Some Spells require you to succeed at a spell Attack roll to affect the target. This is usually because they require you to precisely aim a ray or otherwise make an accurate Attack. A spell Attack roll is compared to the target’s AC. Spell Attack rolls benefit from any Bonuses or Penalties to Attack rolls, including your multiple Attack penalty, but not any special benefits or Penalties that apply only to weapon or Unarmed attacks. Spell attacks don’t deal any damage beyond what’s listed in the spell description.

In rare cases, a spell might have you make some other type of Attack, such as a weapon Strike. Such attacks use the normal rules and Attack bonus for that type of Attack.