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Tough vs. +2 Constitution: Which is Better in D&D 5e?

The perennial question for Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (5e) players looking to bolster their characters’ survivability often boils down to this: is the Tough feat better than a +2 increase to Constitution? The short, and somewhat unsatisfying, answer is: it depends. There’s no universally superior choice; both options provide different benefits that cater to different needs and playstyles. Let’s delve into the nuances to help you make an informed decision.

At its core, the Tough feat provides a flat increase of 2 hit points (HP) for each character level you possess, starting immediately upon taking the feat. A level 1 character gains an immediate +2 HP, a level 5 character gains +10 HP, and so on. This bonus is retroactive, meaning that if you take Tough at level 10 you would gain 20 HP immediately and continue to gain 2 HP each time you level up. It’s a straightforward, scaling boost to your maximum hit points, making you more durable in combat.

A +2 to Constitution, on the other hand, yields a different set of advantages. First, it increases your Constitution modifier, which determines your HP gain on a level-up (your hit die + your CON modifier). In addition, it adds to your Constitution saving throws and other checks based on your CON modifier, making you more resistant to effects like poison, disease, and other debilitating conditions. A +2 CON also affects your current and maximum HP immediately.

Direct HP Comparison

Let’s consider a more direct comparison based on HP increase. At first level, a +2 to CON also gives you 2 extra hit points. The Tough feat gives you also 2 extra hit points on top of your HP, and an additional 2 HP upon every subsequent level. The primary advantage of Tough, though, is that it applies retroactively. If you have 10 CON and a 10th-level character, by taking +2 CON at that level you’d only see a gain of 10 HP immediately. By taking the Tough feat, you’d immediately see a gain of 20 HP.

Beyond Hit Points: The Case for Constitution

While the Tough feat excels at bolstering your hit point maximum, Constitution provides broader utility. A character with a higher Constitution modifier gains several benefits:

More Hit Points per Level: The most immediate effect is that the player rolls their hit die upon level up, and then they add their Constitution modifier to the result. With a higher Constitution, this means more HP gained on each level.
Improved Constitution Saving Throws: These throws are vital for resisting poison, disease, and other debilitating effects that can significantly hamper a character in combat. Success or failure on CON saving throws often decide how impactful a situation can be.
Better Concentration: While a bonus to concentration saving throws may be seen as a more Wisdom based skill, many circumstances call for a Constitution saving throw in place of Wisdom. Concentration checks are often a result of being hit by an attack. The ability to keep concentration is important for spellcasters.
Other Constitution Checks: While less common, Constitution checks arise in scenarios involving physical resilience, such as holding your breath or resisting exhaustion.

Which Feat is Right for You?

The “better” option depends on your priorities and character build.

Choose Tough if: You are primarily concerned with maximizing your raw HP pool and want a flat, reliable boost. This is particularly useful for fragile characters like Wizards or Rogues who tend to get targeted first by enemies. The Tough feat is also a good choice if you are starting at a higher level as you would get a greater HP boost right away.
Choose +2 to Constitution if: You desire more well-rounded protection, as it is a great way to boost your overall hit point gain on level up, CON saves, concentration, and other constitution checks. It is also better if you plan on playing a character with low CON.

It is important to note that if a character has a CON modifier of -1, then the +2 to CON will have a very impactful outcome. If a character has a CON modifier of +4 or +5, then Tough becomes the better feat overall.

Class Considerations

Some classes benefit more from one option than the other:

Barbarian: While the Barbarian has the highest HP die, they also benefit from a high CON score for their unarmored defense and rage mechanics. Tough is also very good for this class because they take 50% of damage while in rage and they also deal great damage themselves, making them good candidates for a higher HP pool.
Fighter: Like the Barbarian, the Fighter would benefit greatly from both feats. Fighters gain the most feats, which means they can take both of these and they would benefit from both for increased HP pool, and more CON.
Rogue: Rogues often operate in the shadows, and while they are very mobile they can still get targeted by enemies. Tough can be especially valuable for these characters who typically don’t have high hit points. Since Rogues usually aren’t concentrating on spells they may be fine without the CON increases to saving throws.
Wizard: Wizards typically have the lowest HP and the highest impact spells, meaning it is crucial that they maintain their concentration and high HP. Tough and +2 CON are both impactful for this class.

In conclusion, while Tough offers a direct boost to HP, a +2 increase to your Constitution is usually more impactful for overall survivability and resistance. Consider your character’s specific needs and your overall goals before making a choice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much HP does the Tough feat actually add?

The Tough feat adds an amount of HP equal to double your character level. Therefore, at level 5, Tough would add 10 HP. At level 10, it would add 20 HP. This bonus applies retroactively; if you take the Tough feat at level 10, you gain 20 HP immediately.

Does Tough affect hit dice gained on leveling up?

No, the Tough feat only provides additional hit points. It does not affect the hit dice you roll upon leveling up.

Can you take the Tough feat multiple times?

No, according to the rules, you can take each feat only once, unless the feat’s description states otherwise, and the Tough feat does not.

Is Tough a good feat for a Wizard?

Yes, absolutely! Wizards typically have lower HP and a higher risk of getting targeted. The Tough feat provides a substantial HP boost, making them more resilient.

Is the Tough feat good for a Barbarian?

Yes, Tough is an excellent choice for Barbarians. It boosts their already substantial HP and synergizes well with their Rage mechanic, providing extra buffer in combat.

Is the Tough feat a good pick for a Rogue?

Yes, Tough can provide an invaluable safety net for a Rogue, improving their durability and keeping them in the fight longer.

Is it better to take Tough early or later in a campaign?

It is generally better to take Tough earlier in the campaign, as the HP boost is retroactive. Taking it early will give you a greater overall HP pool.

What is the difference between a CON save and a CON check?

A Constitution saving throw is used to resist harmful effects, such as poison, disease, and some spells. A Constitution check is generally used for physical feats, like holding your breath or resisting exhaustion.

Can you use Rage while wearing heavy armor?

No, while it is possible to have heavy armor proficiency as a Barbarian, you cannot use the Rage ability while wearing heavy armor.

Which is better for a Fighter: Tough or a +2 to Constitution?

Both are great options for a Fighter. If you want to focus purely on HP, Tough is better. If you prefer a more well-rounded build that also improves your saving throws, +2 CON is better. Fighters have the most ASIs and Feats, so they could even take both.

How does Tough interact with Wild Shape?

The HP gain from Tough can apply to the character’s base HP. This can be affected by a Druid’s Wild Shape form, but the Wild Shape itself has its own HP pool.

Does Tough affect temporary HP?

No, Tough only increases your maximum hit point total. It does not affect temporary hit points.

Which is better for a caster, Tough or War Caster?

It depends on your focus. If your main concern is with maximizing HP to avoid death, Tough is better. However, War Caster is a very powerful feat that can help you cast concentration spells reliably.

What are the best feats for Rogues other than Tough?

Some of the best feats for Rogues include Skulker, Healer, Observant, and War Caster (for Arcane Tricksters).

What are the best feats for Barbarians other than Tough?

Some of the best feats for Barbarians include Great Weapon Master, Polearm Master, Sentinel, and Resilient (Wisdom).

Is tough better than +2 con?