How Many Times Do I Roll for Magic Missile?
The short, definitive answer is: you roll once for Magic Missile damage. Despite the spell conjuring multiple magical darts, you only roll a single d4 (four-sided die), and that result, plus one, is applied as damage to each individual missile. This single roll is a key aspect of the spell, and it often trips up new players, so let’s dive into the specifics and address some common questions.
Understanding the Single Damage Roll
Magic Missile, a staple spell for many spellcasters in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, functions differently than you might initially expect. The spell description states that it launches multiple force darts, each hitting a creature of your choice within range. Each dart deals 1d4 + 1 force damage. This is where the confusion often sets in: many players assume this means rolling a d4 + 1 for each dart. However, the official ruling by game designer Jeremy Crawford clarifies that you roll one d4 and apply that result to every dart.
This means if you cast Magic Missile at its base level, launching three darts, you only roll one d4. If that roll comes up as a 3, each dart will inflict 3 + 1 = 4 damage. That’s a total of 12 damage spread across your chosen targets, or focused on a single foe. This method simplifies gameplay and streamlines combat, moving away from lengthy sequences of multiple dice rolls.
Why One Roll Matters
This single roll mechanic is important for several reasons, particularly when considering other mechanics and effects in the game. One critical implication arises with abilities like the Empowered Evocation feature of the Evocation Wizard. If you had to roll separately for each dart, you could potentially add your Intelligence modifier to each roll. However, by rolling only once, you only add your Intelligence modifier once to the total damage, effectively boosting the spell, but limiting its overall impact.
This mechanic also has a significant influence on damage resistances and immunities. When all the darts from Magic Missile strike simultaneously, they’re considered a single source of damage. This means if a creature has resistance to force damage, they resist all the damage from all the missiles. Conversely, if a creature is immune to force damage, none of the Magic Missile damage goes through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Magic Missile
To further clarify the intricacies of this seemingly simple spell, let’s address some of the most common questions players have about Magic Missile:
1. Does Upcasting Magic Missile Increase the Damage?
Yes, but not by increasing the dice roll itself. Upcasting Magic Missile increases the number of darts you launch. Each additional level you cast the spell adds one extra dart. The damage roll, the single d4, plus one damage, remains the same for each dart, but the more darts you cast, the more damage is dealt in total.
2. Does Magic Missile count as an attack?
No, Magic Missile is not an attack. It does not require an attack roll. This has important ramifications. Because it isn’t an attack, abilities or conditions that trigger on attacks won’t apply to magic missile.
3. How Many Times Can I Cast Magic Missile?
You can cast Magic Missile as many times as you have available spell slots of the corresponding level (1st level and above). So, if you have 3 first-level spell slots, you can cast Magic Missile up to three times, provided you have it prepared or know it. You can also cast it using higher level spell slots, if you choose to.
4. Can Magic Missile Hit Multiple Targets?
Yes, Magic Missile can hit multiple targets. You can choose to direct the darts towards a single enemy or distribute them among several targets within range. All missiles from the spell strike simultaneously, regardless of how many targets they’re aimed at.
5. Can Magic Missile be Stopped by Shield?
Yes, the Shield spell is a direct counter to Magic Missile. If you cast Shield before the missiles hit you, they are negated. The Shield spell creates a force barrier that specifically blocks Magic Missiles and other incoming force attacks.
6. Can Magic Missile Hit an Invisible Target?
No, you cannot target an invisible creature with Magic Missile. The spell’s description clearly states you must be able to see the target to hit them. Even if you know the invisible creature’s location, you still can’t target it with Magic Missile.
7. Does Magic Missile Ignore Mirror Image?
Yes, Magic Missile ignores Mirror Image. Mirror Image creates illusory duplicates that appear to be you. However, Magic Missile’s automatic hit bypasses the duplicates, as the spell doesn’t require an attack roll, which is what triggers Mirror Image’s effect.
8. Can a Paladin Cast Magic Missile?
No, a Paladin cannot cast Magic Missile. Each class has its own unique list of available spells. Magic Missile is a spell primarily available to Sorcerers and Wizards. Paladins use a divine spell list, which does not include Magic Missile.
9. Does Magic Missile Trigger Death Saves?
No, Magic Missile does not trigger multiple death saves. If you are at 0 hit points and take damage from all three Magic Missile darts simultaneously, that only constitutes one failed death saving throw because the spell is considered to be a single source of damage.
10. Can you use Uncanny Dodge Against Magic Missile?
No, you cannot use Uncanny Dodge against Magic Missile. Uncanny Dodge requires an attack roll, and as mentioned before, Magic Missile does not include an attack roll.
11. Is there an Item That Makes You Immune to Magic Missile?
Yes, specific magical items can grant immunity to Magic Missile. One such example is a special brooch that makes you resistant to force damage and completely immune to damage from the Magic Missile spell.
12. Is Magic Missile a Guaranteed Hit?
Yes, Magic Missile is a guaranteed hit, barring the Shield spell, immunity, or similar effects. The spell bypasses the need for an attack roll and automatically hits the target. Objects in the way are automatically avoided by the missiles.
13. Why is the Damage Just 1d4+1?
The relatively low damage of Magic Missile is balanced by its guaranteed hit. This makes it effective for targeting low health enemies or ensuring that a finishing blow lands, rather than relying on an attack roll. Additionally, upcasting can increase the overall damage output of the spell.
14. How does Magic Missile Interact with Damage Buffs?
When applying damage-boosting effects such as the Evocation Wizard’s Empowered Evocation ability, only the initial modifier bonus applies to each of the darts, because only one damage roll is made. This mechanic affects the single damage roll, and not each missile individually.
15. Is Magic Missile Worth Upcasting?
Yes, upcasting Magic Missile is often worth it, especially if you need to guarantee damage, or hit a target that might otherwise prove elusive. The spell doesn’t necessarily deal the most damage possible but it does consistently strike your targets, bypassing typical means of avoidance. Upcasting increases the number of missiles you launch and increases your potential damage output.
By understanding that you only roll one d4 for each casting of Magic Missile, and how the other mechanics interact, players can effectively use the spell. Despite its seemingly simple nature, the way Magic Missile functions is often the source of confusion, so it pays to be clear on its mechanics.