Chain Lightning
Level 6 · Evocation
- Damage
- Save
A 6th-level spell in the evocation school, Chain Lightning appears on the sorcerer and wizard lists. Cast time: Action. Range 150 feet, components V/S/M, duration instantaneous. Material: three silver pins. Effect: You launch a lightning bolt toward a target you can see within range. At higher levels: One additional bolt leaps from the first target to another target for each spell slot level above 6.
Stat Block
- Level
- 6
- School
- Evocation
- Casting Time
- Action
- Range / Area
- 150 feet
- Components
- V, S, M
- Duration
- Instantaneous
- Ritual
- No
- Concentration
- No
- Classes
- Sorcerer, Wizard
- Material
- three silver pins
Description
You launch a lightning bolt toward a target you can see within range. Three bolts then leap from that target to as many as three other targets of your choice, 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. Each target makes a Dexterity saving throw, taking 10d8 Lightning damage on a failed save or half as much damage on a successful one.
5e (2014) vs 2024 changes
This spell has both a 5e (2014) and 2024 Player's Handbook version. Doungim shows the current 2024 stat block above. Differences between editions typically affect components, range, or scaling — check both source books for the table.
Doungim Lore
School Fit
Evocation is the school of channeled energy. Fire, lightning, thunder, cold, force, radiance, necrotic — every Evocation spell takes stored magical power and releases it at a target. What lands Chain Lightning in Evocation is the spell focuses magical energy into a visible, immediate effect. The 6th-level slot is a once- or twice-per-day resource at most tables.
Class Fit
- Sorcerer: Twin Spell turns single-target spells into two-target spells; if Chain Lightning is single-target, Twin doubles its value. Chain Lightning scales when upcast — see the higher-level note on the spell page.
- Wizard: At tier 1 Wizards have small prepared lists. Chain Lightning earns its place by either being always-relevant (Shield, Mage Armor) or by being the right answer to a known problem. At 150 feet, Chain Lightning stays usable from the caster's typical positioning.
Related Spells
Frequently Asked Questions about Chain Lightning
- What level spell is Chain Lightning?
- In D&D 5e, Chain Lightning is classified as a level 6 spell of the Evocation school. Available classes: Sorcerer, Wizard.
- How much damage does Chain Lightning deal?
- At base level, Chain Lightning's damage is 10d8 (lightning). Higher slots increase the damage as listed.
- What save does Chain Lightning require?
- Chain Lightning forces a Dexterity save. The DC is the caster's spell save DC (8 + proficiency + casting modifier).
- What is the range of Chain Lightning?
- From the caster's position, Chain Lightning reaches 150 feet.
- What components and casting time does Chain Lightning need?
- For Chain Lightning: Chain Lightning is cast with V, S, M; on top of that, Material component: three silver pins.
- Can Chain Lightning be upcast?
- Yes — One additional bolt leaps from the first target to another target for each spell slot level above 6.