D&D 5E Fire Bolt vs other Wizzard offensive cantrips

[Inoeex]

hey everyone

I was reading Wizzard's cantrips to choose one for my High Elf Bard, as a High Elf u can choose one cantrip from Wizzard's list.

I found other spells a bit unfair comparing to Fire Bolt which has the highest damage and more range comparing to other spells.
I mean whats the use of Ray of Frost? Give the target -10 speed while its 60 feet away from u ? Or its even closer ? The target can reach you in a two rounds, but Fire Bolt has 120 feet range!
Is it not insane ? not to mention Fire Bolt is D10 ............ Chill Touch may be equal to Fire Bolt, since it has the same range and target cant get hit point, not with potions nor with spells.

But still I found Fire Bolt a bit superior to other spells, and stands on the top of Wizzard offensive cantrips -_________-

 

[Herobizkit]

If you want raw damage, yes, Fire Bolt does the most of the core Wizard cantrips. For low-level, that's fine. As you gain levels and start fighting harder monsters, Fire resistance will likely comes into play, so in the long run there's a trade-off. You are also require to make an attack roll, while other spells force enemies to save (which are often at lower target numbers).

As a general design rule, lower-damage spells are of an uncommon energy type and/or have additional effects. Some folks like those additional effects - Shocking Grasp gives you Advantage when you attack someone in metal armor; Acid Splash can hit two adjacent opponents.

The usefulness of Mage Hand or Prestidigitation can never be overlooked. Even Light, if you're the only caster on the team... while Darkvision allows you to 'see' by changing Darkness to Dim Light, you still make attacks at Disadvantage in Dim Light, and Humans and Halflings can't see at all without a light source.

It's all about taste with Wizards... and with a free cantrip, well... Elf it up.

 

[The Grassy Gnoll]

If you like fire bolt go ahead and choose it.

There is really no such thing as the best.

It all depends what happens in the adventure. Fighting a cold-based creature? Fire bolt. Fighting a fire-based creature? Ray of frost.

But you're not going to know what you'll fight. Pick a cantrip that appeals to you and that you feel matches your character, and you're good to go.

Try not to overthink things

 

[Inoeex]

If you want raw damage, yes, Fire Bolt does the most of the core Wizard cantrips. For low-level, that's fine. As you gain levels and start fighting harder monsters, Fire resistance will likely comes into play, so in the long run there's a trade-off. You are also require to make an attack roll, while other spells force enemies to save (which are often at lower target numbers).

As a general design rule, lower-damage spells are of an uncommon energy type and/or have additional effects. Some folks like those additional effects - Shocking Grasp gives you Advantage when you attack someone in metal armor; Acid Splash can hit two adjacent opponents.

The usefulness of Mage Hand or Prestidigitation can never be overlooked. Even Light, if you're the only caster on the team... while Darkvision allows you to 'see' by changing Darkness to Dim Light, you still make attacks at Disadvantage in Dim Light, and Humans and Halflings can't see at all without a light source.

It's all about taste with Wizards... and with a free cantrip, well... Elf it up.

I am not the caster, I am pure support. We have a sorceress with ourself, a Drow which has 3 additional spells :| Damn the unbalance race ! X-(

From Bard Cantrips I got :
Mending
Vicious Mockery
Light
Mage Hand

Are u saying Mage hand is useless, maybe I should drop it then :S

But from Wizzard cantrips I wanna get an offensive spell ....cant choose which one : (

I love the ice/water element but Ray of Frost is kinda lame comparing to Chill Touch or Fire Bolt .... as for Shocking Grasp, its touch spell ... By the time the target reached me I must be probably dead :S

 

[Leatherhead]

Well yes, something has to be good for the old DPR if a Wizard (or more likely Sorcerer) needs, and has no other option for it. But, it's worth noting that fire is one of the most commonly resisted elements (like top three), and the other Wizard cantrips tend to be much more useful due to the fact wizards aren't all that good for damage to begin with.

Me, I would go with Acid Splash or Shocking Grasp. Keep in mind you have Vicious Mockery as a go-to option.

 

[Inoeex]

It's worth noting that fire is one of the most commonly resisted elements (like top three).

Could you possibly tell me what are the other two on the top three list, please ?

 

[Leatherhead]

Could you possibly tell me what are the other two on the top three list, please ?

Poison (the most resisted of them all) and Cold, IIRC.

 

[The Crimson Binome]

Ray of Frost is possibly the best choice, from a support standpoint. It's rare that combat takes place at a range between 60 feet and 120 feet, and there are plenty of monsters where reducing their movement by 10' is enough to prevent them from ever making an attack.

 

[Herobizkit]

Also, no, I was saying that Mage Hand is one of the most useful cantrips.

After Fire, probably Cold and Lightning.

 

[jadrax]

It's worth remembering that Intelligence will be the casting stat for your High Elf Cantrip rather than Charisma, so you may want to avoid spells that rely on the casting stat to hit or save.