Mastering Saving Throws in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Saving throws are a crucial mechanic in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (5e), representing a character’s ability to resist a spell, trap, poison, or other harmful effect. Calculating a saving throw correctly is essential for both players and Dungeon Masters (DMs) to ensure fair and accurate gameplay.
The core calculation is straightforward: you roll a d20 (a 20-sided die), add the appropriate ability modifier, and potentially add your proficiency bonus if you are proficient in that type of saving throw. The result must meet or exceed the Difficulty Class (DC) set by the effect causing the saving throw. Let’s break this down step-by-step:
-
Roll the d20: This is your base roll, a random number between 1 and 20. A roll of 1 is always a failure, and a roll of 20 is not necessarily an automatic success.
-
Determine the Ability Modifier: Each of the six ability scores (Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma) has a corresponding modifier. This modifier is derived from the ability score itself, and it ranges from -5 (for a score of 1) to +5 (for a score of 20). To calculate the ability modifier, subtract 10 from the ability score, and divide the result by 2 (rounding down). For example:
- A Strength score of 14 yields a modifier of +2.
- A Wisdom score of 8 yields a modifier of -1.
-
Check for Proficiency: Some classes and backgrounds grant proficiency in certain saving throws. If your character is proficient in the saving throw required by the effect, you add your proficiency bonus to the roll. The proficiency bonus is determined by your character’s level:
- Levels 1-4: +2
- Levels 5-8: +3
- Levels 9-12: +4
- Levels 13-16: +5
- Levels 17-20: +6
-
Apply Bonuses or Penalties: Situational factors can grant bonuses or impose penalties on your saving throw. These might come from spells, magic items, or environmental conditions. For example, a Bless spell grants a +1d4 bonus to saving throws.
-
Advantage or Disadvantage: Advantage allows you to roll two d20s and take the higher result, while disadvantage forces you to roll two d20s and take the lower result. Advantage and disadvantage cancel each other out; if you have both, you roll only one d20.
-
Compare to the DC: The DC is a number set by the effect requiring the saving throw. If your total roll (d20 + ability modifier + proficiency bonus [if applicable] + bonuses – penalties) is equal to or greater than the DC, you succeed on the saving throw. If it is lower, you fail.
Example:
A level 5 Fighter with a Constitution score of 16 is targeted by a Fireball spell, which requires a Dexterity saving throw with a DC of 15. The Fighter is proficient in Constitution saving throws, not Dexterity.
- The Fighter rolls a d20 and gets a 12.
- The Fighter’s Dexterity score is 10, so their Dexterity modifier is +0.
- The Fighter is not proficient in Dexterity saving throws, so they don’t add their proficiency bonus.
- There are no other bonuses or penalties.
- The total result is 12 + 0 = 12.
Since 12 is less than the DC of 15, the Fighter fails the saving throw and takes the full damage from the Fireball.
Understanding and accurately calculating saving throws is essential for navigating the challenges of D&D 5e. The game becomes more immersive and balanced when both players and DMs are well-versed in these rules. More advanced topics in D&D gameplay can be explored through resources such as the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify saving throws in D&D 5e:
What are the six saving throws in 5e?
The six saving throws in 5e are:
- Strength (STR)
- Dexterity (DEX)
- Constitution (CON)
- Intelligence (INT)
- Wisdom (WIS)
- Charisma (CHA)
What happens if you roll a 1 on a saving throw?
Rolling a 1 on a saving throw is an automatic failure, regardless of any modifiers or bonuses. It is not an automatic critical failure in the sense that the character would take more damage as a result.
Can you voluntarily fail a saving throw in 5e?
In most cases, no. You can only voluntarily fail a saving throw if the effect causing the save specifically states that you can choose to fail it. For example, the Calm Emotions spell allows a target to voluntarily fail their save.
Are death saving throws considered saving throws?
Yes, death saving throws are considered a type of saving throw. This means that any bonuses or penalties that apply to saving throws generally also apply to death saving throws.
How do you determine proficiency in saving throws?
Proficiency in saving throws is typically granted by your class at 1st level. Some races, backgrounds, or feats may also grant proficiency in specific saving throws.
What is a good AC (Armor Class) in 5e?
A decent AC varies depending on the level of the game. At low levels, an AC of 16-17 is solid. By mid-levels, an AC of 18-20 is considered good, and an AC of 22 or higher is excellent.
What is the highest possible AC in 5e?
The theoretical highest possible AC is extremely high and requires specific builds, magical items, and situational buffs. It can reach values exceeding 60, but these are often impractical in actual gameplay.
Do saving throws increase with level?
Saving throws only increase with level if a character is proficient in that saving throw or if they increase their related ability score. Otherwise, a level 20 character’s saving throw will be the same as when they were level 1.
What are the most common saving throws in 5e?
The most common saving throws are generally considered to be Wisdom, Constitution, and Dexterity. This is because many spells and effects target these abilities.
What is advantage on saving throws?
Advantage on a saving throw allows you to roll two d20s and take the higher result. It is granted by various spells, abilities, and situational factors.
Are saving throws always a d20 roll?
Yes, a saving throw always involves rolling a d20 and adding relevant modifiers.
What is a saving throw used for?
A saving throw represents an attempt to resist a spell, trap, poison, disease, or a similar threat. It’s a mechanic that determines whether a character avoids or mitigates the effects of a harmful event.
How do you calculate HP (Hit Points) in 5e?
At 1st level, you take the maximum value of your class’s hit die and add your Constitution modifier. At each subsequent level, you can either roll your hit die and add your Constitution modifier, or you can take the average value of the hit die (rounded up) and add your Constitution modifier.
What is the standard ability score array in D&D 5e?
The standard ability score array is 15, 14, 13, 12, 10, and 8. Players can assign these values to their ability scores as they see fit.
Do saving throws count as attacks?
No, saving throws are distinct from attack rolls. Saving throws are defensive actions, while attack rolls are offensive actions. They are governed by different rules and mechanics.
Understanding the nuances of saving throws contributes significantly to both playing and DMing D&D 5e. It allows for a richer, more engaging, and fair gaming experience.