Green-Flame Blade
You brandish the weapon used in the spell's casting and make a melee attack with it against one creature within 5 feet of you. On a hit, the target suffers the weapon attack's normal effects, and you can cause green fire to leap from the target to a different creature of your choice that you can see within 5 feet of it. The second creature takes fire damage equal to your spellcasting ability modifier.
At a Glance
Level
Cantrip
School
Evocation
Casting Time
1 action
Range
Self (5-foot radius)
Duration
Instantaneous
Concentration
No
How Green-Flame Blade Works
| Casting Time | 1 action |
|---|---|
| Range | Self (5-foot radius) |
| Components | S, M (a melee weapon worth at least 1 sp) |
| Duration | Instantaneous |
Available to:
ArtificerSorcererWarlockWizard
Damage
Weapon damage + spellcasting modifier fire (to second target), scales at 5th (weapon + 1d8 fire, second target takes 1d8 + mod), 11th (weapon + 2d8, second target 2d8 + mod), 17th (weapon + 3d8, second target 3d8 + mod)
At Higher Levels
At 5th level, the melee attack deals an extra 1d8 fire damage to the target on a hit, and the fire damage to the second creature increases to 1d8 + your spellcasting ability modifier. Both damage rolls increase by 1d8 at 11th level (2d8 and 2d8) and 17th level (3d8 and 3d8).
Common Mistakes
Common Mistake
Forgetting this uses your action for ONE attack - you can't use Extra Attack with it
Common Mistake
Thinking the secondary target gets a saving throw - the fire damage is automatic if primary attack hits
Common Mistake
Not realizing the second target must be within 5 feet of the first target, not you
DM Tips
DM Tip
Better than booming blade when facing multiple clustered enemies
DM Tip
The secondary target doesn't need to be an enemy - could accidentally hit allies
Sources & Further Reading
- Green-Flame Blade — D&D 5e Wikidot — Full SRD text
- Green-Flame Blade — Roll20 Compendium — Structured reference
- Green-Flame Blade — D&D Beyond — Official digital reference