Can I repeatedly cast (spam) concentration spells?

Question

I was reading about the "Create Bonfire" cantrip. If I cast this upon the square a creature is standing in, they must succeed on a Dexterity saving throw or take 1d8 fire damage. This sounds like a fairly powerful cantrip (1d8, and it can harm over time, too). I was thinking of taking this as my "damage" cantrip. It seems like a better spell than let's say Produce Flame

Could I simply spam this concentration spell to cause 1d8 damage per turn? If so, could I conceivably cast it repeatedly on the same square?

Answer 1

Yes, you can cast "Create Bonfire" as your action each turn.

The effect of the previous casting will end, as you are casting another spell requiring concentration, but you can keep casting new spells and forcing Dex saving throws (and lighting the forest on fire). The only requirement for casting it is ground you can see in range, so maybe not the best choice in the plane of air.

As an aside, I invite you to consider other cantrips if you are just trying to do damage. You didn't specify your class, but:

• Poison Spray does 1d12 damage
• Firebolt 1d10 (and 120ft range, and lighting things on fire)
• Chill Touch 1d8 (and target can't regain HP)
• Ray of Frost 1d8 (and target's speed is reduced).

I would think all of these would be superior to Create Bonfire, but circumstances could make it the better choice. You do get the option of creating a choke-point with it.

Answer 2

Yes

There is no limitation to how often a cantrip can be cast, or against re-targeting the same area. The only limitation is that you must stop concentrating on the last bonfire cast in order to cast it again.

The main drawback is if you are currently concentrating on a different (higher level) spell, you would have to stop concentrating to cast your cantrip. It is common for a caster to start with a concentration spell then fall back to spamming a damage cantrip while they concentrate, but that formula doesn't work with Create Bonfire.