Can Constructs Get Temporary Hit Points? A Deep Dive into D&D 5e Mechanics

Yes, constructs can absolutely gain temporary hit points (temp HP) in D&D 5th Edition. There is no rule that explicitly prevents constructs from benefiting from temporary hit points. This is a common point of confusion, often stemming from the misconception that temporary hit points are a form of “healing” which constructs are usually immune to. However, temp HP is a distinct game mechanic, representing a buffer of energy or a temporary reinforcement, and not actual healing. This distinction is crucial to understand how constructs interact with temp HP in 5e.

Understanding Temporary Hit Points

Temporary hit points are a crucial resource in D&D 5e. They represent a cushion against damage, reducing the amount of damage that directly affects your character’s regular hit points. Here’s a breakdown of the key rules:

• Buffer Against Damage: When you take damage while possessing temporary hit points, the damage is applied to the temporary hit points first. Any remaining damage after the temp HP are depleted is then applied to your regular hit points.
• Non-Stacking: Temp HP does not stack. If you gain temporary hit points while you already have some, you choose whether to keep the old amount or replace it with the new amount. You can’t add the new temp HP on top of the old.
• Not Healing: Temp HP is not a form of healing. It cannot restore lost hit points, nor can it bring an unconscious character back to consciousness.
• No Revival: If you are at 0 hit points and unconscious, receiving temp HP will not wake you up or stabilize you. It only provides a buffer against further damage.

Constructs and Damage Immunity

Many constructs have immunity to specific types of damage, such as poison or necrotic damage. This is separate from their ability to gain or use temporary hit points. The immunity simply means that they don’t take damage from those specific sources. However, when a construct gains temp HP, it is still an energy buffer which absorbs damage as normal.

Specific Examples of Temp HP for Constructs

Constructs can receive temporary hit points from a variety of sources, such as:

• Spells: Many spells can grant temp HP, regardless of the target’s creature type. Examples include False Life, Armor of Agathys, and certain Bard spells.
• Class Features: Some class features, particularly those of Barbarians or certain Warlock subclasses, can grant temp HP. If a construct meets the requirements for these features, they can benefit from the temp HP. For example a raging Barbarian Warforged could receive temp hp from their Reckless Attack feature.
• Feats: Certain feats, like Inspiring Leader, can grant temp hp. These temp hp can be granted to any creature including a construct.

Practical Implications

This means a Warforged Barbarian, for instance, can absolutely gain temporary hit points while raging. Similarly, a magical construct animated by arcane energy could benefit from a spell like False Life. The specific abilities of a construct won’t inhibit their ability to utilize this key defensive mechanic.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

To further clarify this topic, here are some frequently asked questions about temp HP and constructs in D&D 5e:

1. Can a construct gain temp HP from a source that deals necrotic damage?

Yes, a construct can gain temp HP even if the source also deals necrotic damage, provided the temp HP isn’t specifically tied to necrotic damage dealt. The necrotic damage might have no effect on the construct, especially if they have immunity to necrotic damage, but the temp HP would still be gained.

2. Do temporary hit points count as healing for constructs?

No, temporary hit points are not considered healing. Healing restores lost hit points, whereas temp HP provides a buffer against future damage. Constructs, even those immune to healing, can benefit from temp HP.

3. Can a construct with 0 hit points benefit from temp HP?

Yes, a construct that is unconscious and at 0 hit points can still receive and utilize temporary hit points. These temp HP won’t wake them up or stabilize them but can absorb damage while they remain unconscious.

4. Does losing temp HP count as taking damage for constructs?

Yes, losing temp HP counts as taking damage for the purposes of concentration checks, but it does not directly affect their normal hit point total until the temp HP are depleted.

5. Can a construct gain temporary hit points from the False Life spell?

Absolutely, constructs can gain temp HP from the False Life spell. There’s nothing in the spell’s description that restricts it based on creature type.

6. If a construct has resistance to a specific type of damage, does it reduce temp HP loss?

No, damage resistance does not reduce the loss of temporary hit points. Resistance only applies to actual hit point damage, not to damage absorbed by temp HP.

7. Can a construct benefiting from temp HP still benefit from defensive abilities?

Yes, constructs can still benefit from their normal defensive abilities such as armor, shields and defensive class abilities while they have temp hp. Temp HP doesn’t replace those defensive abilities.

8. What happens if a construct gains more temp HP than it had previously?

The construct must choose whether to keep their old temp HP total or replace it with the new total. Temp HP does not stack.

9. Can a construct benefit from the Inspiring Leader feat for temp HP?

Yes, constructs can benefit from the Inspiring Leader feat, just like any other creature. There’s no restriction based on creature type in the feat description.

10. Does a Warforged Barbarian gain temp hp from reckless attack?

Yes, a Warforged Barbarian will gain temporary hit points from the Reckless Attack feature when raging as long as it meets the requirements of the class feature.

11. Can a construct with immunity to poison damage gain temp HP from a poison attack?

Yes, a construct with poison immunity can gain temp HP from a poison attack, as long as the attack also grants temp HP via a different mechanic. The poison damage itself would simply have no effect.

12. Can a construct benefit from a spell that grants temp HP, if the spell also deals fire damage?

Yes, a construct can still gain temporary hit points from a spell that also deals fire damage, even if the construct has fire resistance or immunity. The temp hp is a distinct mechanic from the damage.

13. Are there any magic items that give temp HP to constructs specifically?

While there aren’t magic items that specifically give temp HP only to constructs, any magic item that grants temp HP can be used by a construct. The effects are not exclusive to creature type unless stated otherwise.

14. Can a construct’s allies grant it temp hp?

Yes, construct’s allies can use any features or spells that grants temp HP on them, as long as the spell or ability does not restrict it based on creature type.

15. If a construct is affected by a spell granting temp HP, how long does the temp HP last?

The duration of temp HP depends on the specific source. It could last for a few rounds, minutes, or until the next long rest. Always refer to the source of the temp HP to determine its duration.

Conclusion

Constructs can absolutely benefit from temporary hit points in D&D 5e. Understanding this, and the key differences between temp HP and healing, allows players to explore interesting combat tactics and strategic build options with their construct characters. Remember, temp HP acts as a buffer, not as a form of actual hit points recovery, providing a valuable resource for constructs of all kinds. So, the next time you’re playing a Warforged or Golem, don’t hesitate to make the most of those temporary hit points!