Lightning Bolt
3rd-level Evocation
System Reference Document 5.2 (D&D 2024) · Content reviewed 2026-07-11
Lightning Bolt is a 3rd-level evocation spell in D&D 5e (2024). 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 8d6 Lightning damage on a failed save or half as much damage on a successful…
- Casting Time
- 1 action
- Range
- Self
- Components
- V, S, M (a bit of fur and a crystal rod)
- Duration
- Instantaneous
- Damage Type
- Lightning
- Classes
- Sorcerer, Wizard
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 8d6 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 1d6 for each spell slot level above 3.
Common questions
What level is Lightning Bolt?
Lightning Bolt is a 3rd-level evocation spell in the 2024 D&D rules.
What is the casting time of Lightning Bolt?
Lightning Bolt has a casting time of 1 action, with a range of Self.
Does Lightning Bolt require concentration?
No. Lightning Bolt does not require concentration.