Chain Lightning
EvocationYou create a bolt of lightning that arcs toward a target of your choice that you can see within range. Three bolts then leap from that target to as many as three other targets, each of which must be within 30 feet of the first target. A target can be a creature or an object and can be targeted by only one of the bolts. A target must make a dexterity saving throw. The target takes 10d8 lightning damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
At Higher Levels: When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 7th level or higher, one additional bolt leaps from the first target to another target for each slot level above 6th.
Spell Details
Player Guide
Position yourself where multiple enemies cluster within 30 feet of each other to maximize the chain bounces—the spell can hit up to 4 targets total if positioned correctly. Always target the most dangerous enemy first, as the remaining bounces can spread to weaker foes or be wasted if positioning doesn't allow three additional targets. Use this spell when enemies are grouped together rather than spread out, and remember that each target makes its own Dexterity save, so don't rely on all of them failing. This is an excellent spell for devastating tight formations of medium-threat enemies or softening up a group before melee engagement.
Spell Combos
DM Tips
Clarify which targets are within 30 feet of the primary target before damage is rolled—Chain Lightning requires tight clustering and rewards tactical positioning. The spell can chain to the same target multiple times if geometry allows, but this should rarely happen; consider enemy placement carefully to avoid accidentally trivializing encounters with perfect bounces.