Unraveling Cold Resistance in D&D 5th Edition
What is the cold resistance spell in D&D? There isn’t a single spell named “Cold Resistance” in the standard D&D 5th Edition spell list. Instead, the effect of cold resistance, which halves cold damage taken, can be achieved through various means such as magic items, certain creature abilities, or the effects of specific spells. The article you provided references an old cleric spell, which is not part of the current edition’s rules. In 5e, rather than a dedicated spell, cold resistance is a trait bestowed through various avenues. This article will explore those different paths to gaining protection against the chilling effects of cold damage in D&D 5e.
Understanding Cold Damage in D&D 5e
Before delving into how to resist cold damage, let’s understand what we’re dealing with. In D&D 5e, cold damage is a specific damage type that can be inflicted by various sources, including:
- Spells: Spells like Cone of Cold, Frostbite, Ice Storm, and Ray of Frost deal direct cold damage.
- Creature Attacks: Some monsters, like white dragons, ice mephits, and other creatures with a connection to cold, deal cold damage with their natural attacks.
- Environmental Hazards: Extreme cold environments can inflict cold damage, leading to exhaustion if characters aren’t prepared.
The Impact of Cold Damage
Cold damage can have debilitating effects, not only reducing hit points but potentially triggering additional harmful consequences based on the source of the cold attack. For instance, Cone of Cold can turn creatures into frozen statues upon death, while environmental cold can lead to exhaustion levels. Therefore, cold resistance is a powerful defense to possess.
Achieving Cold Resistance in D&D 5e
As mentioned, instead of a single spell, cold resistance is available through a variety of means. Here’s an overview:
Magic Items
Several magic items in D&D 5e grant cold resistance. Some notable examples include:
- Ring of Cold Resistance: This Rare magic item provides straightforward resistance to cold damage, halving any damage you take from cold sources.
- Ring of Warmth: This Uncommon magic item not only grants cold resistance but also provides protection against the effects of extreme cold, specifically temperatures down to -50 degrees Fahrenheit. This double benefit makes it highly valuable for adventures in harsh winter environments.
Creature Abilities
Certain creatures inherently possess cold resistance. This can be a racial trait, a monster ability, or even a class feature. Here are some examples:
- Goliaths: This playable race has natural resistance to cold damage.
- Devils: Many devils, particularly those associated with the Nine Hells, have cold resistance.
- Certain Monsters: Many creatures that dwell in cold regions, such as remorhazes and frost giants, possess cold resistance.
Spells and Class Features
While there isn’t a direct “cold resistance” spell, certain spells or class features offer temporary or conditional resistance:
- Aura of Vitality (Cleric): This spell provides healing, and while it doesn’t directly grant resistance, it can negate the damage from some sources.
- Wild Shape (Druid): Druids can transform into creatures with cold resistance, gaining the benefit for the duration of the transformation.
- Certain Subclass Features: Some subclass features in classes like the Ranger or Sorcerer may offer forms of cold resistance or immunity, dependent on subclass choice.
Temporary Resistance
Occasionally, a player character might encounter temporary benefits or environmental factors that provide cold resistance, such as:
- Blessings: A blessing from a deity or powerful entity might grant temporary resistance to a specific type of damage.
- Potions: Potions could be brewed, found, or purchased that provide temporary cold resistance, though they are not a common effect in standard D&D 5e.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Cold Resistance in D&D 5e
1. What is the difference between resistance and immunity in D&D 5e?
Resistance means that a creature takes half damage from the specified damage type. Immunity means a creature takes no damage from that damage type.
2. Does cold resistance stack with other resistances?
No, resistances to the same damage type do not stack. If you have cold resistance from multiple sources, you still take half damage from cold.
3. Does cold resistance protect against environmental cold?
The Ring of Warmth does specifically protect against environmental cold effects up to a certain temperature (-50°F). Regular cold resistance only halves cold damage, but does not negate the need to make saving throws from extreme cold temperatures.
4. Can I gain cold immunity in D&D 5e?
Yes, but it’s rare. The most common way to gain cold immunity is by becoming an undead creature. Certain class features or powerful magic items could also confer it, but they are not commonly encountered.
5. Does exhaustion impact cold resistance?
No, **exhaustion** is a condition caused by environmental or magical effects that causes penalties. It is not directly related to cold resistance. However, not making saving throws against extreme cold can give exhaustion, so protection is key.
6. What is the saving throw for cold damage?
Generally, there isn't a specific saving throw associated with cold damage itself. The source of the cold damage will often specify what kind of save (often **Constitution**) is required to mitigate the effect. Environmental cold usually has a **Constitution saving throw** against exhaustion.
7. How does the Cone of Cold spell work?
Cone of Cold is a spell that deals 8d8 cold damage in a 60-foot cone. It requires a Constitution saving throw to take half damage. Creatures that die from the spell become frozen statues until they thaw.
8. Can I use Absorb Elements for cold damage?
Yes, the *Absorb Elements* spell allows you to absorb the incoming energy from cold damage, halving damage you take and adding an additional damage dice to your next melee attack.
9. Are there any specific classes that are good at resisting cold damage?
Some classes or subclasses may have abilities or features that make them better suited to deal with cold. Druids who can wild shape into creatures with resistance or Goliaths are good examples.
10. What other creatures in D&D 5e typically have cold resistance?
Creatures native to cold environments, like white dragons, ice devils, frost giants, and ice mephits, frequently have resistance or immunity to cold damage.
11. How does Frostbite cantrip deal with cold damage?
The *Frostbite* cantrip deals a small amount of cold damage (**1d6**) and imposes disadvantage on the target's next weapon attack roll if they fail a **Constitution saving throw**.
12. Do any spells convert damage to cold damage?
There are not any standard spells that convert damage types to cold damage. Spells like Elemental Weapon can change damage to other types, but cold damage is not a common choice.
13. How does extreme cold affect non-resistant characters in D&D 5e?
Characters exposed to temperatures at or below 0 degrees Fahrenheit must make a DC 10 **Constitution saving throw** at the end of each hour to avoid gaining a level of **exhaustion**.
14. What is the difference between the Chill Touch and Ray of Frost spells?
*Chill Touch* deals **necrotic** damage and prevents the target from regaining hit points until the start of your next turn. *Ray of Frost* deals **cold** damage and reduces the target's speed by 10ft until the end of your next turn.
15. Where can I find more information about damage types in D&D 5e?
The **Player’s Handbook** and the **Dungeon Master’s Guide** both have sections dedicated to damage types and their effects.
Conclusion
While there isn’t a singular “cold resistance spell,” understanding the various ways to achieve cold resistance is crucial for surviving in frigid environments or against cold-wielding foes. From magic items and racial traits to class abilities, there are diverse paths to protect your character from the chilling effects of cold damage. Knowing how to mitigate or negate cold damage is an essential part of mastering D&D 5th Edition. Equip your adventurer wisely, and may your journeys be free from frostbite!