Melf’s Acid Arrow

2nd level Evocation
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.