Lightning Lure 5e: Mechanics and Guide To Using the Spell

Spell Description:

You create a lash of lightning energy that strikes at one creature of your choice that you can see within 15 feet of you. The target must succeed on a Strength saving throw or be pulled up to 10 feet in a straight line toward you and then take 1d8 lightning damage if it is within 5 feet of you.

This spell’s damage increases by 1d8 when you reach 5th level (2d8), 11th level (3d8), and 17th level (4d8).

	1st level	5th level	11th level	17th level
Damage Dice	1d8	2d8	3d8	4d8
Minimum Damage	1	2	3	4
Average Damage	4.5	8.5	12.5	16.5
Maximum Damage	8	16	24	32

What Is Lightning Lure?

Lightning Lure is an instantaneous cantrip that shoots out a whip of lightning.

The player makes a spell attack against a target with the whip and the target must make a Strength saving throw or be pulled 10 feet in a straight line towards the player.

Who Can Cast Lightning Lure?

Artificers, Sorcerers, Wizards, and Warlocks can all cast Lightning Lure at level 1 as a cantrip on their spell lists. Eldritch Knights can cast this spell once they get their archetype at 3rd level.

Arcane Tricksters can cast the spell at 8th level when they get their first upgrade to their spellcasting feature. Bards can take the spell at 10th level as part of their Magical Secrets feature.

When and Where Should I Cast Lightning Lure?

Lightning Lure is a great tool for melee-focused casters and has some funny interactions (like being able to pull someone up into the air if you are using the Fly spell or on high ground).

Its damage is supplemented well with its control utility to be able to move people around. Its short-range makes it most useful for melee casters with some brawn behind them, like Pact of the Blade Warlocks and Eldritch Knights, but any melee-focused caster who can take it will get use out of it.

Why Should I Take Lightning Lure?

Lightning Lure, like many cantrips, is mostly used for its lack of resource intensiveness. As a cantrip, it can be cast any number of times per day and even used as a bonus action with Quickened Spell.

Its ability to yank people around and even make enemies airborne makes it a very useful spell.

Common Questions About Lightning Lure