Damage Types 5e

Damage is a broad term for anything that deliberately or unintentionally reduces your character hit point total. As an adventurer, it is combat, being repeatedly hit with sharp objects and heavy lumps of metal, which is the most obvious source, but there are many other types of damage too.

This can include falling foul of tricks and traps, being subject to fire, acid, or poison, general cuts and bruises from falls, having things fall on you, and magical attacks. But more of that later. Let’s dive into the damage types 5e you may encounter in your DnD campaign.

DnD Damage Types 5e Explained

For the most part, damage, from a bookkeeping point of view, has the same effect. You take damage, you have a specific hit point total, and the hit point total is reduced by said amount. But D&D is, above all, a game of the imagination, so it is best to think not about statistics (leave that to the Dungeon Master to worry about) but in terms of action and narrative.

That 2-point damage hit from an Orcish battle axe is better thought of as a glancing blow that could have been much worse; that 6-point reduction due to breathing in toxic fumes is actually a debilitating attack on the body, making your head spin and your body shake — that sort of thing.

By themselves, different types of damage do not have any unique effects. For instance, whether it’s five points of slashing damage or five points of fire damage, keeping the numbers on your character sheet in order results in the same outcome by causing five points of damage.

However, damage types are utilized by particular abilities and mechanics, such as resistances. As a Dungeon Master, understanding the various damage types can add flavor to your monsters, traps, and environments. 

Non-Magical Damage Types 5e

Mundane weapons generally cause non-magical damage and are commonly referred to as weapon damage subdivided into categories such as bludgeoning, piercing, slashing, and fall damage. These sub-categories become essential when dealing with certain classes and races’ skills and abilities, as some may be more or less prone to certain types of attacks. Additionally, it includes non-magical elemental effects, such as those from fire, lightning, or falling.

In DnD, non-magical damage is typically associated with attacks using unenchanted, basic weapons like swords, bows, axes, and clubs. However, natural sources of damage, the effects of falling or triggering a trap, also come under this category.

The distinction between magical and non-magical damage can vary depending on the DM’s interpretation of the rules. While some DMs might classify elemental damage as magical, things like campfires, lightning strikes, and even dragon breath attacks are generally considered non-magical damage sources. Just because a creature is fantastical in nature to use, they are not in the DnD world. Also, even if a creature is magical in nature, its attack may take a more mundane form.

Magical Damage

Let’s turn our attention to magical damage types, which are damage caused by magical sources such as spell attacks and attacks made with enchanted weapons. 

Magical damage is typically associated with damage caused by spells and their related effects. However, it also encompasses attacks made with enchanted weapons. Even a basic +1 longsword qualifies as a magical weapon, and as such, it deals magical slashing damage compared to its non-enchanted counterpart, which deals non-magical damage.

In this last case, while the number crunching remains the same, the difference between the two types of damage is essential, as some characters and creatures may be immune to magical attacks.

Vulnerabilities, Resistances, & Immunities

In DnD 5e, particular creatures have unique properties and abilities when considering the effects of various types of damage. These interactions generally fall into three headings — vulnerabilities, resistances, and immunities. Damage types play a crucial role in determining the amount of damage caused by attacks, spells, and other effects, particularly when considering these three abilities.

Typically, the damage is calculated one-to-one, meaning that five points of slashing damage equals five points of fire damage. However, the damage calculation is different if a creature has a Vulnerability, Resistance, or Immunity to a particular damage type. It might be doubled or halved, or they might be utterly immune to the effects of specific damage.

For monsters and creatures, these properties tend to be inherent traits, part of their DNA, as it were. On the other hand, for players, their race or class, such as the Dragonborn or Barbarian, may provide them with certain types of damage resistance. Additionally, some spells, like Absorb Elements, grant temporary Resistance.

Vulnerability

Vulnerability to a particular damage type causes a character or creature to suffer double the damage from that type. For instance, in 5e, Skeletons are vulnerable to bludgeoning damage due to their fragile nature. If an attack deals five bludgeoning damage, Mr. Bones instead takes ten damage.

Resistance

In contrast, Resistance to a damage type results in a creature taking only half the damage from that type. For example, Ghosts in 5e have Resistance to fire damage. If a Fire Bolt cantrip deals eight damage, the Ghost only takes four damage despite it being from a magical source.

Immunity

Furthermore, Immunity to a damage type renders a creature impervious to any damage from that type. For instance, Solars have Immunity to poison damage. Hence, if the Poison Spray cantrip hits a Solar, it takes no damage even though it is a magical source.

When taking damage, it is essential to consider whether you have any resistance to that damage. If so, remind the DM and ensure you take the reduced damage. Conversely, while dealing out damage, it is crucial to pay attention to any indications from the DM, such as “it takes less damage than you’d expect.” This is a sign that you are having less of an effect on the target than you might think.

DnD Damage Types 5e List

In D&D 5e, there are thirteen different damage types:

Acid Damage

It is caused by corrosive substances that dissolve materials. Some creatures are vulnerable to acid damage, while others have Resistance to it. Spells and traps can inflict acid damage, and it can be healed or resisted.

Bludgeoning Damage

Bludgeoning damage is a type of damage that results from blunt force that crushes or breaks bones. It can be inflicted by weapons such as clubs, maces, and hammers or by magical effects. Some creatures are vulnerable or resistant to bludgeoning damage.

Cold 

Cold damage is a type of damage caused by extreme cold that freezes and damages targets. Spells and effects that deal cold damage can slow or immobilize targets. Some creatures are vulnerable or resistant to cold damage, while others may have Immunity to it.

Fire

Fire damage is a type of damage caused by flames that burn and scorch targets. Spells and traps can inflict fire damage. Some creatures are vulnerable or resistant to fire damage, while others may have Immunity to it. It can also ignite flammable objects and cause environmental hazards.

Force 

Force damage results from magical energy that crushes, slices, or batters targets. Spells and magical effects that deal out force damage can bypass specific resistances and immunities. Few creatures have vulnerabilities to force damage, making it a versatile damage type.

Lightning 

Lightning damage is a type of damage caused by electricity that shocks and burns targets. Spells and traps can inflict lightning damage. Some creatures are vulnerable or resistant to lightning damage, while others may have Immunity to it. It can also ignite flammable objects and cause environmental hazards.

Necrotic 

Necrotic damage is a rare type of damage caused by deathly energy that drains life and vitality from targets. Spells and effects that deal necrotic damage can sometimes reduce a creature’s maximum hit points. Some undead creatures are vulnerable or immune to necrotic damage, while others have Resistance to it.

Piercing

Piercing damage is a type of damage caused by weapons or objects that penetrate and puncture targets. Weapons such as spears, arrows, and daggers deal piercing damage. Some creatures are vulnerable or resistant to piercing damage. It can also bypass certain types of armor and shields.

Poison 

Poison damage is a type of damage caused by toxic substances that harm or hinder targets. Spells, traps, and particular creatures can inflict poison damage. Some creatures are immune or resistant to poison damage. Poison damage can also cause lingering effects such as poisoning or disease.

Psychic 

Psychic damage is a type of damage caused by mental energy that assaults the target’s mind. Spells and effects that deal psychic damage can cause confusion or fear and may even affect the target’s memories. Few creatures have vulnerabilities to psychic damage, making it a versatile damage type.

Radiant

Radiant damage is a type of damage caused by divine or celestial energy that burns and sears targets. Spells and effects that deal radiant damage can sometimes do additional harm to undead creatures or evil beings. Some creatures have vulnerabilities or resistances to radiant damage. It is often associated with divine magic.

Slashing 

Slashing damage is a type of damage caused by weapons that cut and slice targets. Weapons such as swords, axes, and claws deal slashing damage. Some creatures are vulnerable or resistant to slashing damage. It can also bypass certain armor and shields and may cause bleeding or other injuries.

Thunder 

Thunder damage is a type of damage caused by sonic energy that ruptures and shatters targets. Spells and effects that dispense thunder damage can cause deafness or knock back targets. Some creatures are vulnerable or resistant to thunder damage, while others may have Immunity to it. It can also cause environmental hazards.

Damage Types 5e FAQs