Some spells can do multiple damage types depending on certain conditions or the caster’s discretion (like spirit guardians and fire shield). In addition to these 13 damage types in 5e, I have identified two more that aren’t officially named: elemental and physical.Įlemental spells refer to those that can cause more than three damage types (like chaos bolt and chromatic orb) and physical spells do either bludgeoning, piercing, or slashing damage, depending on which weapon was used (like conjure barrage and conjure volley). These are the 13 damage types listed in the main rules for the 5th Edition of Dungeons & Dragons: Fire spells, for example, can set flammable objects ablaze, while cold spells will often slow affected enemies or make them more vulnerable to attacks.Īdditionally, some enemies are resistant or even immune to certain damage types, while a small number are vulnerable to specific elements. The primary purpose of damage types is to add flavor to your game, but some types offer secondary effects. 196), ranging from elemental ones like fire and lightning, to physical types like bludgeoning and piercing. The Player’s Handbook lists 13 different types of damage (PHB, p.

Spells in Dungeons & Dragons cause a variety of damage types. How common creature resistances and immunities to each damage type are.Examples of powerful and interesting spells for each damage type.The most and least common damage types in 5e.Singeing foes with magic flames, pummeling them with elemental powers, and rotting their minds and bodies – these are just some of the many ways to deal damage with magic. Of course, spells are one of the most prominent ways to do damage in D&D. From blinding enemies with radiant light to knocking them prone with awesome force, understanding damage types will result in a versatile knowledge that can be used to hinder enemies, bolster allies, and creatively overcome challenges. Many players would agree that rolling damage dice is one of the most fun parts of Dungeons & Dragons.

Querious damage types