The Ultimate Guide to Cantrips Against Undead in D&D 5e
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The chilling presence of undead foes is a classic staple of Dungeons and Dragons campaigns. From shambling zombies to cunning liches, these creatures can pose a significant threat to any adventuring party. While powerful spells are often the go-to solution, cantrips offer a reliable and resource-free way to contribute to the fight. However, not all cantrips are created equal when facing undead. So, what is the absolute best cantrip to wield against the walking dead?
The Best Cantrip for Slaying Undead
The simple, yet highly effective answer is: there isn’t a single best cantrip for all undead encounters. The effectiveness of a cantrip depends on several factors, including the specific type of undead, their resistances and immunities, and the overall strategy of your party. However, some cantrips are generally more useful than others when specifically targeting undead.
While radiant damage is often touted as the best damage type against undead, as many undead are vulnerable or at least take no resistance to it, radiant damage cantrips are exceedingly rare. Because of this, no radiant damage cantrips will come up as ideal. Instead we will find ourselves reaching for the next most damaging types, and consider utility and other factors.
Considering damage, utility, and the general makeup of most undead, the top contender is arguably Toll the Dead. Here’s why:
- High Damage Potential: Toll the Dead has the potential to deal significant necrotic damage, especially against damaged targets. This is particularly relevant because many undead are brought down to low health quickly. Against undamaged targets, a d8 isn’t great, but a d12 against targets that aren’t at max health is phenomenal.
- Reliable Damage: The necrotic damage type is not the best against undead. It is likely the only cantrip that regularly deals d12 damage at higher levels, making it a more impactful choice, and often more effective than simply going with a different damage type, considering the other damage options.
- No Attack Roll: Toll the Dead requires a saving throw. This is highly relevant to avoid disadvantage from melee enemies. Because the undead are likely to be up close and personal, attack roll cantrips could be more difficult.
However, it is very important to understand that Toll the Dead is not a perfect solution. Some undead have resistance or even immunity to necrotic damage. Therefore, a diverse arsenal of cantrips is still beneficial.
Other cantrips to consider when fighting undead include:
- Fire Bolt: This is a solid all-around damage cantrip. It’s ranged, and it deals fire damage, which is a decent fallback against undead. Some undead are even vulnerable to fire damage.
- Chill Touch: This cantrip prevents healing and grants disadvantage, making it very useful against regenerating and more difficult undead. It also deals necrotic damage, but it is important to note, that unlike toll the dead, this is a d8.
- Eldritch Blast: It is considered the best cantrip in the game, with very few downsides. It does force damage, which many undead aren’t resistant to, and is a reliable ranged damage cantrip, even though it is not specialized against undead.
Ultimately, the “best” cantrip will often come down to the specific encounter and your character’s build. A balanced mix of damage types and utility is ideal for any caster facing a variety of undead.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are all undead weak to radiant damage?
No, not all undead are vulnerable to radiant damage. While many undead have vulnerability to radiant damage, some are resistant or immune, and others have no special reaction at all. Always check the specific stat block of the undead you’re facing.
2. What is the most common damage resistance for undead?
Many undead are resistant to necrotic damage, poison damage, and non-magical weapons. However, this can vary between undead types.
3. Do healing spells damage undead?
No, standard healing spells like Cure Wounds and Healing Word do not damage undead. While some specific spells like Harm do have different effects with undead, they generally simply have no effect on undead targets.
4. Can undead be affected by mind-altering spells?
Generally no. Undead are immune to a wide variety of conditions, like charm, fright and any other form of mind-affecting spells, as well as diseases and poisons.
5. Can turning undead destroy them?
Yes. A Cleric’s Turn Undead feature can destroy undead creatures of a certain CR if they fail their saving throw. This feature can be incredibly effective, destroying lower CR undead instantly.
6. Is Eldritch Blast a good cantrip for fighting undead?
Yes, Eldritch Blast is a solid cantrip against undead. It deals force damage, which is a damage type that few undead are resistant to, and it provides reliable, ranged damage.
7. What are the strongest undead in D&D 5e?
Some of the most powerful undead creatures include: Mind Flayer Liches, Liches, Nightwalkers, Demiliches, and Death Knights. These creatures are formidable threats and require considerable effort to defeat.
8. Do cantrips get stronger as you level up?
Yes, most damage cantrips increase in power at character levels 5, 11, and 17. This ensures that cantrips remain relevant throughout a campaign.
9. Can I use cantrips infinitely?
Yes, you can cast cantrips an unlimited number of times. This makes them a reliable resource for any spellcasting character.
10. What if I am a melee character facing undead?
Melee characters should focus on using magical weapons or spells cast by allies to bypass resistances. Try to position yourself to flank, and attack targets your allies can’t hit.
11. How can I tell if an undead is resistant or vulnerable to a damage type?
Refer to the creature’s stat block. It will list any damage vulnerabilities, resistances, and immunities.
12. What are some good utility cantrips against undead?
While damage is crucial, utility cantrips can also be helpful. Consider cantrips like Minor Illusion to distract or create cover, or Guidance to boost skill checks. The best choice would be to focus on damage dealing cantrips, while leaving utility spells to your party members.
13. Is Chill Touch good against undead?
Yes, Chill Touch can be very effective against undead, particularly those that regenerate. It prevents them from regaining health and it can impose disadvantage on attack rolls, providing great utility against those more difficult undead.
14. Can you use two cantrips in a turn?
Yes, if you cast a bonus action spell, the only other spell you can cast that turn is a cantrip with an action. This allows spellcasters to use a bonus action spell, and then cast a cantrip for some extra damage or utility.
15. Are cantrips worth it?
Absolutely. Cantrips provide reliable damage or indispensable utility for spellcasters and don’t consume any spell slots. They are a crucial tool for any spellcasting adventurer.
By understanding the nuances of cantrips and the vulnerabilities of undead, you can greatly improve your party’s chances of success in your D&D campaigns. Always remember to adapt your strategy and spells based on the specific threats you face!