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"A high-pitched howl echoes around you as you continue your trek up the steep mountainside. The bitter winds on your skin and three consecutive days of travel have made you tired. You feel your knees tremble under you with every step forward and threaten to give out at any moment."
Exhaustion in Dungeons & Dragons 5thEdition is a brutal mechanic once you get into it. But it comes with a few complications that make it a bit confusing for newer game masters and players.
What is exhaustion? How does it work? what causes it how to cure it
This article covers everything a beginner needs to know about D&D 5e fatigue rules.
Let's start by explaining what Fatigue is in D&D 5e.
5e exhaustion declared
Exhaustion is a special state in D&D 5e. It represents the physical toll of adventures or magical effects on your player character.
Basically, if your character exerts too much effort or suffers some weird, magical effect, it will become exhausted.
page 291 ofplayer manualdescribes exhaustion:
Some special abilities and environmental hazards, such as starvation and the long-term effects of freezing or scorching temperatures, can lead to a special condition known as exhaustion.
Exhaustion is a fun mechanic. But it's often overlooked because it's a bit complicated, and it can prove tricky to keep track of at times.
For easy reference, the fatigue rules in D&D 5e are broken down into three elements:
- fatigue levels
- What causes exhaustion
- How to fix fatigue
Let's get to the mechanically more solid aspect first; fatigue levels.
Degrees of exhaustion in 5e
Fatigue in 5e is broken down into six progressively harmful levels. Each imposes a new disability on a creature in addition to the previous one. So the more exhausted a character becomes, the less capable they become until they eventually succumb to exhaustion.
See, Fatigue in D&D isn't a once-and-done state like the others. With most other conditions in 5e, you either suffer from them or you don't. For example, you either suffer theattacked stateor not.
Fatigue will progressively get worse if your character doesn't address it.
But what are the different levels of fatigue in D&D?
As I said before, D&D has six levels of fatigue. Each one makes the adventure more and more difficult until the last level when your character dies.
Here's a handy depletion chart for reference.
| D&D 5e exhaustion table | |
|---|---|
| degree of exhaustion | exhaustion effect |
| 1 | Disadvantage in skill checks |
| 2 | Movement speed is halved |
| 3 | Disadvantage on attack rolls and saving throws |
| 4 | The hit point maximum is halved |
| 5 | Movement speed reduced to zero |
| 6 | Tod |
Let's break down each of these so you can see how they affect your character. The first level of exhaustion in D&D is impressiveDisadvantageon all yoursproficiency tests. This level primarily affects out-of-combat rolls, since it has no effect on your attack rolls or saving throws. So you do all skill checks at a disadvantage while suffering from level 1 fatigue. Do you have to do a strength test (track and field) to climb a cliff? Disadvantage. Are you trying to retrieve information about an esoteric tome that your party found using an Intelligence Test (Arcana)? Also disadvantage. You've volunteered to keep watch despite your exhaustion and your GM asks for a wisdom (perception) check? Disadvantage, disadvantage, disadvantage. That means if you attempt a grapple or escape a grapple effect and the ability doesn't trigger a saving throw, you're at a disadvantage. So, level 1 fatigue can play a role in combat in certain scenarios.Exhaustion Level 1: Skill Checks
Exhaustion level 2: Halves movement speed
The second level of fatigue in 5e halves your overall movement speed.
When you have two levels of fatigue, you move slower. While this will most likely be the most annoying in combat. But it also affects how fast your party moves when traveling.
Moving at half your overall speed slows the party down. When you need to get somewhere fast, you become a burden.
I don't say that to make it sound unfunny. But it presents a unique challenge for your group.
However, second tier fatigue probably affects melee combatants the most. If they can't move fast enough to engage their enemies, they become much less effective.
Fatigue Level 3: Attack rolls & saving throws
The third level of fatigue imposes attack rolls and a disadvantagesave litters.
This fatigue level basically makes every roll your character makesmuchmore difficult.
At this point, your character will be so exhausted that it will work at a much lower capacity in combat or on adventures. All attacks (even spell attack rolls) are rolled at disadvantage. And if they are subjected to an ability, spell, or trap that requires a saving throw, that roll is also rolled with disadvantage.
Also if your character is knocked unconscious and starts makingdeath saves, guess what?You also make deadly saves at disadvantage while suffering level 3 fatigue.
Exhaustion Level 4: Maximum hit points halved
The fourth level of fatigue halves yourshit point maximum.
This level of fatigue doesn't simply reduce your total hit points by half. Oh no it ismuchworse than that.
Reduce yoursmaximalHalf hit points means your character can only heal up to half of their total amount at a time. This is a major blow to any character's survivability. When you have half your total possible health, each hit is that much more dangerous.
Let's look at an example. Even if you got a 4thLevel Barbarian with a Constitution of 18 and you miraculously rolled maximum hit points, you'd have a maximum hit point of 63. With four levels of fatigue, this is reduced to 31. for a 4thFlat front line, combat-oriented class, that's a huge disadvantage. Also with the damage resistances of the barbarian with theirWutspecial feature.
Fatigue Level 5: Zero movement speed
The fifth level of fatigue reduces your character's speed to zero.
That's it.
If you have delayed recovering from your exhaustion level that far, you lose the ability to move at all. Your character becomes so tired and, well, exhausted that he loses all ability to move on his own.
Obviously this is a big problem for any character. class doesn't matter. And it is the crucial moment since the last stage of exhaustion is the end.
Exhaustion Level 6: Death
The sixth level of fatigue results in a creature's death.
That's the end of it.
No saving throw to stop him. No death saves. No cure.
Once your character reaches six levels of fatigue, he simply dies. The only way to recover at this point is through resurrection magic.
Now remember;Each level of exhaustion connects to the previous one.If you have two levels of fatigue, you are at a disadvantage on all skill checksand you move at half speed.
With that in mind, you might be wondering how you even get to exhaustion levels in D&D 5e. So let's look at how your character can suffer from fatigue.
What causes fatigue in D&D 5e?
Fatigue in 5e rarely results from a spell or ability. Instead, most causes of fatigue come from a creature pushing beyond sanity.
Unlike some other conditions, fatigue doesn't often result from a direct attack on a creature. Yes, there are spells and traits that impose a level of fatigue on a creature. But the most common cause of fatigue occurs during exploration or travel.
However, situations that add levels of fatigue fall into three general categories:
- adventure
- Magic
- monster skills
We'll start with the most common cause of fatigue; Adventure. Exploration and travel in a D&D world holds more dangers than monsters and traps. Extreme climate, lack of food or water and failure to find adequate rest, all cases of exhaustion. The most common sources of fatigue in D&D 5e occur outside of combat during adventures or travel. The funny thing about this mechanic isIt's really up to your game master what causes fatigue. If they feel that a particular choice or foray into an area would cause fatigue, or at least require a saving throw, that's up to them. However, there are several sources of fatigue that are detailed in the various D&D sourcebooks. There aren't that many spells that cause fatigue in 5e. But you have a few ways to magically impose fatigue on a creature. You might think that there are spells that inflict fatigue on a target. But that's actually not the case at all. As a matter of fact,only four spells that cause fatigue in 5e. Even then, only three report exhaustion as an effect or side effect of their casting. The fourth is more of a conclusion. I think there are two reasons for this. First of all, exhaustion is just so useful. It's really only of use to you when your enemy is suffering from multiple levels of fatigue. Just imposing the first level won't do you much good. So you have to take the time to cast a spell repeatedly to make it really worth it. Secondly, once you've managed to impose multiple levels of fatigue in a short amount of time, it becomes way too overwhelming. Once you put three levels of fatigue on a creature, it has a disadvantage on all of its rolls and moves at half its maximum speed. That's a big disadvantage. So it can't betoFatigue can easily be inflicted with a spell. Otherwise the mechanics will make it way too strong. With that in mind, you can see why there aren't that many spells that cause fatigue. But that doesn't mean they don't exist. The four spells in D&D 5e dasmayCauses of exhaustion are: Well, two of those are from the core rules of D&D and the other two are fromXanathar's Guide to Everything. So let's go into it in as much detail as possible. Some monsters in D&D 5e have abilities that inflict fatigue on another creature. As with spells, there aren't that many monsters with exhaustion effects in D&D. Also, none of these creatures are from the Core Rules orMonster Manual, so you'll need to look for additional sourcebooks if you want to access them. That is, although these creatures have the ability to inflict fatigue, they function similarly to the few spells that do the same thing. They usually involve some type of role and have a limited number of uses. So it's still a bit difficult to use these creatures as a method to impart fatigue levels to players. Anyway. Without further ado, here are the five creatures in D&D 5e that can cause fatigue: Each of these creatures has an ability that either directly inflicts a level of fatigue or has a long-term effect that adds levels over time.Causes of Fatigue: Adventure
Fatigue Causes: Spells
Fatigue Causes: Monster Abilities
How to remove exhaustion in 5e
In order. Now you know what Fatigue is in D&D and what causes it. But how do you fix fatigue?
While there are a few ways to gain fatigue, there aren't as many ways to cure it. Often your character needs to stop and rest to feel like their old self. However, there are a few faster ways to fix fatigue.
There are three basic ways to remove fatigue in 5e:
- Relax
- Magic
- magic items
Even then, these three ways to cure fatigue are pretty limited.
However, let's break down each of these methods, starting with the most traditional method. take a long nap. Completing a long pause in D&D 5e removes one level of fatigue provided you have enough food and water available. As simple as that. All you have to do is eat a good dinner, drink some water, get at least six hours of sleep, and you'll lose a single level of fatigue. Ending a long pause is the least resource-intensive way to fix fatigue. However, it takes a little longer if you have multiple exhaustion levels. See rules as writtenYou can only finish one long break every 24 hours. That means you can't knock off multiple long breaks over the course of a day. You have to split them up. So if your character has three or four levels of fatigue, it means that you will have to wait several days for him to return to normal. Well, all of this assumes you're playing with the standard long rest rules. If you use the optional variantEpic heroism, a long break lasts only an hour. That means youmayComplete several long breaks throughout a day, each eliminating a level of fatigue. There are a few spells that cure fatigue. But this is a literal "pair" of spells.Greater RecoveryAndWishcan heal one level of fatigue when cast. Yes, those are your only ways to remove fatigue with a spell. Thegreater recoveryThe spell specifically states, "You can decrease the target's fatigue level by one...." so it's actually pretty simple. But like a long break, it's just the only level. Then there are theWishCurse. The most powerful spell in D&D 5e actually takes things a bit further, stating "You allow up to twenty creatures you can see to regain all hit points, and you end all effects on them described in the larger restoration spell." Well, to me that reads like "You can reduce up to twenty creatures you can see by one level of fatigue" along with all that other stuff. Which is pretty powerful all in all. But in this situation, your GM must decide how this works. But that's it. You must have access to eithergreater recovery, a 5thLevel spells available until 17thLevel Constructors or 9DieLevel bards, clerics, druids and celestial warlocks or theWishmagic, a 9ebenSpells available until April 17ththLevel wizards, genius warlocks and sorcerers. There is exactly one magic item that cures fatigue; the potion of vitality. Yes. If you want to use a magic item to remove your exhaustion, you have an option. A very rare potion at that. However, the Potion of Vitality is the most effective way to fix Exhaustion in D&D 5e. The Potion of Vitality is as follows: When you drink this potion, it will remove any fatigue you are suffering from and heal any diseases or poisons that have afflicted you. Over the next 24 hours, you regain the maximum number of hit points for each Hit Die spent. The potion's crimson liquid pulses regularly with a dim light, resembling a heartbeat. See,removed the Potion of VitalityATLevels of exhaustion when consumed. Not one level at a time. So if you have multiple fatigue levels and are lucky enough to have a vitality potion handy, you'd better gulp down this sucker.Eliminate Fatigue: Rest
Remove Fatigue: Spell
Eliminate Fatigue: Magic Items
Fatigue immunity in 5e
There aren't really any general ways for a player character to gain immunity to the state of exhaustion. But some of5es creature typesand certain monsters are immune to it... meaning a character can gain that immunity, albeit temporarily.
For the most part (with only a few exceptions), player characters do not have the ability to gain immunity to fatigue. However, several monsters are immune to the exhausted condition.
Elementary, undead andconstructedall normally have an immunity to fatigue. Which makes sense since many of these creatures aren't actually "alive," or at least not anymore. So they don't suffer the effects of fatigue because they just can't get tired since their bodies don't function like living beings.
So these creatures can't even reach strain levels, let alone suffer their effects. But what about those niche situations when a player character is immune to fatigue?
Well, it's complicated.
Normally,The only time a player character gains immunity to fatigue is when transformed into a creature with immunity.
So the druidsWilde FormFeature (but only for Circle of the Moon and at a very high level) and spells likepolymorphcan grant immunity to the exhausted conditionby transformation into a suitable being.
High-ranking lunar druids can use theirsWilde FormFunction to transform into elementals. Since elementals are immune to fatigue, the druid effectively has that immunity while transformed.
That last part is the important bit.A character that transforms into a creature with immunity to fatigue only has that immunitywhile transformed. And this works the same way for spells aspolymorphorshape changethat let you transform into other creatures.
See, the thing is, none of those spells or traits mention removing conditions. once yoursWilde Formor the transformation spell ends, you revert to your original form with all your accumulated fatigue levels.
So many monsters in D&D 5e are immune to the exhausted condition. But it's difficult for player characters to enjoy the same benefit.
Frequently asked questions about exhaustion of D&D 5e
Does fatigue carry over to polymorph?
Yes; Fatigue spreads to creatures affected by itpolymorphQuickly.Polymorphdoesn't specifically say it removes conditions, so rules as written, exhaustion is even carried over into the polymorphic form.
Now when a creature transforms into a creature with immunity to the state of exhaustion, it does not suffer the effects of exhaustionwhile transformed. Once they return to their original form, they have maintained their previous fatigue level ever sincepolymorphdoes not specifically say it cures disease.
That said, this is a fairly GM-dependent decision. So ask your GM what his decision will be should the circumstance arise.
Do short breaks prevent fatigue?
In a way yes;short breaksprevent fatigue. Since traveling longer than eight hours continuously requires a Constitution check, stopping for a brief rest for an hour ensures that you don't need to save against fatigue during the journey. That said, short breaks don't remove fatigue levels, so they don'tImmediatelyprevent it.
Do itOtherSpell causes fatigue?
NO; TheOtherSpell does not cause fatigue in D&D 5e.
I've seen quite a few people online claiming thatOthergrants the target a fatigue level when the spell ends. But that's actually not true at all. The spell doesn't mention fatigue at all, so it doesn't cause it when it ends.
Summary of Fatigue in D&D 5e
That was it for fatigue in 5e.
Exhaustion is a special condition that progressively gets worse as you level up your character. As the condition worsens, your throws become penalized, your movement speed decreases, your maximum hit points decrease, and eventually your character dies. Many things cause fatigue, from traveling too long without stopping, not eating or drinking enough, from the effects of a spell to a monster's abilities. And the ways to eliminate fatigue are few and often slow.
ImaximumEncourage game masters to use exhaustion in their games.
Exhaustion is often an afterthought that rarely has much impact over the course of a campaign. But think of the challenge it poses to adventurers.
By showing players that their characters suffer from these more mundane conditions, they then have to consider how hard they are progressing.
Also, there's a really fun and semi-violent homebrew that I've seen a couple of times. Each time a character is knocked unconscious,Give them a level of exhaustion when they recover.
Reaching zero hit points is sometimes scary for players. But it often becomes trivial when the party has a cleric or other class filling the party. When you include consequences beyond unconsciousness, it forces players to think more carefully and consider their actions more carefully.
Do you use fatigue in your game? Leave a comment below with your stories.
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FAQs
How does fatigue work D&D 5e? ›
The player or creature simply needs to take one long rest to recover one point of exhaustion. This means that if a player has five levels of exhaustion, then they will need five long rests before they are fully recovered. In addition, the long rest must also include the consumption of food and water.
How do you get rid of fatigue in 5e? ›The only way for characters to remove a level of exhaustion is by finishing a long rest (if they have plenty of food and clean water available). Notice that it only removes a single level of exhaustion! So if a character has multiple levels of exhaustion, it can take quite a while, in-game, to get back to normal.
How can I battle fatigue? ›- Eat often to beat tiredness. ...
- Get moving. ...
- Lose weight to gain energy. ...
- Sleep well. ...
- Reduce stress to boost energy. ...
- Talking therapy beats fatigue. ...
- Cut out caffeine. ...
- Drink less alcohol.
Fatigue can slow down reaction times, reduce attention or concentration, limit short-term memory and impair judgement. High levels of fatigue can affect any worker in any occupation or industry with serious consequences for worker safety and health.
Can you rage while exhausted? ›no, you can become fatigued and still stay in rage, fatigue doesn't stop you from maintaining your current rage, you just can't start a new rage if you're fatigued.
How do I fix game fatigue fast? ›Take breaks during streaming or gaming
To aid in preventing gaming fatigue, you'll need to step away from your stream or your video game of choice and do something else—anything else. Find something you enjoy, and schedule time away from the grind. Even more importantly, schedule time away from the place you work.
...
How to Feel Refreshed
- Change your nutritional intake. ...
- Exercise regularly. ...
- Get enough sleep. ...
- Take daily multivitamins and supplements. ...
- Undergo an IV infusion treatment.
The 5th level spell Greater Restoration is available to Bards, Clerics, and Druids, and removes one level of exhaustion. The DMG includes the Potion of Vitality, a very rare potion that among other benefits removes exhaustion. Outside of that, resting is the only answer.
Can you go over 20 stats 5e? ›A score of 18 is the highest that a person usually reaches. Adventurers can have scores as high as 20, and Monsters and divine beings can have scores as high as 30.
How much does fatigue affect performance? ›Fatigue can affect a person's performance in a variety of ways. People who are fatigued are more easily distracted, are less able to concentrate, tend to forget things more easily, take longer to solve problems, make more mistakes, have slower reaction times, and take more risks than they might otherwise.
What are 3 types of fatigue? ›
There are three types of fatigue: transient, cumulative, and circadian: Transient fatigue is acute fatigue brought on by extreme sleep restriction or extended hours awake within 1 or 2 days.
Can you reverse fatigue? ›If constant fatigue is holding you back, know that you are not alone. By addressing the underlying causes of fatigue, you have the power to reverse your fatigue and start feeling like yourself again!
What are two effects of fatigue? ›Fatigue can cause a vast range of other physical, mental and emotional symptoms including: chronic tiredness or sleepiness. headache. dizziness.
What is the fatigue severity scale? ›The Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) is a method of evaluating the impact of fatigue on you. The FSS is a short questionnaire that requires you to rate your level of fatigue. The FSS questionnaire contains nine statements that rate the severity of your fatigue symptoms.
Does fatigue affect response time? ›Studies have shown that even a low level of fatigue can impair reaction times as much or more than being legally drunk. Sleep deprivation has an impact comparable to intoxication by alcohol, which for athletes can have a major impact on their game.
How many turns is 1 minute in D&D? ›Each round takes 6 seconds of time in the game world. So a combat that lasts 10 rounds occurs for the characters in the game over the course of a minute.
Does polymorph remove exhaustion? ›Yes, an exhausted creature that is polymorphed is still exhausted.
Can warforged suffer from exhaustion? ›A Warforged is indeed a sturdy soldier. But while they may not need to sleep, they can get fatigued. In particular, none of their abilities say they are immune to exhaustion due to a forced march. You can consider it as wear on their joints or overheating for explanation.
How do I stop game urges? ›Pick up a sport, or start a new exercise routine. Try to spend more time in nature – go for a hike or a run. You can even try to start meditating and cultivating more internal awareness. If you can come to terms with the reason you play video games in the first place, it will be easier to find ways to avoid gaming.
How do I not get tired before a game? ›- Don't forget to sleep. Get some good rest the night before a game. ...
- Start with a good breakfast and lunch. ...
- H20 is your friend, so drink lots of it. ...
- Sports drinks to the rescue. ...
- Beware of energy drinks. ...
- Keep snacks on deck. ...
- Halftime = break time. ...
- Practice makes perfect.
How do you get rid of game performance anxiety? ›
Magavi advises that gamers listen to their favorite song in tandem with taking “several deep breaths to slow down their respiratory rate and prevent panic.” Whenever you happen to observe a change in mood or breathing, taking a break to practice breathing or exercising can relieve gamers of anxiety.
How do you beat afternoon fatigue? ›- Steer clear of caffeine. It's tempting to reach for another cup of joe when your energy starts lagging. ...
- Step into the sunshine. ...
- Take a walk. ...
- Get sufficient sleep. ...
- Drink more water. ...
- Eat a healthy snack. ...
- Meditate. ...
- Turn on some tunes.
- Don't miss breakfast. The best way to keep your energy level at peak performance is to start the day with breakfast. ...
- Pick high-energy carbs. ...
- Snack wisely. ...
- Choose low-fat. ...
- Don't overdo sugar. ...
- Sleep well. ...
- Tank up on fluids. ...
- Get a caffeine boost.
In part, it is physiological: Our normal circadian cycle dictates a period of sleepiness or decreased alertness in the afternoon. However, sleep disorders, medical disorders, stress, insaufficient sleep or poor eating habits can also cause excessive sleepiness at this time.
Can you use lesser restoration on exhaustion? ›A Lesser Restoration spell would immediately remove the fatigued condition imposed by lack of sleep or sleeping in armor but would not reset the time that you have gone without sleep, in the event that the latter time matters in any way.
What is the strongest healing spell in DND? ›- 8 Spare The Dying.
- 7 Lesser Restoration.
- 6 Aid.
- 5 Gentle Repose.
- 4 Life Transference.
- 3 Revivify.
- 2 Prayer Of Healing.
- 1 Heal.
Level 5 exhaustion
Nothing in the spell description says it affects only those creatures who died from HP loss, so yes, a creature died from exhaustion can be returned to life with Revivify.
The paladin is perhaps the most powerful combatant of all of D&D 5e's classes. It combines the best aspects of the fighter and cleric into a single character. Paladins get a fighter's weapons, spellcasting like a cleric, and several unique features. These together make them terrifying to fight.
What is the hardest 5e module? ›Curse of Strahd is one of 5e's hardest campaigns by design. It takes place in the dark, horror-themed setting of Ravenloft and casts the players as underdogs against the powerful Strahd.
Does age matter in 5e? ›Older characters gain less benefits from rest, gaining back 1/4 of their hit dice on a long rest and only being able to spend half of their hit dice on a short rest. This allows the venerable characters to "try to keep up" while providing a nagging reminder that they are really to old for this sort of thing.
Is a Dirty 20 a crit 5e? ›
As described here in the official 5e (basic) rules: If the d20 roll for an attack is a 20, the attack hits regardless of any modifiers or the target's AC. This is called a critical hit, which is explained later in this chapter.
Does a nat 20 Always save 5e? ›Automatic hit/success
Contrary to popular belief, a natural 20 is not an automatic success on skill checks or ability checks in D&D 3rd, 4th, or 5th edition. It is not an automatic success on saving throws in D&D 5th edition.
There are no medical tests to measure fatigue. But a good way to describe fatigue is on a scale of 1 to 10. Where 1 means you don't feel tired at all and 10 means the worst tiredness you can imagine. Some may use a questionnaire to help them work out how it's affecting you.
Does fatigue affect self efficacy? ›All the studied relationships were statistically significant. Fatigue was positively associated with the results of physical disability and physical and psychological impact of MS and negatively with the results of self-efficacy and acceptance of illness.
Does fatigue affect perception? ›Conclusions: Findings indicate sleep deprivation and fatigue increase perceptions of task difficulty, promote skipping instructions, and impair systematic evaluation of unappealing stimuli compared to naturally-experienced sleep.
What is fatigue action? ›Fatigue is a common non-specific symptom experienced by many people and is associated with many health conditions. Often defined as an overwhelming sense of tiredness, lack of energy and feeling of exhaustion, fatigue relates to a difficulty in performing voluntary tasks. 1.
What are the 3 types of fatigue? ›There are three types of fatigue: transient, cumulative, and circadian: Transient fatigue is acute fatigue brought on by extreme sleep restriction or extended hours awake within 1 or 2 days.
What is fatigue formula? ›The fatigue ( S – N ) curve of the material (cf. Fig. 1) is N f = Aσ a– m , with the constants m = 4.0 and A = 5.0 × 1013 (for σ a given in MPa).
What is fatigue example? ›Fatigue is a lack of energy and motivation. Drowsiness and apathy (a feeling of not caring about what happens) can be symptoms that go along with fatigue. Fatigue can be a normal and important response to physical activity, emotional stress, boredom, or lack of sleep.