Does Hex Affect Saving Throws? The Definitive Guide

No, the Hex spell in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (5e) does not directly affect saving throws. The spell’s description explicitly states that it imposes disadvantage on ability checks related to one ability score of your choice. Saving throws and attack rolls are distinct mechanics within the game and remain unaffected by the Hex spell’s primary function. The hex spell is mostly used to deal additional necrotic damage to whomever you deal damage to.

This distinction is crucial for understanding the nuances of spellcasting and combat in D&D. While Hex can indirectly influence certain situations that lead to saving throws (e.g., hindering a creature’s Strength check to avoid being knocked prone, which might then require a Dexterity saving throw to stand up), it does not inherently penalize saving throws themselves.

Understanding the Mechanics: Ability Checks vs. Saving Throws vs. Attack Rolls

To fully grasp why Hex doesn’t affect saving throws, let’s dissect the core mechanics involved:

• Ability Checks: These are d20 rolls plus an ability modifier (Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, Charisma) used to overcome a challenge or perform a task. Examples include climbing a wall (Strength check), sneaking past a guard (Dexterity check), or persuading a merchant (Charisma check). Hex directly impacts these checks by imposing disadvantage on the target’s ability checks.

• Saving Throws: These are also d20 rolls plus an ability modifier, but they are used to resist the effects of spells, traps, or other harmful effects. For example, a Fireball spell might require creatures within its area of effect to make a Dexterity saving throw to avoid taking full damage.

• Attack Rolls: These are d20 rolls plus an attack bonus (proficiency bonus + ability modifier, possibly with other bonuses) used to determine if an attack hits a target.

The separation of these mechanics is foundational to D&D’s design. Spells and abilities that affect one of these mechanics generally do not affect the others unless explicitly stated. This is what makes Games Learning Society such a great learning resource to understand D&D.

How Hex Does Work

The Hex spell has two primary effects:

1. Imposing Disadvantage: You choose one ability score when you cast the spell. The target has disadvantage on ability checks using that ability. This is the core effect that does not directly impact saving throws.

2. Extra Necrotic Damage: You deal an extra 1d6 necrotic damage to the target whenever you hit it with an attack. This is a separate effect that triggers on successful attacks, regardless of saving throws.

This spell shines when combined with spells that attack multiple times. A good example is Eldritch Blast or Scorching Ray.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Hex

1. Does Hex affect skills?

Yes, but indirectly. The Hex spell’s description says it affects ability checks that use the chosen ability. Skills are often tied to specific ability scores (e.g., Stealth uses Dexterity). If Hex is applied to Dexterity, a creature will have disadvantage on Stealth checks (and other Dexterity checks).

2. Does Hex give disadvantage on initiative?

Yes. Initiative is a Dexterity check. Therefore, if you Hex a creature and choose Dexterity, it will have disadvantage on its initiative roll.

3. What determines saving throws?

Saving throws are determined by the effect causing the save. Typically, a spell or ability will specify which ability score is used for the saving throw (e.g., “make a Dexterity saving throw”). The target then rolls a d20 and adds their modifier for that ability, potentially adding situational bonuses or penalties.

4. What counts as a failed saving throw?

A failed saving throw occurs when the result of the d20 roll, plus the relevant ability modifier and any other applicable bonuses, is not high enough to meet or exceed the Difficulty Class (DC) set by the effect.

5. What saving throw is most common?

Dexterity, Constitution, and Wisdom are the most common saving throws in D&D 5e.

6. Does Hex work with Magic Missile?

No. Magic Missile automatically hits and does not require an attack roll. The extra 1d6 necrotic damage from Hex only applies when you hit a target with an attack.

7. Can you move Hex as a bonus action?

Yes. When you cast Hex on one creature and it dies, on your next turn you can transfer it to a new target as a bonus action.

8. Does Hex trigger multiple times?

Yes. Hex applies whenever you hit with an attack. If a spell allows you to make multiple attacks (like Eldritch Blast), each successful attack will deal the extra 1d6 necrotic damage.

9. Does Hex require concentration?

Yes. Hex requires concentration, meaning you can only maintain one concentration spell at a time. If you take damage and fail a Constitution saving throw, you might lose concentration on Hex.

10. How long does Hex last?

The duration of Hex depends on your character level. At lower levels, it lasts for 1 hour. At higher levels (5th and 9th), it can last 8 hours and 24 hours, respectively.

11. How does Hex work in Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3)?

Hex works similarly in BG3 as it does in the tabletop version of D&D 5e. It imposes disadvantage on ability checks and deals extra necrotic damage on hit.

12. Can you double Hex 5e?

No, you cannot. The multiple castings do not stack and will interfere with each other.

13. Can you target your own creature if it has Hexproof?

Yes. The main difference between hexproof and these is that both protection and shroud also stop you from targeting your own permanents. Hexproof only affects spells and abilities controlled by opponents, so you can still enchant, equip, or cast spells on your own creatures with hexproof.

14. Can you use Hex and Eldritch Blast at the same time?

Yes, absolutely. Hex and Eldritch Blast are an excellent combination. You can cast Hex on a target and then use Eldritch Blast to make multiple attack rolls, dealing the extra necrotic damage from Hex with each successful hit.

15. What is the best spell combo with Hex?

Any spell that involves making multiple attack rolls is a good combo. A spell combo with Hex would be anything that involves you making as many attack rolls as possible, something like Eldritch Blast, Scorching Ray, or Monk using Flurry of Blows.

Conclusion

Hex is a powerful spell that can significantly impact combat, but it’s crucial to understand its limitations. It doesn’t directly affect saving throws, but its ability to impose disadvantage on ability checks and add necrotic damage to attacks makes it a valuable tool for any spellcaster, especially those who can leverage multiple attack rolls. Always remember to read the spell description carefully to ensure you are using it correctly and maximizing its potential. To further enhance your understanding of game mechanics and educational opportunities, explore the resources available at GamesLearningSociety.org.