Magic Missile

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• Level: 1
• School: Evocation
• Class: Sorcerer, Wizard
• Casting Time: Action
• Range: 120 feet
• Components: V, S
• Duration: Instantaneous

You create three glowing darts of magical force. Each dart strikes 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.

Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. The spell creates one more dart for each spell slot level above 1.

Tactical Usage

Magic Missile serves as the most reliable damage spell in the game, providing guaranteed hit chance that makes it invaluable against high-AC targets or when ensuring finishing blows on low-health enemies. Use it to interrupt concentration spells, as each dart forces a separate concentration save, making it extremely effective against enemy casters. The spell excels at dealing with multiple low-health enemies simultaneously, distributing darts across different targets to maximize tactical impact. Its auto-hit nature makes it perfect for situations where accuracy is more important than raw damage output, such as finishing wounded enemies or targeting heavily armored foes. The spell provides consistent damage output that can be relied upon for tactical calculations and resource management. Use it when visibility is poor but you know enemy locations, as the spell doesn't require clear sight lines to the target. The instantaneous duration prevents counterspells once launched, making it more reliable than many other offensive options.

Spell Combinations

Magic Missile synergizes exceptionally well with abilities that trigger on spell damage, such as Empowered Evocation or similar class features that add damage to evocation spells. Each dart can benefit from such abilities, multiplying the damage bonus significantly. Combine with Hex or Hunter's Mark to add extra damage to each dart, creating substantial damage increases. The spell works well with features that trigger on dealing damage to enemies, activating multiple times per casting. Use it alongside spells that benefit from multiple hits, such as certain curse effects or marking abilities. The spell complements other guaranteed-damage effects, creating reliable damage floors for tactical planning. Combine with battlefield control spells to force enemies into positions where Magic Missile can target them effectively. The spell pairs well with divination magic that reveals enemy positions, allowing targeting without direct sight. Use it to trigger effects that activate when enemies take damage, maximizing the number of triggers per spell slot.

Material Component Details

Magic Missile requires only verbal and somatic components, making it one of the most accessible spells for component-free casting. The lack of material components means it can be cast even when equipment is restricted, stolen, or destroyed. This makes it particularly valuable for imprisoned or captured spellcasters who might lose access to component pouches or arcane focuses. The spell's simple component requirements make it an ideal choice for emergency situations where complex spellcasting might be impractical. Some casters prefer to use an arcane focus anyway, as it can help with the precise targeting required to direct multiple missiles effectively. The spell can be cast with bound hands as long as the caster can speak and make subtle finger movements, though this might require DM discretion based on the specific restraints involved. The spell's accessibility makes it a reliable backup option when other spells are unavailable due to component restrictions.

Creator Notes

Magic Missile's guaranteed hit mechanic makes it a unique tactical tool that requires careful consideration in encounter design, as it bypasses many defensive measures that might protect against other spells. When balancing encounters, remember that the spell provides reliable damage output that players can count on, affecting resource management calculations. The spell's ability to interrupt concentration with multiple saves makes it particularly effective against enemy spellcasters, potentially disrupting major magical effects. Consider how the spell interacts with magical defenses like Shield spell, which specifically counters Magic Missile, creating interesting tactical decisions. The spell's scaling makes it remain relevant at higher levels when cast with appropriate spell slots, maintaining its utility throughout character progression. Be mindful of how the spell affects encounters with multiple weak enemies, as it can eliminate several threats simultaneously. The spell's reliability makes it a valuable benchmark for comparing other offensive options.

Environmental Interactions

Magic Missile's force damage type makes it effective against most creatures regardless of resistances, though very few creatures resist force damage. The darts are made of pure magical energy, allowing them to pass through most physical barriers that wouldn't stop other spells, though total cover still blocks them. The spell functions normally in most environmental conditions, unaffected by weather, lighting, or atmospheric conditions that might impair other spells. Anti-magic fields completely negate the spell, causing darts to dissipate harmlessly upon contact with such areas. The spell works underwater without penalty, as the magical darts aren't affected by water resistance or pressure changes. In areas of wild magic or magical instability, the spell might produce unexpected results, though its simple nature makes it less likely to be affected than complex spells. The spell's visual component makes it easily recognizable, potentially revealing the caster's position to enemies or alerting them to magical activity.

Common Rulings & Clarifications

Each dart hits automatically without requiring attack rolls, making Magic Missile one of the few spells that cannot miss under normal circumstances. The darts all strike simultaneously, meaning they resolve damage at the same time rather than sequentially. You can direct all darts at a single target or distribute them among multiple targets as you choose when casting. Each dart forces a separate concentration saving throw if targeting a concentrating spellcaster, making it extremely effective at breaking concentration. The spell can target any creature you can see within range, regardless of AC, cover, or other defensive measures except total cover. Shield spell specifically counters Magic Missile, negating all darts for that casting. The spell cannot target objects or structures, only creatures. Invisible creatures can be targeted if you can see them through magical means, but not if they're simply hidden or unseen.

Alternative Applications

Beyond direct combat, Magic Missile serves various utility and tactical purposes throughout different scenarios. Use it to test for invisible creatures by targeting areas where you suspect they might be hiding, as the spell reveals their location if successful. The spell can serve as a distraction or signal, creating visible magical effects that can communicate with allies or mislead enemies. Apply it to interrupt enemy actions that require concentration, such as ritual casting or other extended magical activities. The spell proves valuable for finishing retreating enemies who might otherwise escape with minimal health remaining. Use it to trigger magical effects that activate when creatures take damage, potentially setting off beneficial or harmful magical conditions. The spell can serve as a reliable way to deal small amounts of damage for testing purposes, such as determining damage thresholds or resistance types. Apply it to wake unconscious allies or enemies when needed, though this requires careful consideration of the ethical implications.

Related Spells

Magic Missile belongs to the evocation school's tradition of direct damage spells, sharing mechanical similarities with other force-based magic like Eldritch Blast or Spiritual Weapon. Compare it to other 1st-level damage spells like Burning Hands or Thunderwave, which offer different damage types and areas of effect. The spell relates to other auto-hit effects in the game, though few spells guarantee success like Magic Missile does. Consider it alongside other reliable damage options like Toll the Dead or Fire Bolt for consistent offensive capabilities. The spell shares tactical applications with other multi-target spells, though its individual targeting makes it unique among area-effect options. Scorching Ray provides similar multi-hit mechanics but requires attack rolls, creating tactical trade-offs between reliability and damage potential. The spell connects to other force-based magic that deals with pure magical energy rather than elemental damage types.

Scaling Analysis

Magic Missile scales exceptionally well with higher-level spell slots, gaining an additional dart for each level above 1st, making it remain relevant throughout character progression. At 2nd level, four darts provide 4d4+4 damage, while at 9th level, eleven darts deliver 11d4+11 damage, creating substantial damage output. The spell's scaling makes it competitive with higher-level spells when cast with appropriate slots, particularly considering its guaranteed hit rate. Its effectiveness increases significantly when combined with features that add damage to each dart, multiplying the benefits across all missiles. The spell maintains its utility for concentration-breaking throughout all levels, as more darts mean more forced saving throws. At higher levels, the spell becomes an efficient use of lower-level spell slots, providing reliable damage without expending highest-level resources. The spell's scaling makes it a valuable option for characters who want predictable damage output regardless of enemy defenses.

Narrative Flavor

When cast, Magic Missile manifests as brilliant streaks of pure magical energy that burst forth from the caster's fingertips, each dart crackling with arcane power as it streaks toward its target. The missiles appear as glowing projectiles of concentrated force, leaving brief trails of sparkles or energy distortions in their wake as they dart through the air with unerring precision. Each dart strikes with a distinctive sound - a sharp crack or pop as the magical energy impacts and dissipates against the target. The missiles might appear different based on the caster's magical tradition: a wizard's darts could be precise, geometric constructs of pure force, while a sorcerer's might pulse with chaotic energy that reflects their magical bloodline. The spell's instantaneous nature means the entire effect happens in a split second, with multiple darts striking simultaneously in a dazzling display of magical precision. Upon impact, the darts burst into brief flares of energy before dissipating completely, leaving only the damage they've inflicted as evidence of their magical nature.