Do Saving Throws Count as Attacks in D&D? A Comprehensive Guide
No, saving throws do not count as attacks in Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) 5th Edition. They are distinct mechanics governing different aspects of the game. An attack targets a creature’s Armor Class (AC), while a saving throw is a roll to resist the effects of a spell, ability, or environmental hazard. Understanding this difference is crucial for effective gameplay.
Understanding the Core Mechanics
D&D 5e relies on a trinity of core dice rolls: ability checks, attack rolls, and saving throws. Each has a specific purpose and is influenced by different factors. Confusing them can lead to incorrect rulings and a less enjoyable gaming experience.
Attack Rolls: Direct Confrontation
An attack roll is your character’s attempt to directly harm a target by overcoming its defenses. When you attack, you roll a d20, add your relevant modifiers (such as Strength or Dexterity and proficiency bonus, if applicable), and compare the total to the target’s Armor Class (AC). If your result equals or exceeds the AC, your attack hits, and you deal damage.
Attacks typically involve weapons, spells that require an attack roll (like Eldritch Blast), or unarmed strikes. The key element is the direct attempt to strike a target.
Saving Throws: Resisting Effects
A saving throw, on the other hand, is a character’s attempt to resist a spell, trap, poison, or other harmful effect. You don’t choose to make a saving throw; you are forced to make one when subjected to an effect that requires it.
Like attack rolls, saving throws involve rolling a d20 and adding a relevant ability score modifier (Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma) and your proficiency bonus (if you are proficient in that saving throw). The total is compared to a Difficulty Class (DC) set by the effect causing the saving throw. If your roll equals or exceeds the DC, you succeed on the saving throw and either avoid the effect entirely or mitigate its impact.
Ability Checks: Everything Else
Ability checks cover a vast range of actions your character might attempt, from climbing a wall to persuading a guard. These checks rely on rolling a d20 and adding the relevant ability score modifier, along with any applicable skill proficiency bonuses. Unlike attack rolls and saving throws, ability checks aren’t typically tied to direct combat or resisting immediate harm, though there are exceptions in initiative rolls, grappling and shoving maneuvers, and contested checks.
Key Differences Summarized
| Feature | Attack Roll | Saving Throw |
|---|---|---|
| —————– | ————————————– | ————————————– |
| Target | Target’s Armor Class (AC) | Difficulty Class (DC) |
| Purpose | To hit and deal damage | To resist an effect |
| Trigger | Character’s action | External effect on character |
| Modifiers | Attack bonus (ability + proficiency) | Saving throw modifier (ability + proficiency) |
| Outcome | Hit or miss, damage dealt if hit | Effect resisted or suffered |
Why It Matters: Implications for Gameplay
Understanding the distinction between attack rolls and saving throws is crucial for several reasons:
- Character Builds: It influences how you build your character. For example, a character focused on dealing damage might prioritize increasing their attack bonus and weapon proficiency, while a character focused on resisting magic might prioritize improving their saving throw modifiers and gaining proficiency in certain saving throws.
- Spell Selection: Spellcasters need to know which spells require attack rolls and which require saving throws to be effective. Some spells target a specific saving throw, making them more effective against certain enemies.
- Tactical Decisions: Knowing when to use an attack versus when to force a saving throw can significantly impact the outcome of combat. For instance, targeting an enemy’s weaker saving throw can be more effective than trying to hit their high AC.
- Understanding Game Rules: Many class features, feats, and magic items interact specifically with attack rolls or saving throws. Knowing the difference ensures you use these features correctly.
- Accurate damage calculation: Failing to understand the distinction between saving throws and attack rolls can impact damage output.
Common Misconceptions
One common misconception is that anything that causes damage is an attack. However, spells like Fireball or Lightning Bolt require a saving throw. If the target fails the save, they take damage, but the spell itself is not an attack. The target’s AC is irrelevant in these cases; their ability to resist the magic is what matters.
Another misconception is that if an attack triggers a secondary effect requiring a saving throw (such as a poison applied to a weapon), the saving throw is somehow “part of the attack.” It isn’t. The attack roll determines whether the initial strike lands, and the saving throw determines whether the target resists the subsequent effect. They are separate events governed by distinct rules.
FAQs: Saving Throws and Attacks
1. Do saving throws count as actions?
No, making a saving throw is not an action. It is a reaction to an external effect and occurs outside of your turn.
2. Do you make saving throws against all attacks?
No. Most standard attacks are contested against the target’s Armor Class (AC). Saving throws are only required when an attack or other effect specifically states that a saving throw is needed.
3. What counts as an attack in D&D 5e?
An attack, as governed by the Attack Action, is a strike dealt with a Melee Weapon, a Ranged Weapon, or an Unarmed Attack. Offensive Cantrips are not considered attacks.
4. What is the difference between attack rolls and saving throws?
An attack roll is used to determine if you hit a target, based on their AC. A saving throw is used to resist the effects of a spell or ability, based on a set DC.
5. What is a Saving Throw?
A saving throw is an attempt to resist a spell, trap, poison, disease, or similar threat.
6. What counts as an attack roll?
An attack roll involves rolling a d20, adding relevant modifiers, and comparing the total to the target’s AC.
7. Does an ability count as an attack?
Generally, no. Abilities are effects that alter gameplay, not direct attacks.
8. Do weapons count as attack actions?
The text is “attack action card”, which excludes the likes of weapons or any other card without the type “action” and subtype “attack”.
9. Does Eldritch Blast count as an attack?
Yes, Eldritch Blast requires a ranged spell attack, making it an attack.
10. What do saving throws equal in 5E?
You roll a d20, add your ability score modifier, and add your proficiency bonus (if proficient in that saving throw). For Death Saving Throws, roll a d20 and succeed on a 10 or above.
11. Can you fail a saving throw in 5E?
Generally, no. You must always attempt a saving throw. However, some specific abilities or spells (like Calm Emotions) allow you to voluntarily fail the save.
12. Can you purposefully fail a saving throw?
Unless a specific ability or spell allows it, you cannot purposefully fail a saving throw.
13. Can you uncanny dodge a saving throw?
No, Uncanny Dodge only works against attack rolls, not saving throws.
14. Can saving throws have advantage?
Yes, certain abilities or conditions can grant advantage on saving throws.
15. Is Fireball an attack?
No, Fireball is not an attack. It requires a saving throw to avoid or reduce its damage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, saving throws are a distinct mechanic from attack rolls in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition. Understanding the difference is essential for building effective characters, making informed tactical decisions, and playing the game according to the rules. By mastering these core mechanics, you’ll enhance your gameplay experience and become a more skilled and knowledgeable D&D player.
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