Can Temp HP Bring Someone Up?
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Temp HP, or temporary hit points, cannot bring someone back up from 0 hit points, as they do not restore consciousness or stabilize a character, but they can still absorb damage directed at them while they’re in that state. True healing is the only way to save a character who has reached 0 hit points, making temp HP a useful buffer against damage but not a means of reviving an unconscious character.
Understanding Temp HP
Temp HP is a buffer against damage, a pool of hit points that protect a character from injury, and when a character has temp HP and takes damage, the temp HP is lost first, and any leftover damage carries over to their normal hit points.
How Temp HP Works
Temp HP does not stack, and characters whose healing is disabled can still gain temp HP, but if you get new temp HP from a skill or spell, you choose whether to keep your old temp HP or replace it with the new ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the rules for temp HP in D&D?
The rules for temp HP state that if you get attacked, subtract the damage from your temp HP pool first, and if the damage exceeds that value, subtract the remainder from your normal hit points.
2. Does temp HP count as healing?
No, temp HP is not considered healing, as it is a buffer against damage and does not restore a character’s normal hit points.
3. Can you get temp HP at 0 HP?
Yes, but receiving temp HP at 0 HP does not restore consciousness or stabilize the character, and only true healing can save them.
4. How long does temp HP last?
Temp HP lasts until it’s depleted or you finish a long rest, unless a feature that grants you temp HP has a specified duration.
5. Does losing temp HP count as taking damage?
Yes, losing temp HP counts as taking damage, and you take concentration checks when you take damage.
6. What is the highest temporary HP in 5e?
The maximum temporary HP is 1810, achieved by using Blackrazor’s Devour Soul feature and the Potion of Giant Size.
7. How do you get temporary hit points?
You get temp HP from spells, feats, or features, and not from starting with them.
8. Does sleep lower temperature?
Yes, body temperature can be 1 to 2 degrees lower while sleeping than during the daytime.
9. Does rage affect temp HP?
Yes, rage can grant temp HP, such as through the Reckless Attack feature.
10. Can you polymorph someone at 0 HP?
No, the polymorph spell has no effect on a creature with 0 hit points.
11. Do you lose temp HP on a short rest?
No, temp HP only lasts until it’s depleted or you finish a long rest.
12. Can you stack temp HP 5e?
No, temp HP does not stack in 5e, and if you get new temp HP, you choose whether to keep the old or replace it with the new ones.
13. Does resistance affect temp HP?
Yes, resistance or vulnerability is applied to the damage first, and then it applies to your HP, regardless of if it is permanent or temporary HP.
14. Are temporary hit points better than healing?
No, true healing is better than temp HP, as it can restore consciousness and stabilize a character, while temp HP only absorbs damage.
15. Can you heal someone with 0 HP 5E?
Yes, healing can bring someone back up from 0 HP, and they will immediately regain consciousness.