Magic Missile

Evocation

Level: 1st-level

Casting Time: 1 action

Range: 120 feet

Duration: Instantaneous

Components: V, S

You create three glowing darts of magical force. Each dart hits a creature of your choice that you can see within range. A dart deals 1d4 + 1 force damage to its target. The darts all strike simultaneously, and you can direct them to hit one creature or several.

At Higher Levels: When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 2nd level or higher, the spell creates one more dart for each slot level above 1st.

Spell Details

School: Evocation

Level: 1

Ritual: No

Concentration: No

Classes: Sorcerer, Wizard

A-Tier Reliable, guaranteed damage that ignores armor and always hits, making it the gold standard for 1st-level damage spells.

Player Guide

Magic Missile excels as a guaranteed damage dealer when you need reliable output—the darts always hit, making it perfect for finishing weakened enemies or applying consistent pressure. Use it against high-AC enemies where other spells might miss, and leverage the action economy by casting it as your action while your allies control the battlefield. The ability to split damage across multiple targets makes it excellent for eliminating low-health enemies or softening up a group before area spells land.

Spell Combos

invisibility Cast invisibility on an ally to help them position while you soften enemies, or use it yourself to cast Magic Missile without revealing your position.scorching-ray Both spells allow multi-target damage with guaranteed hits, letting you soften multiple enemies across turns.hold-person Once a target is held, Magic Missile guarantees damage they can't avoid or reduce with shields.

DM Tips

Magic Missile's guaranteed hit makes it feel powerful but limits dramatic tension—use it to teach new players action economy rather than fearing spell abuse. Consider that the simultaneous impact provides interesting narrative moments without mechanical exploitation.

Related Spells

scorching-ray guiding-bolt