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Do Crits Work on Spells? Unpacking Critical Hits in D&D 5e

Yes, critical hits absolutely work on spells in D&D 5e, but with a crucial caveat. Not all spells are created equal when it comes to landing a critical strike. The ability for a spell to critically hit hinges entirely on whether the spell requires an attack roll. If a spell necessitates a d20 roll to hit a target, then a natural 20 on that roll signifies a critical hit, leading to increased damage. However, if a spell relies on the target making a saving throw, it cannot critically hit, regardless of the roll’s outcome. This distinction is fundamental to understanding how crits function with spells in D&D 5e.

How Critical Hits Work in D&D 5e

Before diving deeper into the specifics of spells and crits, let’s quickly recap how critical hits generally function in D&D 5e. When a player or the Dungeon Master rolls a natural 20 on an attack roll – meaning the d20 shows a 20 before any modifiers are applied – a critical hit occurs. The primary effect of a critical hit is that you double the number of damage dice rolled for the attack. This doesn’t double any flat damage bonuses, only dice. For instance, if a longsword (1d8 damage) scores a critical hit, you’d roll 2d8 for damage. Any additional damage from sources like Sneak Attack or a Smite would also have their damage dice doubled. It’s important to note that even though you double the damage dice, you only apply any flat modifiers (like your Strength modifier) once.

Spell Attacks vs. Saving Throws

The critical hit rule’s reliance on attack rolls is the cornerstone of how it applies to spells. Spells in D&D 5e generally fall into two categories regarding their hit resolution:

Spells Requiring Attack Rolls

These spells necessitate an attack roll using a d20 plus the caster’s spellcasting ability modifier and proficiency bonus. If this roll equals or exceeds the target’s Armor Class (AC), the spell hits. If the attack roll is a natural 20, a critical hit is scored, doubling the spell’s damage dice. Examples of spells that use attack rolls and can thus crit include:

Fire Bolt: This cantrip uses a ranged spell attack roll.
Ray of Frost: Another cantrip with a ranged spell attack roll.
Scorching Ray: A higher-level spell that uses multiple ranged spell attack rolls.

Spells Requiring Saving Throws

These spells do not use an attack roll, instead forcing the target to make a saving throw, often against their Dexterity, Constitution, or Wisdom. If the target succeeds on the save, they may take no damage or reduced damage. Regardless of the result of the saving throw, critical hits are not possible with this type of spell. Examples include:

Sacred Flame: The target must make a Dexterity saving throw.
Fireball: Targets within the area of effect must make a Dexterity saving throw.
Hold Person: The target must make a Wisdom saving throw to resist the spell’s effect.

Understanding The Implications

The difference between these two types of spells is very important. Spells that rely on attack rolls are directly influenced by the caster’s accuracy, while spells that require saving throws are more dependent on the target’s defenses. By not allowing critical hits on saving throws, D&D 5e ensures a different style of interaction, where spells are affected by the target’s inherent resilience instead of the caster’s luck of the die.

FAQs: Deep Diving into Spell Crits

1. Can all spells crit?

No, only spells that require an attack roll can crit. Spells that require a target to make a saving throw cannot critically hit.

2. Do critical hits on spells double ALL damage?

No, critical hits only double the number of damage dice rolled for a spell. Flat damage bonuses and other non-dice damages are not doubled.

3. Does Improved Critical work with spells?

The Fighter Champion’s Improved Critical feature specifically states it works with weapon attacks, reducing the required number for a crit from 20 to 19, however, it does not work with spells, unless the spells are also specified as a weapon attack, such as a Smite Spell, Green-Flame Blade, or Flame/Shadow Blade.

4. Do spells count as magical damage?

Yes, spells inherently deal magical damage. Any spell that has a magical school trait (like Evocation or Necromancy) is considered magical.

5. Can you crit spells with magic items?

Yes, if a magic item allows you to cast a spell that uses an attack roll, that spell can critically hit.

6. Does proficiency apply to spell attacks?

Yes, all spellcasters are proficient with spell attacks. When making a spell attack, you add your proficiency bonus to the attack roll.

7. Does the Arcane Jolt ability double on a crit?

No, Arcane Jolt does not double on a critical hit. Critical hits only double the damage dice, and the healing component of Arcane Jolt is not considered damage.

8. Can a spell be parried?

If the spell involves a Melee Spell Attack, yes it can be parried. Otherwise, no. Spells that make an attack roll can be parried, and shields contribute to AC against these attacks.

9. Do spells add your modifier to damage?

Generally no. Unlike weapon attacks, most spells do not add your spellcasting ability modifier directly to the damage dealt, unless the specific spell states otherwise.

10. Are 9th level spells worth it?

Yes, 9th-level spells are among the most powerful abilities available in D&D. They can swing the tide of battles, alter reality, and provide unmatched control over the game’s narrative.

11. What’s the highest damage spell in D&D?

Meteor Swarm is generally considered the highest damage spell, dealing massive amounts of fire damage in a large area.

12. Can you guarantee a critical hit in D&D?

There are some abilities and situations that give advantage, increasing the likelihood of a natural 20 but, there is no guaranteed way to get a critical hit.

13. Can you use Counterspell on a 9th level spell?

Yes, Counterspell can be used against a 9th-level spell. The chance of success remains the same as if cast on a lower level spell.

14. Does increased spell crit chance work the same in D&D?

No, D&D doesn’t use an increased spell crit chance, like video games. Critical hits are all based on natural 20s on an attack roll.

15. Do spells count as weapon attacks?

No, casting a spell is not an attack action (with certain exceptions such as the Bladesinger’s extra attack). Spells are actions, bonus actions, or reactions, depending on the specific casting time of the spell.

Do crits work on spells?