[RPG] When are targets picked for spells with multiple “missiles”

dnd-5espellstargeting

For spells like Magic Missile and Scorching Ray that involve multiple ranged attacks, when do you pick targets for each ray/missle?

Do you pick them all up front and then roll attack/damage? Or do you pick one, roll attack/damage, and repeat?

Best Answer

The only thing the PHB has on the matter is on page 193-194;

Making an Attack

Whether you’re striking with a melee weapon, firing a weapon at range, or making an attack roll as part of a spell, an attack has a simple structure.

  1. Choose a target. Pick a target within your attack’s range: a creature, an object, or a location.

  2. Determine modifiers. The DM determines whether the target has cover and whether you have advantage or disadvantage against the target. In addition, spells, special abilities, and other effects can apply penalties or bonuses to your attack roll.

  3. Resolve the attack. You make the attack roll. On a hit, you roll damage, unless the particular attack has rules that specify otherwise. Some attacks cause special effects in addition to or instead of damage.If there’s ever any question whether something you’re doing counts as an attack, the rule is simple: if you’re making an attack roll, you’re making an attack.

Since it doesn't say anything about multiple targets, you could technically read it as you choose and roll attack/damage before you choose another one.

However, I'd say it's mostly up to you and the DM to choose, if it's faster or situationally beneficial to target and roll for one creature before targeting another or to choose all targets at once than go with whatever works.

On a side note though, Magic Missile specifically states

The darts all strike simultaneously

so I'd say you have to choose all targets first, at least for that.

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