Detect Radiation as a Level 0 Spell

[Jasque]

I am considering a house rule that makes Detect Radiation into a level 0 spell.

After reading comments in other threads, the spell just makes a lot more sense as a lvl 0 spell. It's duplicating the same effect as a real life Geiger counter, which is an invention from the early 20th century.

I don't see this as creating any balance issues, but I am curious what others think. If Detect Magic can be a level 0 spell, then Detect Radiation shouldn't cause any problems as a level 0 spell.

What do you think?

[Goth Guru]

Radiation detectors the size of a pen light are probably possible in Starfinder. Yeah, zero level is more worth the spell slot.

[warmachine]

You can detect radiation hotspots much faster with Detect Radiation but I agree. Make it one of the limited 1st level known spells and expend a spell slot to be faster than a fairly cheap, hand held device? Not gonna happen. Meanwhile, there is no magic detecting equipment and the spell equivalent is level 0.

Make it one of the limited 0th level known spells, which can be cast at will, to be faster than a fairly cheap, hand held device? Maybe.

[Metaphysician]

Alternatively, one could buff Detect Radiation. Give it a much wider scope and longer duration, that kind of thing.

[EltonJ]

Detect Radiation is currently a level 1 spell, and there has to be a reason why it's level one. Although a Giger Counter can detect radiation with a lot more accuracy.

I guess it could be level 0. I have yet to see it in play, though.