In mechanics terms, a melee spell attack is a spell that allows you to make a melee attack, but use your spell casting modifier instead of your STR or DEX modifier for To-Hit calculations. Also, since a melee spell attack is not a ranged attack, you do not suffer disadvantage for casting in melee range. DM – Out of the Abyss by Kerrec
Do you have to make a melee attack with booming blade?
For instance, Booming Blade and Green-Flame Blade (SCAG, p. 142-143) are not dependent on a melee spell attack. Instead you must make an attack with a melee weapon. They say: As part of the action used to cast this spell, you must make a melee attack with a weapon against one creature within the spell’s range, otherwise the spell fails.
What are the rules for a melee attack?
A melee spell attack follows all the rules of a traditional melee attack. The applicable rules are on page 195/205 of the PHB or 73/81 in the Basic Rules pdf. Most creatures have a 5-foot reach and can thus attack targets within 5 feet of them when making a melee attack.
How does a ranged spell attack roll work?
This works like any other spell attack roll; it uses your spellcasting attribute and so on. However, it also has the properties of a melee attack. Notably, ranged attacks (including ranged spell attacks) are made with disadvantage if you’re within 5 feet of an active enemy.
Do you get disadvantage for ranged attack in melee?
The ranged attack rolls get disadvantage in melee. That’s mean that first of all to get disadvantage It has to be an attack not just a spell, and also It has to be ranged. But here is the question.
How does a monster make a melee attack?
Used in hand-to-hand combat, a melee attack allows you to attack a foe within your reach. A melee attack typically uses a handheld weapon such as a sword, a warhammer, or an axe. A typical monster makes a melee attack when it strikes with its claws, horns, teeth, tentacles, or other body part. A few spells also involve making a melee attack.
What are the rules for ranged attack spells?
First, it isn’t that ranged attack have disadvantage on target enemy within 5 feet, ranged attacks have disadvantage if any enemy is within 5 feet. Second, ranged attack has a very specific rules definition, it is not just damage dealt at range. Save spells like burning hands and hellish rebuke are not attacks. Attacks roll a d20 against AC to hit.
