Acid Splash 5e: Spell Guide & Damage Tips
Acid Splash is a spell in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition that allows the caster to hurl a bubble of acid at their target. The spell can be used to target one creature within range or two creatures within range that are within 5 feet of each other. The targeted creatures must make a Dexterity saving throw or take 1d6 acid damage. The damage of Acid Splash increases as the caster reaches higher levels, starting at 1d6 and increasing to 2d6 at 5th level, 3d6 at 11th level, and 4d6 at 17th level.
This spell falls under the Conjuration school and can be used by Sorcerers, Wizards, and Artificers. The casting time is 1 action, and the range of the spell is 60 feet. Acid Splash has an instantaneous duration. It is important to note that Acid Splash does not require an attack roll; instead, the target must make a Dexterity saving throw to avoid the damage. Acid Splash is intended to be an area-of-effect spell that can hit multiple targets, making it unique among the damaging cantrips in D&D 5e.
Key Takeaways:
- Acid Splash is a damaging spell in D&D 5e that hurls a bubble of acid at the target.
- The spell can target one creature within range or two creatures within range that are within 5 feet of each other.
- The damage of Acid Splash increases as the caster reaches higher levels.
- Acid Splash does not require an attack roll; the target must make a Dexterity saving throw to avoid the damage.
- Acid Splash is a valuable area-of-effect spell that can hit multiple targets simultaneously.
How Does Acid Splash Compare to Other Cantrips?
When it comes to comparing Acid Splash to other cantrips in D&D 5e, it’s important to highlight its unique mechanics. Unlike most cantrips, Acid Splash has the ability to hit multiple targets if they are in close proximity to each other. This makes it a valuable option in situations where enemies are grouped together, allowing spellcasters to potentially damage multiple foes in a single action.
However, it’s important to note that Acid Splash doesn’t boast as much damage as some other cantrips, such as Fire Bolt or Chill Touch. While those cantrips may offer higher damage output on a single target, Acid Splash provides a trade-off by offering the potential to hit multiple targets.
As a spellcaster, whether you choose Acid Splash as one of your cantrips depends on your playstyle and the specific encounters you expect to face. If you anticipate encounters where enemies are often grouped closely together or you frequently face swarms of smaller creatures, Acid Splash can be a powerful tool to consider.
Comparing Damage Output of Acid Splash and Other Cantrips
| Cantrip | Damage | Special Effects |
|---|---|---|
| Acid Splash | 1d6 acid damage | N/A |
| Fire Bolt | 1d10 fire damage | Can ignite flammable objects |
| Chill Touch | 1d8 necrotic damage | Prevents target from healing |
As you can see from the table above, Acid Splash may not deal as much damage as Fire Bolt or Chill Touch, but its potential to hit multiple targets sets it apart. Consider the specific needs of your character and the encounters you’ll face when deciding whether to include Acid Splash in your spellcaster’s repertoire.
Tactics and Tips for Using Acid Splash
When using Acid Splash, there are a few tactics and tips to keep in mind. First, it is important to consider the casting time of the spell, which is 1 action. This means that Acid Splash can be cast relatively quickly, allowing me to potentially deal damage to multiple targets in a single round.
Additionally, I should look for opportunities where enemies are grouped closely together, such as in tight hallways or when facing swarms of smaller creatures. In these situations, Acid Splash can be a valuable tool for dealing damage to multiple targets efficiently.
It is also worth noting that Acid Splash does not have any debuffs or additional effects, so its primary purpose is to deal damage. I should keep this in mind and consider other cantrips that may offer additional utility or strategic advantages in certain situations.
Acid Splash vs. Other Cantrips
| Cantrip | Damage | Range | Casting Time | Area of Effect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acid Splash | 1d6 (increases with level) | 60 feet | 1 action | Targets up to 2 creatures within range, within 5 feet of each other |
| Fire Bolt | 1d10 (increases with level) | 120 feet | 1 action | Single target |
| Chill Touch | 1d8 (increases with level) | 120 feet | 1 action | Single target, prevents healing |
Acid Splash offers a unique area-of-effect option that can hit multiple targets within range, making it different from other cantrips like Fire Bolt or Chill Touch. Although Acid Splash may not have the highest damage output, its versatility in dealing with clustered enemies can make it a valuable choice in certain encounters.
By using Acid Splash efficiently and considering other options based on the specific situation, I can make the most out of this cantrip and contribute to the success of my adventures.
Considerations for Acid Splash in Character Builds
When building a character, it is important to consider the role and purpose of Acid Splash within the overall strategy. For spellcasters, such as Sorcerers, Wizards, and Artificers, Acid Splash can be a valuable addition to their arsenal of damaging spells. It offers a unique area-of-effect option that can be effective in certain encounters. However, players should also consider alternative cantrips that may offer different benefits or fit better with their character concept or playstyle.
Choosing the Right Cantrip
While Acid Splash has its advantages in terms of reaching multiple targets, there are other cantrips that may provide different benefits. For example, if you prefer a high-damage output, Fire Bolt or Chill Touch might be more suitable choices. Fire Bolt deals fire damage and has a longer range, while Chill Touch can prevent the target from healing. These cantrips can be more effective against single targets and provide additional utility beyond pure damage.
On the other hand, Acid Splash can be especially useful when facing groups of enemies or creatures with low hit points. Its ability to damage multiple targets simultaneously can help thin the enemy ranks and give your party an advantage. It’s all about considering your character’s strengths, playstyle, and the types of encounters you anticipate.
Enhancing Acid Splash
One way to enhance the effectiveness of Acid Splash is through the use of feats. Elemental Adept is a good choice for spellcasters who frequently use acid-based spells like Acid Splash. This feat reduces resistance to acid damage, allowing you to deal more damage to resistant creatures. It also gives you the ability to reroll 1s on acid damage rolls, increasing the chances of rolling higher damage.
Another consideration is the use of metamagic for Sorcerers. Metamagic options like Twinned Spell can allow you to target two separate creatures with Acid Splash, effectively doubling its area-of-effect potential. This can be particularly useful if you often find yourself in situations where enemies are in close proximity to each other.
Character Build Example
Here’s an example of a character build that incorporates Acid Splash effectively:
| Class | Race | Feats | Cantrips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wizard | High Elf | Elemental Adept, Spell Sniper | Acid Splash, Fire Bolt, Ray of Frost |
As a Wizard, you have a wide range of spells at your disposal, and Acid Splash can be a valuable addition to your repertoire. The High Elf race helps boost your Intelligence, the key attribute for spellcasting. With the Elemental Adept feat, your Acid Splash can bypass acid resistance, allowing you to deal full damage in more encounters. The Spell Sniper feat increases the range of Acid Splash, giving you more flexibility in combat. Additionally, Fire Bolt and Ray of Frost can complement Acid Splash by offering single-target damage and control options.
Conclusion
Acid Splash is a versatile cantrip in D&D 5e, offering the potential to deal damage to multiple targets in a single action. While it may not have the highest damage output compared to other cantrips, its ability to hit multiple targets makes it a valuable option, especially in encounters where enemies are grouped closely together or when facing swarms of smaller creatures.
When considering Acid Splash for character builds, players should weigh its unique mechanics and potential benefits against other available options. While it may not be the optimal choice for every situation, Acid Splash can be a powerful tool in the right circumstances. Its area-of-effect damage potential can be particularly effective in crowded battles or against a horde of weaker foes.
Ultimately, Acid Splash should be considered as part of a well-rounded spellcaster’s repertoire. Its ability to deliver targeted acid damage to multiple enemies offers strategic advantages that other cantrips may not provide. By carefully evaluating the situation and considering the specific encounter, players can maximize the effectiveness of Acid Splash as a cantrip within their character build.
FAQ
What is Acid Splash in D&D 5e?
Acid Splash is a spell in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition that allows the caster to hurl a bubble of acid at their target. It can be used to target one creature within range or two creatures within range that are within 5 feet of each other.
How much damage does Acid Splash do?
Acid Splash initially deals 1d6 acid damage. The damage increases as the caster reaches higher levels, up to 4d6 at 17th level.
What is the casting time and range of Acid Splash?
The casting time of Acid Splash is 1 action, and the range of the spell is 60 feet.
How does Acid Splash compare to other cantrips in D&D 5e?
Acid Splash is unique among damaging cantrips in that it can hit multiple targets within its range if they are within 5 feet of each other. However, its damage output is lower than some other cantrips like Fire Bolt or Chill Touch.
Are there any tips for using Acid Splash effectively?
Yes, players should consider using Acid Splash when enemies are grouped closely together, such as in tight hallways or when facing swarms of smaller creatures. It is also important to note that Acid Splash does not have any debuffs or additional effects, so its primary purpose is to deal damage.
What should I consider when incorporating Acid Splash into my character build?
When building a character, consider the role and purpose of Acid Splash within the overall strategy. While it offers area-of-effect damage, players should also consider alternative cantrips that may offer different benefits or fit better with their character concept or playstyle.