Exploration / Repeat A Spell: Offensive Spells?

[Hell's Messenger]

Hey all. Can you use offensive spells during exploration mode, i.e., Electric Arc? And if you do so, how would that spell work when combat begins?

Thanks for the info.

[Alyran]

I guess you could, but it wouldn't do anything except maybe damage the environment/leave a trail to follow. When combat starts, you'd roll initiative and have a regular turn. There is no defined benefit to using a cantrip as an exploration tactic leading into combat, so there is no benefit.

[Bandw2]

easiest way to create a forest fire though.