Ray of Frost
Cantrip · Evocation
- Damage
- Attack Roll
Ray of Frost occupies the evocation school as a cantrip, available to sorcerer and wizard. Cast time: Action. Range 60 feet, components V/S, duration instantaneous. Effect: A frigid beam of blue-white light streaks toward a creature within range.
Stat Block
- Level
- Cantrip
- School
- Evocation
- Casting Time
- Action
- Range / Area
- 60 feet
- Components
- V, S
- Duration
- Instantaneous
- Ritual
- No
- Concentration
- No
- Classes
- Sorcerer, Wizard
- Material
- —
Description
A frigid beam of blue-white light streaks toward a creature within range. Make a ranged spell attack against the target. On a hit, it takes 1d8 Cold damage, and its Speed is reduced by 10 feet until the start of your next turn.
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
The school of Evocation is the school of options visible at the cast. The cone, the line, the sphere — Evocation spells show their geometry, and the caster decides who is inside it. Ray of Frost sits in Evocation because the spell focuses magical energy into a visible, immediate effect. As a cantrip, Ray of Frost stays on-tier at every level of play.
Class Fit
- Sorcerer: At tier 1 a Sorcerer's known-spell budget is brutal. Ray of Frost earns its slot only if the build cannot win the next ten sessions without it. Ray of Frost reaches 60 feet, which lets the caster stay clear of the front line.
- Wizard: Arcane Recovery returns one or two slots on a short rest. Ray of Frost's slot cost is therefore not exactly what the slot column says. 60 feet is enough range that Ray of Frost doesn't pull the caster forward.
Tactical play (Doungim editorial)
Cantrip; 1d8 cold + -10 ft speed for a round. Kites melee enemies.
Related Spells
Frequently Asked Questions about Ray of Frost
- What level spell is Ray of Frost?
- The spell Ray of Frost is a cantrip in the Evocation school. Sorcerer, Wizard all have access to it.
- How much damage does Ray of Frost deal?
- The damage roll on Ray of Frost is 1d8 of cold damage at base.
- Does Ray of Frost require a spell attack roll?
- Ray of Frost resolves with a spell attack roll, not a save. The caster's attack bonus is their spellcasting modifier plus proficiency.
- What is the range of Ray of Frost?
- Ray of Frost has a range of 60 feet from the caster.
- What components and casting time does Ray of Frost need?
- To cast Ray of Frost: Ray of Frost is cast with V, S with a standard Action.