Shocking Grasp
Cantrip · Evocation
- Damage
- Attack Roll
A cantrip in the evocation school, Shocking Grasp appears on the sorcerer and wizard lists. Cast time: Action. Range Touch, components V/S, duration instantaneous. Effect: Lightning springs from you to a creature that you try to touch.
Stat Block
- Level
- Cantrip
- School
- Evocation
- Casting Time
- Action
- Range / Area
- Touch
- Components
- V, S
- Duration
- Instantaneous
- Ritual
- No
- Concentration
- No
- Classes
- Sorcerer, Wizard
- Material
- —
Description
Lightning springs from you to a creature that you try to touch. Make a melee spell attack against the target. On a hit, the target takes 1d8 Lightning damage, and it can't make Opportunity Attacks until the start of its 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
Evocations are the most demanding spells to position. The same fireball that wins the fight from twenty feet up loses it from twenty feet down. Shocking Grasp sits in Evocation because the spell focuses magical energy into a visible, immediate effect. As a cantrip, Shocking Grasp stays on-tier at every level of play.
Class Fit
- Sorcerer: Quicken Spell turns an Action into a Bonus Action; if Shocking Grasp costs an Action, Quicken opens a two-spell turn.
- Wizard: Wizards add Shocking Grasp to the spellbook once and prepare it on the days that warrant it — a different decision from the class's known-spell competitors.
Tactical play (Doungim editorial)
Melee touch; 1d8 lightning. Target can't take reactions until the end of its next turn. Shuts down Shield from enemy casters.
Related Spells
Frequently Asked Questions about Shocking Grasp
- What level spell is Shocking Grasp?
- The spell Shocking Grasp is a cantrip in the Evocation school. Sorcerer, Wizard all have access to it.
- How much damage does Shocking Grasp deal?
- At base level, Shocking Grasp's damage is 1d8 (lightning).
- Does Shocking Grasp require a spell attack roll?
- Shocking Grasp 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 Shocking Grasp?
- Shocking Grasp has a range of Touch — the caster must be in contact with the target to cast it.
- What components and casting time does Shocking Grasp need?
- For Shocking Grasp: the cast needs V, S, casting is a normal Action.