Unconscious Condition 5e
An unconscious creature is incapacitated, can't move or speak, is unaware of its surroundings, drops what it's holding, and falls prone.
Effect
- An unconscious creature is incapacitated, can't move or speak, and is unaware of its surroundings.
- The creature drops whatever it's holding and falls prone.
- The creature automatically fails Strength and Dexterity saving throws.
- Attack rolls against the creature have advantage.
- Any attack that hits the creature from within 5 feet is a critical hit.
Common Sources
Dropping to 0 hit points (non-lethal or death saves), Sleep spell, being knocked out, and some poisons or monster abilities.
Key Interactions
- Unconscious from 0 HP → death saving throws. Unconscious from Sleep → waking up takes an action from an ally or taking damage.
- The auto-crit from melee (within 5 ft) means two failed death saves from a single melee hit on an unconscious PC at 0 HP.
- An unconscious creature is also prone — ranged attacks from far away still have disadvantage.
- Healing an unconscious creature at 0 HP restores consciousness immediately.
Common Mistakes
Common Mistake
Forgetting that melee hits on unconscious creatures are auto-crits — this means 2 death save failures
Common Mistake
Not dropping the creature <a href="/rules/conditions/prone-condition-5e/">prone</a> when they fall unconscious
Common Mistake
Attacking unconscious creatures at range without noting the <a href="/rules/conditions/prone-condition-5e/">prone</a> disadvantage
DM Tips
DM Tip
Intelligent enemies may attack downed PCs to finish them off — use this sparingly for tension