Your spell attack modifier is a modifier you add to attack rolls with your spells. It’s calculated as your Spellcasting modifier + your Proficiency Bonus. Your Spellcasting modifier depends on your class.
How do melee spell attacks work?
The difference between a melee attack and ranged attack is that a ranged attack suffers disadvantage if you’re within 5 feet of an enemy while a melee attack is not affected. In addition, a melee spell attack like a ranged spell attack uses your spell attack modifier (spellcasting ability + proficiency).
Do spell attacks count as attacks?
In combat, casting a spell uses the Cast a Spell action. That action might include a spell attack, as in the spell fire bolt, yet it remains the Cast a Spell action, not the Attack action.
What’s the difference between a touch attack and a spell attack?
Your proficiency modifier for a spell’s attack roll is the same as your proficiency modifier with spell rolls. Spell attacks are unarmed, but they don’t apply any special benefits from your weapons or unarmed attacks, nor do they deal any damage outside of what’s listed in the spell. Melee touch attacks have the finesse trait (see page 182).
Do you have to make an attack roll to cast a spell?
Some Spells require the caster to make an Attack roll to determine whether the spell Effect hits the intended target. Your Attack bonus with a spell Attack equals your Spellcasting Ability modifier + your Proficiency Bonus. Most Spells that require Attack Rolls involve Ranged Attacks.
How to make a ranged spell attack succeed?
The first way, which applies to this, is that of needing to actually make the magic strike the opponent for it to succeed. In this case the caster makes an attack roll against the target’s AC adding both their spellcasting attribute modifier (wisdom, as you indicated) and their proficiency bonus. A bit easier than you thought.
Which is the attack modifier for a spell?
Usually, such spells require a melee touch attack or a ranged touch attack. In both cases, make an attack roll and compare the result to the target’s TAC. Your proficiency modifier for a spell’s attack roll is the same as your proficiency modifier with spell rolls.
