Melf’s Acid Arrow
- Casting Time
- 1 Action
- Range
- 90 Feet
- Duration
- instantaneous
- Components
- V
- S
- M
- Materials Required
- Powdered rhubarb leaf and an adder’s stomach
- Class
- Wizard
Spell Description
A shimmering green arrow streaks toward a target within range and bursts in a spray of acid. Make a ranged spell attack against the target. On a hit, the target takes 4d4 acid damage immediately and 2d4 acid damage at the end of its next turn. On a miss, the arrow splashes the target with acid for half as much of the initial damage and no damage at the end of its next turn.
At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 3rd level or higher, the damage (both initial and later) increases by 1d4 for each slot level above 2nd.
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | 6th | 7th | 8th | 9th | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Damage Dice | 6d4 | 8d4 | 10d4 | 12d4 | 14d4 | 16d4 | 18d4 | 20d4 | |
| Min Damage | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 20 | |
| Average Damage | 15 | 20 | 25 | 30 | 35 | 40 | 45 | 50 | |
| Max Damage | 24 | 32 | 40 | 48 | 56 | 64 | 72 | 80 |
| Lvl | Dice | Min | Avg | Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | ||||
| 2nd | 6d4 | 6 | 15 | 24 |
| 3rd | 8d4 | 8 | 20 | 32 |
| 4th | 10d4 | 10 | 25 | 40 |
| 5th | 12d4 | 12 | 30 | 48 |
| 6th | 14d4 | 14 | 35 | 56 |
| 7th | 16d4 | 16 | 40 | 64 |
| 8th | 18d4 | 18 | 45 | 72 |
| 9th | 20d4 | 20 | 50 | 80 |
Is Melf’s Acid Arrow Good?
Overall Rating: Red. This means that Melf’s Acid Arrow isn’t going to contribute to the effectiveness of your character build at all.
Overall Notes: If you compare this with magic missile, this spell is just not worth it for a 2nd-level spell slot. A 2nd-level magic missile will do guaranteed 4d4 + 4 which is the same damage that melf’s acid arrow does after a successful attack roll and a full turn. Magic missile also has a better range, is better for targetting casters who are concentrating, and a less resisted damage type. Pass this spell all day long.