Chromatic Orb

1st-level Evocation

System Reference Document 5.2 (D&D 2024) · Content reviewed 2026-07-11

Chromatic Orb is a 1st-level evocation spell in D&D 5e (2024). You hurl an orb of energy at a target within range. Choose Acid, Cold, Fire, Lightning, Poison, or Thunder for the type of orb you create, and then make a ranged spell attack against the target. On a hit, the target takes 3d8 damage of the chosen type. If…

Casting Time
1 action
Range
90 feet
Components
V, S, M (a diamond worth 50+ GP)
Duration
Instantaneous
Classes
Sorcerer, Wizard

You hurl an orb of energy at a target within range. Choose Acid, Cold, Fire, Lightning, Poison, or Thunder for the type of orb you create, and then make a ranged spell attack against the target. On a hit, the target takes 3d8 damage of the chosen type. If you roll the same number on two or more of the d8s, the orb leaps to a different target of your choice within 30 feet of the target. Make an attack roll against the new target, and make a new damage roll. The orb can't leap again unless you cast the spell with a level 2+ spell slot.

Using a higher-level spell slot

The damage increases by 1d8 for each spell slot level above 1. The orb can leap a maximum number of times equal to the level of the slot expended, and a creature can be targeted only once by each casting of this spell.

Common questions

What level is Chromatic Orb?

Chromatic Orb is a 1st-level evocation spell in the 2024 D&D rules.

What is the casting time of Chromatic Orb?

Chromatic Orb has a casting time of 1 action, with a range of 90 feet.

Does Chromatic Orb require concentration?

No. Chromatic Orb does not require concentration.