Larian Studios Forums Baldur's Gate III Baldur's Gate III - General What does Sacred Flame do?

It is a Divine attack cantrip (cost no spell slots) but, instead of rolling an attack roll, the target must make a Dexterity Saving Throw.
( Arcane casters do not know or use that cantrip )

* it does 1d8 damage if the target fails its save ...
* At level 5, it will do 2d8 though...

* its main bonus is that it ignores all cover, low terrain disadvantage, etc.

* in BG3, it can hit a prone target at 100% chance.

* it does Radiant damage, which some creatures are vulnerable to (like Vampires) [reminded by Ghost King's post above]

So, in general, normal ranged attack rolls (arrows, etc.) are better, except if the target is prone or if the target is really hard to hit.
( In BG3 Early Access, enemies tend to have Dex 12+, so this cantrip is a bit weak )