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Tough

Complete guide to the Tough feat in D&D 5e. Gain massive HP increases, improve survivability, and become nearly unkillable with this simple but powerful feat.

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BenefitMechanicsSynergiesCommon MistakesDM TipsSources

Benefit

Your hit point maximum increases by an amount equal to twice your level when you gain this feat. Whenever you gain a level thereafter, your hit point maximum increases by an additional 2 hit points.

Mechanics

Tough is a straightforward feat that dramatically increases your durability: **Retroactive HP Increase:** Your hit point maximum increases by twice your level when you take this feat. If you take it at 4th level, you immediately gain 8 HP. **Ongoing HP Increase:** Whenever you gain a level, your hit point maximum increases by an additional 2 HP beyond your normal Hit Die + CON modifier. **The Math:** - At level 4: +8 HP - At level 8: +16 HP - At level 12: +24 HP - At level 20: +40 HP **Important Details:** - This is retroactive - you get HP for all previous levels - It's equivalent to +2 CON for HP purposes, but doesn't improve CON saves - Works with temporary HP and other HP increases - Affects your maximum HP, not current HP

Synergies

  • *Barbarian Rage - More HP means more time spent raging and tanking
  • *Bear Totem Barbarian - Resistance to damage makes the extra HP even more valuable
  • *Hill Dwarf - Stack with Dwarven Toughness for incredible HP
  • *Abjuration Wizard Arcane Ward - More HP to survive while your ward recharges
  • *Front-line fighters - Anyone who takes hits benefits
  • *Durable feat - Stack for even more HP
  • *False Life spell - More base HP means bigger buffer

Common Mistakes

Common Mistake
Thinking Tough increases CON saves or checks - it only affects HP
Common Mistake
Taking Tough instead of increasing CON - CON gives saves, checks, and HP
Common Mistake
Not realizing it's retroactive - you get the HP for all levels immediately
Common Mistake
Taking Tough on classes with high Hit Dice (d10 or d12) - they already have good HP
Common Mistake
Forgetting that prevention is better than HP - AC and saves matter more

DM Tips

DM Tip
Tough makes characters survive longer but doesn't make encounters harder
DM Tip
This feat is most impactful on low-HP classes (Wizards, Sorcerers)
DM Tip
Consider that extra HP just prolongs fights - adjust encounter difficulty
DM Tip
Tough is simple and boring but very effective
DM Tip
This feat is a 'safe' choice that always provides value
DM Tip
Players who keep getting knocked out will appreciate Tough

Sources & Further Reading