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Message: <blockquote data-quote="aco175" data-source="post: 8257727" data-attributes="member: 27385">Witch Bolt might be better for a warlock with the upcasting built in.  A 5th level warlock would deal 3d12 lightning initially and 1d12 while concentrating as long as target is in 30ft and not 100% concealed.  30ft is a bit of short distance, but it takes the monster out of the combat for a couple rounds if it runs away and you are not following it.  100% concealment is more up to the DM and strange arguments about jumping behind a corner, walking behind a column, or hiding behind the fighter to stop the damage.  Chromatic Orb deals 3d8 whatever element you choose and an extra 1d8 when upcasting.  Changing the damage type is good and many may take the spell for this.  There is no concentration, which limits the potential damage from being higher than Which Bolt, as long as the caster is allowed to concentrate for several of the rounds.  Both have a spell attack for all or none damage.  A minor problem with Chromatic Orb is the 50gp material component.  Some tables skip this and it only limits low-level casters starting off.  Finally this is not a warlock spell and a sorc/wiz only.I would think Which Bolt may be better for lower-level wizards and then swap it to Chromatic Orb around 5th level.  My groups tend to not upcast a lot and the versatility of Chromatic Orb at higher levels makes it more useful when dealing with higher level monsters with DR and such.  Some of this may need a talk with the DM on how he handles concealment.</blockquote>

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