Scorching Ray

2nd level Evocation
Casting Time
1 Action
Range
120 Feet
Duration
instantaneous
Components
V
S
Class
Sorcerer
Wizard

Spell Description

You create three rays of fire and hurl them at targets within range. You can hurl them at one target or several.

Make a ranged spell attack for each ray. On a hit, the target takes 2d6 fire damage.

At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 3rd level or higher, you create one additional ray for each slot level above 2nd.

1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th
Damage Dice 6d6 8d6 10d6 12d6 14d6 16d6 18d6 20d6
Min Damage 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Average Damage 21 28 35 42 49 56 63 70
Max Damage 36 48 60 72 84 96 108 120
Lvl Dice Min Avg Max
1st
2nd 6d6 6 21 36
3rd 8d6 8 28 48
4th 10d6 10 35 60
5th 12d6 12 42 72
6th 14d6 14 49 84
7th 16d6 16 56 96
8th 18d6 18 63 108
9th 20d6 20 70 120

Is Scorching Ray Good?

Overall Rating: Blue. This means that scorching ray is a great spell and you should strongly consider this spell for your character.

Overall Notes: A potential 6d6 focused damage at a 2nd-level spell slot, can target multiple opponents, and has crit potential.

Class Specific Ratings for Scorching Ray

The Fiend warlock: A potential 6d6 focused damage at a 2nd-level spell slot, can target multiple opponents, and has crit potential. Combines especially well with hex.

Wild Magic sorcerer: While this is still a great spell for Wild Magic sorcerers, it's important to note that, when using Tides of Chaos with this spell, you only gain advantage on the first attack.

Eldritch Knight fighter: If you’re going to be staying away from damage spells that require a spell attack or save, stick with a javelin. Otherwise, this is a potent ranged damage option.