Guiding Bolt is a radiant beacon in the spellbook of many divine spellcasters in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition. This 1st-level evocation spell is a favorite for Clerics and offers a potent combination of damage and tactical advantage in combat encounters.
What is Guiding Bolt?
Guiding Bolt is a ranged spell that unleashes a streak of light towards a chosen creature within 120 feet. As a spell requiring a ranged spell attack roll, it brings a touch of divine accuracy to the battlefield. On a successful hit, the spell delivers 4d6 radiant damage, a damage type effective against many creatures and particularly thematic for divine classes.
But Guiding Bolt offers more than just damage. A crucial element of this spell is the mystical dim light it leaves glittering on the target. This is not merely for visual flavor; it provides a significant combat advantage. The next attack roll made against the illuminated target before the end of your next turn gains advantage. This means rolling two d20s and taking the higher result, substantially increasing the chance of a successful hit.
Key Features and Tactical Advantages
- Radiant Damage: Radiant damage is less commonly resisted than other damage types and is thematically appropriate for Clerics and Paladins, often proving especially effective against undead and fiends.
- Granting Advantage: The advantage granted by Guiding Bolt is invaluable. It not only helps ensure your next attack is more likely to hit but also significantly boosts the hit probability for your allies targeting the same creature. This makes it a fantastic spell for team-based tactics.
- First Level Spell Slot: As a 1st-level spell, Guiding Bolt is accessible early in a campaign and remains useful throughout. Its efficiency in damage and utility for its spell slot level makes it a consistently strong choice.
- Upcasting Potential: Guiding Bolt scales effectively with higher spell slots. For each spell slot level above 1st, the damage increases by 1d6. This upcasting potential allows it to maintain its damage relevance even in higher-level play.
How to Effectively Use Guiding Bolt in D&D 5e
Guiding Bolt is not just about dealing damage; it’s about setting up tactical opportunities. Here are some ways to maximize its impact:
- Opening Engagements: Use Guiding Bolt at the start of combat to damage a key enemy and grant advantage to your martial allies for their first attacks. This can quickly shift the momentum in your party’s favor.
- Supporting Heavy Hitters: Coordinate with your party. Cast Guiding Bolt on a target that your party’s rogue, fighter, or paladin is about to attack to ensure their powerful attacks are more likely to land.
- Against High AC Enemies: When facing enemies with high Armor Class (AC), the advantage granted by Guiding Bolt becomes even more critical, helping to overcome their defenses.
- Cleric Versatility: For Clerics, Guiding Bolt is a staple offensive spell, complementing their support and healing capabilities, making them well-rounded in combat situations.
