Lightning Bolt 5e
Level 3 Evocation
Lightning Bolt is a level 3 evocation spell in D&D 5e. Casting time: 1 action, range: Self (100-foot line), duration: Instantaneous. Available to Sorcerer, Wizard.
Casting Time
1 action
Range
Self (100-foot line)
Duration
Instantaneous
Components
V, S, M (a bit of fur and a rod of amber, crystal, or glass)
A stroke of lightning forming a line 100 feet long and 5 feet wide blasts out from you in a direction you choose. Each creature in the line must make a Dexterity saving throw. A creature takes 8d6 lightning damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
The lightning ignites flammable objects in the area that aren't being worn or carried.
At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 4th level or higher, the damage increases by 1d6 for each slot level above 3rd.
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 Lightning Bolt and what school does it belong to?
Lightning Bolt is a Level 3 spell belonging to the school of Evocation in D&D 5e.
What are the casting time, range, and duration of Lightning Bolt?
Lightning Bolt has a casting time of 1 action, range of Self (100-foot line), and duration of Instantaneous.
Does Lightning Bolt require concentration or ritual casting?
No, Lightning Bolt does not require Concentration. It cannot be cast as a ritual.
Use Lightning Bolt in your campaign
Dungeon Manager lets you add Lightning Bolt to your characters, reference it during sessions, and track spell slots across encounters — all free.