Chain Lightning
You create a bolt of lightning that arcs toward a target of your choice that you can see within range. Three bolts then leap from that target to as many as three other targets, each of which must be within 30 feet of the first target. A target can be a creature or an object and can be targeted by only one of the bolts. A target must make a Dexterity saving throw. The target takes 10d8 lightning damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
At a Glance
Level
6th
School
Evocation
Casting Time
1 action
Range
150 feet
Duration
Instantaneous
Concentration
No
How Chain Lightning Works
| Casting Time | 1 action |
|---|---|
| Range | 150 feet |
| Components | V, S, M (a bit of fur; a piece of amber, glass, or a crystal rod; and three silver pins) |
| Duration | Instantaneous |
| Saving Throw | Dexterity |
Damage
10d8 lightning(Dexterity)
At Higher Levels
When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 7th level or higher, one additional bolt leaps from the first target to another target for each slot level above 6th.
Common Mistakes
Common Mistake
Forgetting the secondary targets must be within 30 feet of the primary target
Common Mistake
Thinking each creature can only be hit once - the primary can be hit by another arc
Common Mistake
Not maximizing targets - you can hit up to 4 creatures total
Common Mistake
Forgetting each target makes their own save independently
DM Tips
DM Tip
Excellent against grouped enemies, potentially hitting 4 targets for 10d8 each
DM Tip
The primary target is chosen by you, but the chain targets must be nearest
DM Tip
Describe the lightning dramatically arcing between targets
DM Tip
Consider environmental effects - water, metal, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources & Further Reading
- Chain Lightning — D&D 5e Wikidot — Full SRD text
- Chain Lightning — Roll20 Compendium — Structured reference
- Chain Lightning — D&D Beyond — Official digital reference