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Hit Points & Hit Dice

Hit points measure how much damage you can take before falling unconscious. Hit Dice determine your starting HP and can be spent to heal during short rests.

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Understanding Hit PointsHit Dice by ClassSpending Hit DiceTemporary Hit PointsCommon MistakesDM Tips

Understanding Hit Points

Hit points represent a combination of physical durability, will to live, and luck. When you reach 0 HP, you fall unconscious and start making death saving throws.

Starting HP at 1st Level:

  • Maximum roll of your class's Hit Die + Constitution modifier
  • Wizard (d6) with +2 Con: 6 + 2 = 8 HP
  • Barbarian (d12) with +3 Con: 12 + 3 = 15 HP

HP at Higher Levels:

  • Roll your Hit Die OR take the average (rounded up)
  • Add Constitution modifier per level
  • Most players take the average for consistency

Hit Dice by Class

Hit DieClassesAverage per Level
d6Sorcerer, Wizard4
d8Bard, Cleric, Druid, Monk, Rogue, Warlock5
d10Fighter, Paladin, Ranger6
d12Barbarian7

Hit Dice Are Also a Resource:

  • You have Hit Dice equal to your level
  • Spend them during short rests to heal
  • Recover half (rounded down, minimum 1) on long rest

Spending Hit Dice

During a Short Rest:

  • Spend any number of Hit Dice
  • Roll each die, add Constitution modifier
  • Regain that many hit points
  • Decide after each roll whether to spend more

Example (Level 5 Fighter, +3 Con):

  • You have 5d10 Hit Dice
  • Spend 2d10: Roll 7 + 4 = 11, plus 6 (Con × 2) = 17 HP healed
  • 3d10 remaining for later

Recovery:

  • Long rest recovers half your total Hit Dice (minimum 1)
  • Level 7 character recovers 3 Hit Dice per long rest
  • You can't exceed your maximum Hit Dice

Temporary Hit Points

How Temporary HP Works:

  • A buffer that absorbs damage first
  • Doesn't stack - take the higher value
  • Lasts until depleted or you finish a long rest
  • Can't be healed - only replaced with higher amount

Common Sources:

Common Mistakes

Common Mistake
Rolling HP at 1st level instead of taking maximum
Common Mistake
Forgetting to add Con modifier when leveling up
Common Mistake
Stacking temporary hit points (you take the higher)
Common Mistake
Not recovering Hit Dice on long rest
Common Mistake
Confusing Hit Dice with hit points

DM Tips

DM Tip
Average HP keeps game balance predictable
DM Tip
Constitution is valuable for everyone
DM Tip
Track player Hit Dice to know their healing capacity
DM Tip
Tough feat adds 2 HP per level - significant for low-HP classes