Ranged touch spell attacks are those attacks that have rays effects. You can aim a ray as if using a ranged weapon, typically making a ranged touch attack rather than a normal ranged attack.
Calculating a ranged touch spell attack is often tricky because many players often get perplexed if they should add BAB, add the DEX modifier to the attack roll, or include any ability modifier to their damage roll.
So, this article will discuss the method of calculating the ranged touch spell attacks in D&D 5e.
How Is a Ranged Touch Spell Attack Calculated in D&D 5E?
A ranged touch spell attack is an attack that allows a player to make ranged touch (scorching ray) attacks on an enemy within reach. They are similar to regular attacks, but these attacks target touch AC (Armor Class) instead.
It is a form of special attack that works like a ranged attack. It allows the player to provoke two attacks of opportunity: one for casting the spell and another for making a ranged touch attack.
Casting the ranged touch spell in combat allows you to make a ranged touch attack. These attacks do not require a separate action because they are a part of the spell and provoke an attack of opportunity, even if you cast the spell defensively.
Calculating Ranged Touch Spell Attack
Ray attacks of the ranged touch spell attacks have no range increase. You aim a ray attack when using a ranged weapon, though you make a ranged touch attack rather than a normal ranged attack.
A ranged weapon allows the player to fire into the dark or at an invisible creature. If a ray spell deals damage, you can use it to score a critical hit like a weapon.
Other ranged spells state whether it is a ranged attack or a ranged touch attack. It determines whether you are trying to hit the enemy’s standard AC or their touch AC.
The formula for a ranged touch spell attack is:
Ranged touch spell attack = Base attack Bonus + Dexterity modifier + size modifier + range penalty or other bonuses.
However, the formula uses +STR instead of +DEX for melee touch if you have finesse weapons:
Melee touch spell attack = Base attack bonus + Strength modifier + size modifier + range penalty or other bonuses.
The player should invest in Dexterity for using ranged touch attacks during combat. You cannot add to damage unless you have a special ability that indicates otherwise. You do not need to roll to hit any spell because it has range.
You can use Fireball, range long, and do not need to roll the dice to hit with it, you place a 20-inch radius spread area wherever you want within that range, and it would affect everyone in that area.
If the ranged touch spell attack is successful, it will affect the target, but on a failure, the spell gets lost unless otherwise noted. A spell with a range of touch always requires a melee touch attack when you use it against an unwilling target. Though, if you use it on a willing or unconscious target, it will not require a melee touch attack.
