Sacred Flame 5e: Your Complete Spell Guide
Welcome to my comprehensive guide to Sacred Flame in Dungeons and Dragons 5th edition. In this article, I will provide you with everything you need to know about this powerful cantrip spell. Whether you are a cleric, warlock, or sorcerer, understanding the mechanics and applications of Sacred Flame will greatly enhance your gameplay. So let’s delve into the radiant world of Sacred Flame!
Key Takeaways:
- Sacred Flame is a versatile cantrip that deals radiant damage to a targeted creature within range.
- Clerics, Celestial warlocks, and Divine Soul sorcerers can learn and cast Sacred Flame.
- The spell requires a Dexterity saving throw from the target, and it ignores the effects of cover.
- Sacred Flame is not classified as a ranged attack, and its damage increases as the caster levels up.
- While not the highest damaging cantrip, Sacred Flame’s ability to bypass cover and deal radiant damage makes it valuable in various combat situations.
Who Can Cast Sacred Flame in 5e?
One of the most versatile spells in Dungeons and Dragons 5th edition is Sacred Flame. This powerful cantrip can be cast by a variety of spellcasting classes, allowing players to unleash its radiant energy against their foes.
Clerics
Clerics, in particular, have a natural affinity for the sacred flame spell. As holy warriors and devout followers of their chosen deity, clerics have access to a wide range of divine magic, including the ability to call upon the radiant power of sacred flame.
Warlocks - Celestial Subclass
Warlocks who follow the Celestial subclass also have access to sacred flame. These warlocks forge a pact with a celestial being, gaining access to celestial magic and abilities. One of these abilities is the sacred flame spell, allowing them to channel radiant energy in battle.
Sorcerers - Divine Soul Subclass
Divine Soul Sorcerers have a unique heritage that grants them the ability to channel divine magic. As part of their innate spellcasting abilities, they can learn and cast spells such as sacred flame. This subclass gives sorcerers the versatility to combine arcane and divine magic in their spellcasting.
These three classes, Clerics, Warlocks (Celestial subclass), and Sorcerers (Divine Soul subclass), are the primary spellcasters who can harness the power of sacred flame in Dungeons and Dragons 5th edition.
| Class | Primary Abilities |
|---|---|
| Cleric | Wisdom-based divine spellcasting |
| Warlock | (Celestial) Charisma-based pact magic |
| Sorcerer | (Divine Soul) Charisma-based arcane and divine spellcasting |
As shown in the table, each class possesses unique abilities that complement their use of the sacred flame spell. Clerics rely on their Wisdom-based divine spellcasting, while Warlocks and Divine Soul Sorcerers utilize their Charisma-based magical abilities to cast the spell.
What Does Sacred Flame Do in 5e?
Sacred Flame is a powerful cantrip in Dungeons and Dragons 5th edition that offers versatile combat capabilities. This radiant spell allows the caster to target a creature within a range of 60 feet and forces them to make a Dexterity saving throw. If the target fails the saving throw, they take 1d8 radiant damage. One of the unique advantages of Sacred Flame is that it ignores the effects of cover, making it an effective cantrip in various combat situations.
Here’s a brief overview of the effects of Sacred Flame:
“The target creature within 60 feet must make a Dexterity saving throw. On a failed save, the target takes 1d8 radiant damage. The spell ignores the effects of cover.”
Sacred Flame is a versatile spell that allows the caster to deal damage to a target within range, regardless of any obstacles or cover the target may have. This makes it an excellent choice for situations where enemies are protected or taking cover.
The radiant damage dealt by Sacred Flame can be significant, especially as the caster levels up. However, it’s important to note that the damage output is based on the total character level. As the caster reaches higher levels, the damage increases to 2d8 at 5th level, 3d8 at 11th level, and 4d8 at 17th level.
To illustrate the progression of damage, here’s a table showcasing the damage output at different character levels:
| Level | Sacred Flame Damage |
|---|---|
| 1-4 | 1d8 |
| 5-10 | 2d8 |
| 11-16 | 3d8 |
| 17+ | 4d8 |
With its range, saving throw mechanics, and radiant damage, Sacred Flame is a valuable cantrip for Clerics and other classes that can use it. It provides a reliable means of dealing damage to enemies, bypassing the effects of cover, and making it a versatile spell in combat encounters.
How Do I Use Sacred Flame in 5e?
Sacred Flame is a versatile cantrip that allows me to unleash a powerful burst of radiant energy upon my enemies. As a cleric, casting this spell is a fundamental part of my arsenal. It can be employed in various ways to strategically outmaneuver adversaries and turn the tide of battles.
There are several key situations where I find Sacred Flame particularly effective:
- Targeting enemies with low Dexterity: I can rely on Sacred Flame to deal damage to foes who may not be nimble enough to evade its radiant wrath. This can be especially advantageous when facing larger, slower creatures or those burdened by heavy armor.
- Engaging incapacitated or restrained foes: In battle, there are moments where opponents become vulnerable, unable to defend themselves properly. In such instances, I can exploit their predicament by casting Sacred Flame to deal significant damage.
- Inspiring awe and invoking my divine authority: The radiant brilliance of Sacred Flame can command attention and instill fear in the hearts of my enemies. By using this spell, I can demonstrate my divine blessing and assert my position as a cleric.
- Overcoming cover: Sacred Flame possesses an inherent ability to bypass the benefits of cover. When facing enemies who seek refuge behind obstacles or allies, I can rely on this cantrip to bypass their defenses and deliver radiant justice directly to them.
Remember, when using Sacred Flame, I must ensure that my target is within range and visible to me. The spell has a range of 60 feet and requires the target to make a Dexterity saving throw to mitigate its damage.
Who Can I Target With Sacred Flame 5e?
Sacred Flame, a versatile spell in Dungeons and Dragons 5th edition, allows the caster to target any creature within a range of 60 feet that they can see. This spell possesses the unique ability to bypass the benefits of cover, making it an effective tool for targeting enemies. Additionally, Sacred Flame deals radiant damage, which proves particularly potent against many types of creatures.
|Target| Advantages| |Enemy Creatures| |Sacred Flame can be directed towards any enemy creature within range and line of sight.| |Enemies Behind Cover| This spell bypasses the benefits of cover, allowing you to damage enemies hiding behind objects or obstacles.| |Undead and Fiends |The radiant damage dealt by Sacred Flame is particularly effective against undead and fiend creatures.| |Large or Groups of Creatures |Sacred Flame can be used to target larger creatures or groups of enemies, maximizing its potential impact.|
Is Sacred Flame 5e a Good Spell?
Sacred Flame is a cantrip that holds significant value for Clerics in the base version of D&D 5e. While it may not pack the highest damage output, this spell possesses unique qualities that make it a desirable choice in various combat scenarios.
One of the key advantages of Sacred Flame is its ability to ignore cover. This means that even if an enemy takes refuge behind an obstacle, the spell can still target and damage them. Overcoming cover can often provide a competitive edge in battle, allowing Clerics to effectively engage enemies who thought they were safe.
Moreover, Sacred Flame deals radiant damage, which can be particularly effective against certain creatures that are vulnerable to this type of damage. Radiant damage is highly versatile, making this cantrip a valuable asset in encounters with a wide range of enemies.
Although Sacred Flame may not deal the highest damage compared to other cantrips, its ability to bypass cover and the flexibility of radiant damage give it a strong tactical advantage. It is important to consider your playstyle and the types of enemies you frequently encounter when deciding if this cantrip is the right fit for your character.
Sacred Flame 5e Compared to Other Cantrips
Sacred Flame, a popular cantrip in Dungeons and Dragons 5th edition, is often compared to other damage-dealing spells like Toll the Dead. While Toll the Dead may have higher damage potential, Sacred Flame offers unique advantages that make it a strong contender in certain situations.
One of the notable features of Sacred Flame is its radiant damage. Unlike other cantrips that deal traditional damage types, Sacred Flame’s radiant damage can be particularly effective against certain creatures, such as undead or fiends with vulnerabilities or weaknesses to radiant damage.
Another advantage of Sacred Flame is its ability to ignore cover. When enemies try to hide behind obstacles or take cover, Sacred Flame can bypass these defenses and deal damage directly to the target, making it a valuable tool for engaging elusive or protected foes.
However, it’s important to note that Sacred Flame does have limitations. In terms of damage output, Toll the Dead generally surpasses Sacred Flame, especially against targets that are missing hit points or already injured. Additionally, Toll the Dead relies on a Wisdom saving throw, while Sacred Flame uses a Dexterity saving throw, making it potentially more challenging to hit targets with high Dexterity.
Here’s a quick comparison of Sacred Flame and Toll the Dead:
| Spell | Damage Type | Saving Throw | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sacred Flame | Radiant | Dexterity | Ignore cover, effective against certain creatures |
| Toll the Dead | Necrotic | Wisdom | Higher damage potential |
Ultimately, the choice between Sacred Flame and other cantrips depends on the specific needs of your character and the situation at hand. While Sacred Flame may not have the highest damage output, its radiant damage and ability to ignore cover can be invaluable in certain scenarios, allowing clerics and other spellcasters to adapt and overcome various challenges on their adventures.
How Much Damage Does Sacred Flame Do?
Sacred Flame is a potent cantrip that inflicts radiant damage on its target. The damage dealt by Sacred Flame increases as the caster gains levels, becoming even more powerful over time. Here is a breakdown of the damage based on the character’s level:
| Level | Damage |
|---|---|
| 1st - 4th | 1d8 radiant damage |
| 5th - 10th | 2d8 radiant damage |
| 11th - 16th | 3d8 radiant damage |
| 17th or higher | 4d8 radiant damage |
As the table shows, the damage starts at 1d8 but increases to 2d8 at 5th level, 3d8 at 11th level, and finally reaches its maximum potential of 4d8 at 17th level. This scaling damage makes Sacred Flame a formidable spell in the arsenal of any character capable of casting it.
It is important to note that the damage output of Sacred Flame is based on the total character level, not the level of the spellcaster’s class or the spell itself. This means that a character with multiple class levels will have higher damage potential with Sacred Flame compared to a character with only a single class level.
Is Sacred Flame a Ranged Attack?
Sacred Flame in 5e is a versatile cantrip that offers unique mechanics for spellcasters. However, it’s important to clarify that Sacred Flame is not classified as a ranged attack. Instead, it is a spell action that targets a creature within its range. Let’s delve into the specifics.
Sacred Flame’s range is defined as 60 feet, allowing you to target any creature within that distance. It does not require you to make an attack roll, unlike other ranged attack spells. Instead, the target creature must make a Dexterity saving throw to avoid the spell’s damage.
{{ callout }} “The target must succeed on a Dexterity saving throw or take 1d8 radiant damage.” {{ /callout }}
This unique mechanic sets Sacred Flame apart from traditional ranged attack spells. Rather than relying on accuracy, it gives the target a chance to evade the incoming radiant damage through a saving throw. This adds an element of unpredictability and makes combat encounters more dynamic.
By not requiring an attack roll, Sacred Flame bypasses factors such as cover, making it particularly effective against enemies seeking refuge behind obstacles. The radiant damage dealt by Sacred Flame is also effective against creatures vulnerable to or specifically harmed by radiant damage.
So, while Sacred Flame may not be classified as a ranged attack, its spell action and Dexterity saving throw mechanics make it a powerful tool in the arsenal of spellcasters.
Take note of the following key points about Sacred Flame as a ranged spell:
- Sacred Flame is a spell action rather than a ranged attack.
- It targets creatures within a 60-foot range.
- The target makes a Dexterity saving throw to avoid the spell’s damage.
- The spell ignores cover, making it effective against enemies seeking refuge.
- Radiant damage dealt by Sacred Flame is powerful against vulnerable creatures.
Now that we understand the mechanics of Sacred Flame’s spell action, let’s explore comparisons between Sacred Flame and other cantrips to determine its effectiveness and versatility.
Is Sacred Flame the Best Cleric Cantrip?
In my opinion, while Sacred Flame is a solid choice for Clerics, it may not necessarily be the best cantrip available. There are other options, such as Toll the Dead and Word of Radiance, that offer different advantages in terms of damage output and damage type.
Let’s take a look at a comparison between these cantrips:
Cantrip Advantages
- Toll the Dead (Higher Damage Output): Toll the Dead deals higher damage potential, especially when targeting creatures that are already injured. Its damage increases from 1d8 to 2d8 if the target has missing hit points.
- Word of Radiance (AoE Damage): Word of Radiance allows you to deal damage to multiple enemies within a 5-foot range. This can be useful in situations where there are multiple enemies close together.
While Sacred Flame has its advantages, such as dealing radiant damage and the ability to ignore cover, the choice of the best cantrip ultimately depends on the player’s preferences and character build. Each cantrip offers a unique playstyle and tactical approach to combat.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sacred Flame is a versatile and powerful cantrip in Dungeons and Dragons 5th edition (5e). While it may not have the highest damage potential compared to other cantrips, its unique features make it a reliable and valuable spell for Clerics and other classes who can learn it.
Sacred Flame’s ability to deal radiant damage and ignore cover makes it effective against various creatures, especially those with low Dexterity or those who are incapacitated or restrained. Its range of 60 feet allows for flexibility in combat situations, offering the opportunity to target enemies from a safe distance.
However, it’s worth noting that there are other cantrips available in 5e that may offer different advantages in terms of damage output and damage type. Clerics and other spellcasting classes should experiment and consider their character build and playstyle when choosing the best cantrips for their specific needs.
In summary, while Sacred Flame may not be the definitive “best” cantrip, its versatility and reliability make it a solid choice for spellcasters in D&D 5e. Remember to strategize and adapt your spell selection to maximize your character’s potential in every adventure.
FAQ
Who can cast Sacred Flame in D&D 5e?
Sacred Flame can be cast by Clerics, as well as the Celestial subclass of Warlocks and Divine Soul Sorcerers.
What does Sacred Flame do in D&D 5e?
Sacred Flame is a cantrip that forces a target creature within 60 feet to make a Dexterity saving throw. If they fail, they take 1d8 radiant damage.
How do I use Sacred Flame in D&D 5e?
Sacred Flame is a cantrip that can be used by Clerics. As an action, the caster targets a creature within range, and the target must make a Dexterity saving throw to avoid the spell’s damage.
Who can I target with Sacred Flame in D&D 5e?
Sacred Flame can target any creature within 60 feet that the caster can see. It ignores the effects of cover, making it useful for attacking enemies behind obstacles.
Is Sacred Flame 5e a good spell?
Sacred Flame is a versatile cantrip that deals radiant damage and ignores cover. While it may not have the highest damage output, it is a reliable spell for Clerics and other classes that can use it.
How much damage does Sacred Flame do in D&D 5e?
Sacred Flame initially deals 1d8 radiant damage. The damage increases to 2d8 at 5th level, 3d8 at 11th level, and 4d8 at 17th level.
Is Sacred Flame a ranged attack in D&D 5e?
No, Sacred Flame is not classified as a ranged attack. It is a spell action that targets a creature within range, requiring the target to make a Dexterity saving throw.
Is Sacred Flame the best Cleric cantrip in D&D 5e?
Sacred Flame is a solid choice for Clerics, but it may not be the best cantrip available. Other options like Toll the Dead and Word of Radiance offer different advantages in terms of damage output and damage type.