th level (4d8).
| Character level | Damage | Average |
|---|---|---|
| 1st+ | 1d8 radiant | 4.5 |
| 5th+ | 2d8 radiant | 9 |
| 11th+ | 3d8 radiant | 13.5 |
| 17th+ | 4d8 radiant | 18 |
Averages are the dice’s expected total. Roll any row in the dice roller.
Radiant fire falls on a creature you can see within 60 feet. It makes a Dexterity saving throw, getting no bonus from cover, and on a failure takes 1d8 radiant damage. The damage grows to 2d8 at 5th level, 3d8 at 11th and 4d8 at 17th.
It’s the cleric’s damage cantrip, and its strengths are subtle. It uses a saving throw, so you can cast it with an enemy next to you without disadvantage. It ignores cover, so the archer behind the arrow slit can’t hide. And radiant damage is almost never resisted. The drawback: nimble enemies with good Dexterity saves will often take nothing, since there’s no half damage.
It ignores the bonus from cover on the saving throw, but you still have to see the target to cast it. A creature completely hidden behind a wall can’t be targeted.
No. A creature that succeeds on the Dexterity save takes no damage.
Yes. It uses a saving throw rather than an attack roll, so the rule giving ranged attacks disadvantage within 5 feet of an enemy doesn’t apply.
Yes. Radiant damage bypasses a zombie’s Undead Fortitude and shuts off a vampire’s regeneration for a turn. Undead often have poor Dexterity, too.
No. Despite the name, it deals radiant damage and doesn’t ignite anything.
Yes. The Magic Initiate feat can grant it (choosing cleric), and Divine Soul sorcerers from Xanathar’s Guide to Everything can learn it. In the SRD it’s on the cleric list only.
| Spell | How it compares |
|---|---|
| Guiding Bolt | The cleric’s 1st-level attack: 4d6 radiant on a hit, and the next attack against the target has advantage. |
| Fire Bolt | The arcane equivalent: 1d10 fire with an attack roll at 120 feet. More damage and range, but cover and AC matter. |
| Spiritual Weapon | 2nd level: a bonus-action force attack every turn for a minute. Pairs with Sacred Flame on the same turn. |
| Spirit Guardians | 3rd level: 3d8 radiant or necrotic to every enemy that starts its turn near you. The cleric’s big damage spell. |
| Vicious Mockery | The bard’s saving-throw cantrip: 1d4 psychic and disadvantage on the target’s next attack. |
| Class | First available | Spellcasting ability |
|---|---|---|
| Cleric spells | 1st level (cantrip) | Wisdom |
The 2024 Player’s Handbook revised many spells, and the SRD 5.2 carries the new text. What changed from the 2014 version above:
Same level, casting time, range, components, duration and dice; the text is reworded for the 2024 rules glossary.
Flame-like radiance descends on a creature that you can see within range. The target must succeed on a Dexterity saving throw or take 1d8 Radiant damage. The target gains no benefit from Half Cover or Three-Quarters Cover for this save.
Cantrip Upgrade. The damage increases by 1d8 when you reach levels 5 (2d8), 11 (3d8), and 17 (4d8).
2024 version from the SRD 5.2. Most tables settle on one edition, so check which one yours uses.
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