Chain Lightning 5e
Level 6 Evocation
Chain Lightning is a level 6 evocation spell in D&D 5e. Casting time: 1 action, range: 150 feet, duration: Instantaneous. Available to Sorcerer, Wizard.
Casting Time
1 action
Range
150 feet
Duration
Instantaneous
Components
V, S, M (a bit of fur; a piece of amber, glass, or a crystal rod; and three silver pins)
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 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.
Spellcasting & Tactical Insights
Action Economy
Standard Action • Primary turn investment.
Concentration
No Concentration • Safe to stack with persistent effects.
School Role
Evocation: Channels raw elemental energy. Delivers explosive area-of-effect damage, healing magic, or elemental barriers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What level spell is Chain Lightning and what school does it belong to?
Chain Lightning is a Level 6 spell belonging to the school of Evocation in D&D 5e.
What are the casting time, range, and duration of Chain Lightning?
Chain Lightning has a casting time of 1 action, range of 150 feet, and duration of Instantaneous.
Does Chain Lightning require concentration or ritual casting?
No, Chain Lightning does not require Concentration. It cannot be cast as a ritual.
Use Chain Lightning in your campaign
Dungeon Manager lets you add Chain Lightning to your characters, reference it during sessions, and track spell slots across encounters — all free.