What level spell is Guiding Bolt?

In D&D 5e, Guiding Bolt is classified as a level 1 spell of the Evocation school. Available classes: Cleric.

How much damage does Guiding Bolt deal?

On a base cast, Guiding Bolt deals 4d6 radiant damage. The damage scales when upcast — see the higher-level note.

Does Guiding Bolt require a spell attack roll?

To resolve Guiding Bolt, the caster makes a spell attack roll against the target's AC.

What is the range of Guiding Bolt?

The range on Guiding Bolt is 120 feet — far enough that most casters can stay clear of the front line.

How long does Guiding Bolt last?

Guiding Bolt lasts 1 round. It does not require concentration, so the caster can run other concentration spells alongside it.

What components and casting time does Guiding Bolt need?

To cast Guiding Bolt: Guiding Bolt requires V, S with a standard Action.

Guiding Bolt

Level 1 · Evocation

Damage
Attack Roll
Buff

Carried by cleric, Guiding Bolt operates at the 1st level of the evocation school. Cast time: Action. Range 120 feet, components V/S, duration 1 round. Effect: You hurl a bolt of light toward a creature within range. At higher levels: The damage increases by 1d6 for each spell slot level above 1.

Stat Block

Level: 1
School: Evocation
Casting Time: Action
Range / Area: 120 feet
Components: V, S
Duration: 1 round
Ritual: No
Concentration: No
Classes: Cleric
Material: —

Description

You hurl a bolt of light toward a creature within range. Make a ranged spell attack against the target. On a hit, it takes 4d6 Radiant damage, and the next attack roll made against it before the end of your next turn has Advantage.

At Higher Levels: The damage increases by 1d6 for each spell slot level above 1.

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

Guiding Bolt is Evocation — focused magical energy released as a 4d6 radiant bolt from up to 120 feet away. The signature mechanic is the disadvantage rider: if the spell hits, the next attack roll against the target has advantage. Built for ally-coordination at tier 1.

Class Fit

Cleric: Guiding Bolt is the canonical level-1 Cleric damage spell. The disadvantage-on-next-attack rider compounds with the rest of the party's actions — Cleric casts the bolt, Fighter swings with advantage on the follow-up. Upcasting adds 1d6 per slot level.

Cleric spells Evocation school Level 1

Related Spells

Frequently Asked Questions about Guiding Bolt

What level spell is Guiding Bolt?: In D&D 5e, Guiding Bolt is classified as a level 1 spell of the Evocation school. Available classes: Cleric.
How much damage does Guiding Bolt deal?: On a base cast, Guiding Bolt deals 4d6 radiant damage. The damage scales when upcast — see the higher-level note.
Does Guiding Bolt require a spell attack roll?: To resolve Guiding Bolt, the caster makes a spell attack roll against the target's AC.
What is the range of Guiding Bolt?: The range on Guiding Bolt is 120 feet — far enough that most casters can stay clear of the front line.
How long does Guiding Bolt last?: Guiding Bolt lasts 1 round. It does not require concentration, so the caster can run other concentration spells alongside it.
What components and casting time does Guiding Bolt need?: To cast Guiding Bolt: Guiding Bolt requires V, S with a standard Action.

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