Witch Bolt

Page 289 of the Player’s Handbook

Witch Bolt

1 evocation

• Casting Time: 1 action
• Range: 30 feet
• Components: V S M (A twig from a tree that has been struck by lightning)
• Duration: Up to 1 minute
• Classes: Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard
• A beam of crackling, blue energy lances out toward a creature within range, forming a sustained arc of lightning between you and the target. Make a ranged spell attack against that creature. On a hit, the target takes 1d12 lightning damage, and on each of your turns for the duration, you can use your action to deal 1d12 lightning damage to the target automatically. The spell ends if you use your action to do anything else. The spell also ends if the target is ever outside the spell’s range or if it has total cover from you.
• At Higher Levels: When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 2nd level or higher, the initial damage increases by 1d12 for each slot level above 1st.

Our Thoughts

To put it simply, this is one of the worst spells in the player’s handbook. I know, seems kinda harsh, but let’s break this down.

To do this, let’s look at another spell. Fire Bolt vs. Witch Bolt, for example.

Spell	Casting Time	Range	Components	Damage	Concentration Requirements	Casting Level
Witch Bolt	1 action	30ft	V S M	1d12	Required	1
Fire Bolt	1 action	120ft	V S	1d10	Not required	Cantrip

As you can see, Fire Bolt requires one action, has a much better range, does not require concentration, and it’s a cantrip. That last bit is important. It is a cantrip, which means you can do it as many times per day as you wish.

Now that you have an extra first-level spell slot, you can get something useful, like Magic Missile, which will automatically hit and can do more damage than Witch Bolt. Or you could get Shield, which will help keep you alive.

FAQ’s about spell

Does witch bolt consume the twig?

No, the twig is not consumed by the spellcasting. If a spell component is consumed, it will state it specifically in the component section. For example, Ceremony, a 1^st level abjuration (ritual), states in its components section, “V S M (25 gp worth of powdered silver, which the spell consumes).”

Does witch bolt end when the target dies?

Yes, if your target dies, the spell ends. Nowhere in the spell description does it say you are able to move it to another target like you would with Hunter’s Mark. Also, the spell ends if the target is outside of the 30-foot range or if they gain total cover.

How long does Witch Bolt last?

Witch Bolt lasts for up to one minute. The spell ends if the target falls unconscious, leaves the 30 feet range of the spell, or has full cover.