Can You Take the Tough Feat Multiple Times in D&D 5e?
The short answer is a resounding no. You cannot take the Tough feat multiple times in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (D&D 5e). The core rules explicitly state that you can only take a feat once, unless the feat’s description specifically says otherwise. The Tough feat’s description does not contain any language allowing it to be taken multiple times. Therefore, the hit point (HP) bonus granted by the Tough feat is a one-time benefit, and cannot be stacked.
Understanding Feat Restrictions in D&D 5e
In D&D 5e, feats are an optional rule that allow for more character customization and build options. However, they come with a specific limitation: you can only choose a specific feat once, unless the feat explicitly states otherwise. This rule is in place to prevent excessive stacking of powerful benefits and maintain game balance. The Player’s Handbook (PHB) clearly outlines this restriction on page 165, and it’s also present in the basic rules. It states, “You can take each feat only once, unless the feat’s description says otherwise.”
The Tough Feat: A One-Time HP Boost
The Tough feat provides a character with a significant boost to their maximum hit points. When you take this feat, your maximum hit points increase by an amount equal to twice your current level. This is a static bonus that is not repeated even if you were allowed to take the feat multiple times. For example, a 10th-level character taking the Tough feat gains 20 HP immediately. However, the feat cannot be taken again, and thus no further bonuses can be gained. The value of this feat increases slightly with each level you gain because the initial bonus will increase as your character level increases. But because you can’t take it multiple times, its power does not increase exponentially like some would hope.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Feats in D&D 5e
Here are 15 frequently asked questions regarding feats in D&D 5e, aiming to provide a deeper understanding of the rules:
1. What are feats in D&D 5e?
Feats are special abilities that characters can gain, offering a diverse range of benefits such as combat prowess, magical abilities, or skill improvements. They’re an optional rule and are typically chosen when a character would normally receive an Ability Score Increase (ASI).
2. How do I gain feats?
Characters usually gain feats by forgoing their Ability Score Increase (ASI) at certain levels. Most classes gain an ASI at levels 4, 8, 12, 16, and 19, giving them the option to take a feat instead. Fighters and Rogues gain additional opportunities for feats with the Fighter class getting additional ones at levels 6 and 14, and the Rogue class gaining an additional one at level 10.
3. Can you take the same feat more than once?
Generally, no. You can only take each feat once unless the feat’s description specifically says otherwise. This is a key rule for feat management in D&D 5e, and this rule specifically prevents stacking the Tough feat.
4. Are there any exceptions to taking feats more than once?
Yes, a few feats specifically allow you to take them more than once. An example of this is the Linguist feat. This feat allows you to pick it multiple times and gain additional languages with each selection.
5. Can I take a feat at character creation?
Some races, like the Variant Human, start with a feat at 1st level, allowing for further character customization from the beginning. However, they are still bound by the “once per feat rule.”
6. Can I trade Ability Score Increases for feats?
Yes. At the levels where your class allows for an Ability Score Increase, you can instead choose to take a feat.
7. Can I take multiple half-feats?
Yes. When you would gain a single feat, you can instead gain two half-feats but do not receive their Ability Score Increases. However, this counts as taking both feats, making them subject to the “once per feat rule”.
8. Is the Tough feat better than +2 Constitution?
The Tough feat provides a flat increase to max HP equal to double your level, whereas a +2 Constitution score gives a +1 max HP increase per level, along with other benefits like better Constitution saving throws and enhanced healing during short rests. The Tough feat provides a higher initial boost, but the +2 Constitution has other uses.
9. Can I get additional feats without leveling up?
Yes, it’s possible, but rare. Some DMs might allow players to purchase feats with in-game gold, though this is a variant rule. There is also a way to acquire some through the use of specific magic items. A Dark Blue Rhomboid (Ioun Stone) can give the user a Feat, though these are generally very rare.
10. How does the Tough feat work?
The Tough feat increases your maximum hit points by an amount equal to twice your character level when you first take the feat. This is a one-time bonus, and then it increases your HP ceiling as you gain levels and your level increases the amount of the original bonus. So if you take it at level 6 you gain 12 hp, at level 12 you gain 24 HP, and so on.
11. What is a “half-feat”?
A half-feat is a feat that, in addition to providing other benefits, increases one of your ability scores by +1. These feats are a great way to round out an odd-numbered ability score and provide other useful benefits.
12. Are there feats that can increase Armor Class (AC)?
Yes, several feats can increase your AC. The Duel Wielder feat and Defensive Duelist feats can increase your AC by 1 if you’re using the correct type of melee weapons, but there aren’t any other Feats that grant a flat increase.
13. Can you “double” your proficiency bonus?
No. While some features allow you to double your proficiency bonus for certain checks, your proficiency bonus can’t be added more than once to any roll or number. Having multiple sources that would double your bonus does not stack, you will only apply the effect once.
14. Can I choose to take a feat instead of an Ability Score Improvement (ASI)?
Yes, at certain levels, your class grants you an Ability Score Improvement, which can be forfeited in favor of taking a feat. These occur at levels 4, 8, 12, 16, and 19 for most classes.
15. Can I retrain my feats?
While rules for retraining feats exist, they often vary between campaigns and DMs. If you are using an official or specific rulebook, all feats can be retrained. Retraining is also allowed for skill increases granted by backgrounds, but you are unable to retrain class, or ancestry.
Conclusion
In summary, the Tough feat is a solid choice for bolstering a character’s HP but can only be taken once. Understanding the limitations of feat selection in D&D 5e is crucial for effective character building. While stacking the Tough feat might seem like a tempting way to get an astronomical amount of HP, the rules are quite clear on this. You are limited to the one-time boost it provides and should look for other methods to improve your character’s survivability.