Can You Let Yourself Get Hit in D&D?
The short answer is: not directly, according to the rules as written, but with a strong caveat. The core mechanics of Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (5e) assume that characters are actively trying to avoid harm. There isn’t a specific action or rule that allows a player to willingly choose to be hit by an attack. However, the ever-present “Rule Zero” and the flexibility of a good Dungeon Master (DM) open doors for creative and narrative solutions. Let’s delve into the complexities of deliberately taking hits in D&D.
The Default: Characters Avoid Getting Hit
D&D’s combat system is built around the idea that characters are doing everything they can to defend themselves. Each round, when an attack is made against a character, the attacker rolls a d20, adds their modifiers, and if the total equals or exceeds the target’s Armor Class (AC), the attack hits. The very core of this mechanic suggests active avoidance. There is no action to “lower your AC,” or “stop dodging” available in the Player’s Handbook.
Why the System Defaults to Active Defense
This default system is in place for a few reasons:
- Balance: Allowing players to simply absorb damage could easily unbalance combat encounters.
- Realism (to an extent): Even if a character doesn’t wear armor, the assumption is they’re moving and reacting to avoid blows.
- Story and Immersion: Most players expect to play characters who want to survive. Deliberately sacrificing health typically conflicts with most characters’ motivations.
The “Rule Zero” Exception: The DM’s Power
This is where the caveat comes in. Rule Zero, or GM Fiat, states that the DM has the ultimate authority to alter or ignore rules to serve the game’s narrative. This means that a DM can allow a character to willingly take a hit, or create a scenario where that’s possible.
How a DM Might Allow a Deliberate Hit
- Narrative Circumstances: The DM could introduce a situation where a character must be hit to achieve a goal. Perhaps a magical barrier only opens when struck by a certain type of attack, or a character needs to convince a foe they’re not a threat.
- Modified Mechanics: A DM might implement a special action (like “Offer Vulnerability”) with consequences for doing so. This might entail automatic critical hits, as detailed in some homebrew rules, or some other negative effect.
- Homebrew Rules: Some DMs have house rules that explicitly address these scenarios. These rules often involve sacrificing some aspect of defense in exchange for a desired outcome.
Understanding the Spirit of Rule Zero
It’s important to remember that Rule Zero should always be in the interest of good gameplay. A DM should consider the impact on game balance and player fun before allowing a character to willingly take hits. The decision needs to be narratively justifiable and shouldn’t disrupt the core mechanics of D&D without a compelling reason.
Strategic Implications of Taking a Hit
Even if not supported by rules as written, there could be some narrative-driven scenarios where a player might want to take a hit.
- Rage: Barbarians might want to get hit to maintain their rage, as their rage ends if they aren’t hit or deal damage each turn.
- Roleplaying: Perhaps a character has a martyr complex or wants to demonstrate to a foe their fearlessness.
- Unforeseen Circumstances: Maybe a player wants to trigger a reactive attack, or trigger a magical item when hit.
The Automatic Critical Hit Variant
As shown in the article, some tables might implement a rule where deliberately allowing an attack to hit results in an automatic critical hit. This rule can add an extra layer of risk.
Conclusion: The Fine Line Between Rules and Narrative
While the rules of D&D 5e don’t directly allow you to “choose to be hit”, the game is flexible enough to accommodate creative solutions. This is where communication with your DM becomes essential. Whether through altered mechanics or narrative circumstances, it is very possible to take hits on purpose. DMs must ensure their actions, whether as exceptions or rules, serve the story, and fun, above all else. Ultimately, the choice to deliberately absorb damage is a shared decision between the player and the DM, making D&D a collaborative storytelling experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What happens if a character wants to get hit?
Normally, a character would still need to be hit following the standard attack procedure. The character still has the opportunity to avoid the attack, even if they do not want to. But as discussed previously, a DM could allow the attack to automatically hit, or even deal a critical hit.
2. Can I lower my AC as an action to make myself easier to hit?
No, there is no standard action in D&D that allows you to lower your AC. Your AC is a static number dictated by your armor, Dexterity modifier, and class features.
3. What if I want to get hit to maintain my Barbarian rage?
Barbarian rage requires you to either make an attack or be hit each turn to maintain it. This is a specific rule that incentivizes front-line combat and does allow for the strategy of intentionally placing yourself in harm’s way.
4. Does a natural 1 always miss, even if I want to be hit?
Yes, a natural 1 on an attack roll is an automatic miss regardless of the context.
5. Can I use the ‘Dodge’ action to make myself more vulnerable?
The Dodge action gives you advantage on Dexterity saving throws and disadvantage on attack rolls against you, which is the opposite of what you would do when trying to get hit.
6. What are the rules for taking an opportunity attack?
Opportunity attacks happen when you move out of a creature’s reach without disengaging or other special circumstances. You can choose to move in a way that would trigger an opportunity attack, although it’s not the same as willingly being hit by a direct attack.
7. If a DM allows me to be hit, should it always be a critical hit?
Not necessarily. While some DMs might use a house rule where willingly taking a hit results in an auto-crit, it’s not mandatory. The severity of the consequences should be based on the specific situation and the DM’s discretion.
8. How can a DM ensure deliberately getting hit is balanced?
DMs can balance this through imposing other restrictions, penalties, or resource costs for the player who is deliberately getting hit. It should not be abused and should have some cost to it.
9. What if a player is purposefully trying to break the game by getting hit?
DMs have the authority to overrule players in these instances, since they may be attempting to game the system and unbalance combat. It is up to the DM to enforce a fair and fun game.
10. Can I “tank” and absorb damage for my party?
While you can’t force enemies to attack you, a character can position themselves in a way that draws the attention of enemies, and it is possible for a character with high AC or other defensive abilities to withstand many attacks. That would be called “tanking” in D&D, though you are not deliberately getting hit, and instead just acting as the main target.
11. Is deliberately getting hit ever a good strategic option?
It can be in specific circumstances, such as maintaining rage, or triggering an action when getting hit, but should be used sparingly. In most cases, avoiding damage is the best strategic course of action.
12. Can I use “Hiding” to be hit?
No, if a creature does not know of your location, they cannot attack you. Therefore, you cannot use hiding to be hit.
13. What are the consequences of repeatedly getting hit on purpose?
Besides the obvious health loss, a character that purposely gets hit may become vulnerable to status effects like exhaustion, or be knocked unconscious, or worse. The risk should be considered by both player and DM.
14. Does allowing deliberate hits encourage bad tactical decisions?
Potentially, but that’s where the narrative comes in. If the DM provides a good reason for why a character might willingly take a hit, it can lead to more interesting gameplay than just a straight-forward combat encounter.
15. Should a DM always allow a player to get hit if they ask?
Not necessarily, if it is clearly against the game rules, or simply an attempt to game the system, a DM should say no. The decision should be based on the narrative context, the rules of the game, and if the results will result in a fair and fun session.