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So electric arc seems to be a popular cantrip with my players, due to how it can mop up weak monsters. I do have a question about its design, though.
As it stands, for 2 actions electric arc deals damage to 1-2 targets for d6 damage each at level 1, with a fairly normal saving throw against damage. But we currently lack a 1-action damaging cantrip. On top of that Heal, Harm, and Magic Missile have a really fun design space that doesn't seem to be widely implemented yet.
Is it just me, or could it be really fun to see something more like the following?
Casting: See below
Range: See below
Targets: See below
Electricity lashes from you, dealing 1d6 electricity damage. Each target must attempt a Reflex save, taking half damage on a success, no damage on a critical success, or double damage on a critical failure. The number of actions spent Casting this Spell determines its targets and range.
[[A]] Somatic casting The Spell targets one creature with a range of touch.
[[A]] Somatic casting [[A]] Verbal casting The Spell has a range of 30 feet and can target up to two creatures.
Heightening increases damage.
Heightened (3rd) Damage of 1d6 + your spellcasting modifier.
Heightened (5th) Damage of 2d6 + your spellcasting modifier.
Heightened (7th) Damage of 3d6 + your spellcasting modifier.
Heightened (9th) Damage of 4d6 + your spellcasting modifier.
I don't think Paizo wants folks to be able to take all 3 actions spamming offensive cantrips. They said they want cantrips to be a fall back option.
By using your suggestion casters could use 1 action to do more consistent damage than some martials. No MAP, save or half, etc.
Players leaning on cantrips too much is something I strongly dislike about 5E. So put me at a strong disagree.
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If there is going to be a 1-action offensive cantrip option, it should definitely be an attack so it incurs MAP. Electric Arc isn't the right candidate for that.
I do think the way things are currently set up that casters need a good offensive 1-action option. In PF1 the fighter-types more reliably were able to remove foes, and casters were more likely to have them incapacitated or debuffed. In PF2 you really need all hands on deck DPR-wise because combat isn't really over until you remove the last HP from the last enemy. With the current way the game plays, it's just a bad idea to play a character who lacks a 1-action damaging attack. It may not be the developer's intent for casters to fill that role, but that's just something that's expected of everyone regardless of role given the way the game is playing right now.
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If there is going to be a 1-action offensive cantrip option, it should definitely be an attack so it incurs MAP. Electric Arc isn't the right candidate for that.
If it's a one-action at range-touch, then it IS subject to MAP (you have to make an attack roll and all spells that require attack rolls is subject to and contributes to MAP). See this post.
It's saving throw based currently. Giving it multiple actions to string it along to additional enemies, but requiring a ranged touch attack for the subsequent bounces that was impacted by MAP wouldn't be all that bad. It would be more complicated than other cantrips by a bit though. And it's currently one of the better cantrip options, so I'm not sure this is the one to tinker with.