Table of Contents

Does Inflict Wounds Heal Undead? A Deep Dive into D&D 5e Mechanics

The question of whether the Inflict Wounds spell heals undead is a common point of confusion for D&D 5e players. The short answer is: no, Inflict Wounds does not heal undead in D&D 5e. While older editions of D&D, notably 3rd edition, operated on a positive/negative energy dichotomy where spells like Inflict Wounds would reverse their effect on undead, 5th edition has streamlined this system. Instead of healing undead, Inflict Wounds deals necrotic damage, which some undead might resist or even be immune to.

It’s crucial to distinguish between the type of damage and the effect of a spell. Inflict Wounds, in 5th edition, is a spell that channels negative energy to cause necrotic damage, a damage type that is primarily associated with death and decay. Undead, being creatures already in a state of undeath, often have some level of resilience to this type of damage. However, this resilience doesn’t equate to healing. The mechanics of 5e dictate that necrotic damage harms undead, even if some have built-in defenses against it.

The Absence of Positive/Negative Energy Healing

One of the biggest shifts from earlier editions is the removal of the straightforward positive/negative energy healing system. In older editions, “positive” energy spells (like Cure Wounds) would damage undead, while “negative” energy spells (like Inflict Wounds) would heal them. However, 5e does away with this. Instead, healing spells like Cure Wounds will not work on undead at all and deal no damage, either, while spells like Inflict Wounds will deal necrotic damage. This change means that the traditional way of healing undead directly through damage spells is no longer possible, forcing players to explore alternative methods.

Necrotic Damage and Undead

While Inflict Wounds does not heal undead, its necrotic damage can be significant, depending on the caster’s level and any modifiers. However, many undead creatures have some form of defense against necrotic damage. Some undead creatures are resistant, meaning they only take half damage from necrotic attacks. Others are immune, taking no damage from necrotic spells at all. This makes the spell less effective as a general tool against all undead, forcing players to understand their enemy types and plan accordingly.

How to Heal Undead in 5e

If Inflict Wounds doesn’t heal them, how do you heal undead in 5e? The rules, as currently written, provide very little means of actively healing undead characters. There is no direct healing spell designed for undead in 5e. While the description of the Undead creature type does state that “Undead creatures are damaged by positive energy, are healed by negative energy, and don’t benefit from healing effects,” this has yet to be reflected in an actual healing spell. This means that the easiest way to heal undead is using the Aura of Vitality spell, as the spell has no restriction stating it cannot affect undead. The spell does state that you “may” heal one creature, and does not directly prohibit healing undead. In short, for most undead situations, there is no standard mechanic for direct healing beyond normal rest mechanics, like a short or long rest. You also may find that some magical effects and items may work, but this is mostly left to the discretion of the DM.

The Confusion Around “Positive” and “Negative” Energy

The enduring confusion stems from the lingering memory of previous editions where positive and negative energies had a direct impact on living and undead creatures. It’s easy for players to assume that necrotic damage, which is often associated with “negative” energy, would have a restorative effect on undead. However, the designers of 5e moved away from this simplified paradigm, opting for a system where damage types are generally distinct from healing effects.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

To further clarify the nuances of undead and healing in 5e, here are 15 frequently asked questions:

Do cure spells like Cure Wounds harm undead? No, spells like Cure Wounds and Healing Word do not harm undead, but they also do not heal them. They simply have no effect.
Are all undead resistant to necrotic damage? No, not all undead are resistant to necrotic damage. Some are, some are immune, and some are neither. The specific creature stat block will indicate their resistances or immunities.
What are some common vulnerabilities of undead? Most undead are vulnerable to radiant damage. This is the opposite of necrotic damage and is effective against these creatures.
Can Turn Undead destroy undead? Yes. At 5th level, Clerics can destroy undead of CR 1/2 or lower with their Turn Undead feature if they fail their saving throw.
Does the Lay on Hands ability heal undead? No, the Lay on Hands ability of Paladins specifically states that it has no effect on undead.
Do any healing potions work on undead? No, standard healing potions do not heal undead. Additionally, certain potions of harming may actually heal them.
Are undead immune to poison? Yes, all undead in 5e are immune to poison. However, they are now susceptible to diseases, whereas they used to be immune in previous editions.
Can undead be charmed? No, undead are immune to being charmed.
Are undead immune to fear? Undead are immune to mind-affecting abilities, but they are not specifically immune to fear. Intimidation skills may work on them.
Can undead take psychic damage? Yes, unless they have a specific resistance or immunity listed in their stat block, they can take psychic damage.
Are undead immune to blindness? No, undead can be blinded unless the effect specifically targets living creatures, or the creature has immunity.
Do damage potions heal undead mobs? Yes, damage potions will heal most undead mobs. Healing potions, conversely, damage undead mobs.
Can Aura of Vitality heal undead? Yes, Aura of Vitality can heal undead, as it does not have any restriction stating it cannot.
Are all undead immune to cold damage? No, undead are not automatically immune to cold damage in 5e. Some might have resistance or immunity, but this varies.
What are the most powerful types of undead? Powerful undead include, but are not limited to: Mind Flayer Liches, Liches, Nightwalkers, Demiliches, Death Knights, Adult Blue Dracoliches, Mummy Lords, and Death Tyrants.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Inflict Wounds does not heal undead in D&D 5e. It deals necrotic damage, which might be mitigated by undead resistances or immunities. Healing undead in 5e is a challenging task, often requiring unique approaches and a careful understanding of both the rules and the specific creature type. With careful planning and a solid understanding of the mechanics, you’ll be better equipped to face—or even help—the undead within the realms of Dungeons and Dragons.

Does inflict wounds heal undead?