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Can Druids Heal in 5e? A Comprehensive Guide

Yes, druids can absolutely heal in 5th Edition Dungeons & Dragons (5e). In fact, healing is a core aspect of the druid class, though the degree and style of healing vary depending on the specific druid circle chosen. While often not considered the primary healer like a cleric, druids are versatile and capable healers with a unique approach to restoring hit points. Their healing abilities are woven into their connection with nature and often revolve around natural energies and life forces.

Druid Healing Capabilities: More Than Just Hit Points

While Clerics are often cited as the quintessential healers, Druids offer their own brand of restorative power. They have access to a variety of healing spells, with Cure Wounds being a prominent example, accessible to them as early as level 1. This core spell allows druids to effectively restore a target’s hit points. However, their healing prowess goes beyond simply patching up wounds.

Druids excel at a more holistic approach, often focusing on healing over time and using supportive spells to prevent damage. They are not just reactive healers, but also proactive protectors who use their connection with the natural world to preserve the well-being of their party. This gives druids a distinctive edge when it comes to their style of healing.

Spell List Versatility

Druids, much like Clerics, have access to a broad selection of spells, including numerous healing options. These spells range from single-target heals like Healing Word for quick recovery during combat, to area-of-effect heals like Mass Cure Wounds for larger groups. Their spell list is diverse, allowing them to adapt to different healing needs. Furthermore, Druids also possess abilities to generate temporary hit points that contribute to preventing damage.

Circle Specialization

While all druids possess a base level of healing, specific druid circles further enhance their healing potential. The Circle of Dreams and Circle of Wildfire, in particular, are known for their significant healing prowess. Circle of Dreams druids gain unique bonus action healing through their “Balm of the Summer Court” feature, and the Circle of Wildfire druids can use their Wildfire spirit to deliver bursts of potent healing.

Circle of Dreams: These druids are all about providing subtle healing, focusing on preventing wounds rather than just curing them. Their unique class features make them excellent supportive healers.
Circle of Wildfire: These druids wield the power of fire to both devastate their enemies and heal their allies. They are potent healers, capable of providing a large amount of burst healing.
Circle of Stars: A druid of this circle has the ability to add bonus healing while using their spells, enhancing the power of all healing they produce. This makes them another great choice for a healing role.

Healing Beyond Spells

Beyond their spells, druids have other abilities that indirectly contribute to healing. For example, the Wild Shape ability can allow a druid to transform into an animal with higher hit points, effectively adding temporary survivability and removing them from the line of fire. Also, their connection with nature allows them to be proficient with an Herbalism Kit, enabling them to craft their own healing potions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Druid Healing

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to help clarify the healing capabilities of Druids in 5e:

Are druids the best healers in 5e? No, Clerics are generally considered the best pure healing class in 5e. They have more consistently reliable healing options and greater access to spells designed for healing. However, Druids are strong, versatile healers with a different style of healing, particularly those from the Circle of Dreams and Wildfire.
What healing spells do druids have access to? Druids have access to a wide range of healing spells, including Cure Wounds, Healing Word, Mass Cure Wounds, Goodberry, and Regenerate, among others. Their spell list is diverse, offering options for both single-target and area-of-effect healing.
Is the Circle of Wildfire druid a good healer? Yes, the Circle of Wildfire is considered one of the best healing subclasses for the druid class. Their Wildfire Spirit can both deal damage and heal allies, making them versatile and effective healers.
Can druids heal outside of combat? Absolutely. Druids have numerous options for out-of-combat healing, including spells like Goodberry, which provides food and healing, and Healing Spirit which can provide slow, steady healing over a long period.
Do druids get lay on hands? No, Lay on Hands is a Paladin-specific ability, not available to Druids or any other class except Paladins.
Can druids heal themselves? Yes, druids can heal themselves using their various healing spells, their class features and items such as healing potions. They are fully capable of restoring their own hit points.
What is the most effective druid healing spell? The most effective spell depends on the situation. Cure Wounds is great for single-target healing, while Mass Cure Wounds is better for healing multiple allies. For out-of-combat healing, Goodberry can be extremely efficient. In terms of powerful single target spells, Regenerate stands out.
Can druids make healing potions? Yes, druids proficient with an Herbalism Kit can create healing potions by brewing together collected ingredients. This adds to their healing capabilities.
What is the difference between cleric healing and druid healing? Clerics are generally more focused on direct, efficient healing, while druids focus on a more holistic approach, with spells that offer healing over time and other nature-based support options. Druids also lack direct combat healing options such as healing word compared to clerics.
Is a druid a good replacement for a cleric in a party? A druid can be a very effective healer, but they aren’t a direct replacement for a cleric in all situations. Druids are typically more versatile but lack some of the raw healing power of a cleric. They still make great healers, though.
What races make the best healers for druids? Wood Elves are an excellent option for druids due to their stat bonuses, improved movement and stealth abilities. Humans are another popular choice as their abilities benefit every type of character build.
Can a druid multiclass into another healing class? Yes, druids can multiclass into other classes with healing abilities like Bard or Cleric. Combining these classes can result in a versatile and powerful healer, especially for characters that want to take on a specific support role.
Are Druids complicated to play as healers? Druids are not complicated in terms of healing when compared to other support classes. While the spells they have access to can sometimes be overwhelming, they have a fairly simple approach to support healing.
Are Druids good healers in combat? Yes, Druids are effective healers in combat. They can offer both single-target and area of effect healing options. This makes them effective in the support and healing role.
What is a Druid healer called? In ancient times a healer in the Druidic tradition was known as an Ovate, which means prophet, seer, healer and diviner. Modern Druids also use the title, or any other title that fits their specific order.

Conclusion

Druids are certainly capable and effective healers in 5e. They offer a unique approach to healing that balances direct restoration with more holistic methods, weaving their connection with nature into their healing powers. While Clerics may be considered the primary healers, a well-played druid, especially of the Circle of Dreams or Wildfire, is an incredibly versatile and potent addition to any party, capable of both saving and supporting their allies in all situations. The diversity and adaptability of the druid class makes it a compelling choice for players looking to fill a healing role in their D&D campaign.

Can druids heal 5e?