DnD 5e Bludgeoning Damage Explained
Do you want to get better at playing Dungeons and Dragons in Fifth Edition but don’t understand the rules around bludgeoning damage?

Dungeons and Dragons are one of the most popular role-playing games of all time. Each edition has its own set of rules for calculating damage, and bludgeoning damage can be confusing in the Fifth Edition or 5e.
Bludgeoning damage isn’t always easy to understand when you’re new to playing Dungeons and Dragons 5e, but once it’s explained, it can help any player master the game. In this article, we’ll take a look at what bludgeoning damage is, how it’s calculated, and the situations in which it is most effective. By understanding how bludgeoning damage works in DnD 5e, you’ll be able to make more informed decisions during combat scenarios.
DnD 5e Bludgeoning Damage Explained – The GM Says
Bludgeoning damage is one of the core types of damage that can be inflicted in a Dungeons & Dragons 5e world. It is caused by spells or creatures, such as giants, maces, and thunderwave spells. Bludgeoning damage is caused by blunt force to batter, crack, and crush opponents. Falling in D&D 5e results in bludgeoning damage after plummeting from a certain height; 1d6 bludgeoning damage per ten feet fallen with a maximum of 20d6 bludgeoning damage.
Characters can gain resistance to bludgeoning damage through certain race and class options that involve earth elementals. This means they will take less physical harm when attacked with this type of weapon or spell. It is important for players to understand the different types of damage that can occur in their game so they can make informed decisions about how best to protect themselves and their party members from harm.
What causes Bludgeoning Damage?
Bludgeoning damage is a type of mundane damage caused by blunt force trauma. It is most commonly inflicted through melee weapons such as maces and staves but can also be caused by falling or other sources of blunt force trauma. Bludgeoning damage can be inflicted by most creatures in DnD, either through weapons or body parts, and a few spells can also cause this type of damage.
The effects of bludgeoning damage can vary depending on the source and severity of the attack. Generally speaking, it causes physical injuries such as broken ribs and bruises. In some cases, it can even cause internal bleeding or organ failure if the attack is powerful enough. Bludgeoning damage is often used to describe attacks from Hill Giants’ great clubs, which are capable of inflicting massive amounts of damage due to their size and weight. Regardless of the source, bludgeoning damage should always be taken seriously, as it can have serious consequences if left untreated.
Bludgeoning Damage Monster Examples
Bludgeoning damage is a type of physical damage caused by blunt force attacks. It can be inflicted by creatures with appendages, such as fists, clubs, and tails, or by creatures without weapons. Examples of bludgeoning damage include the pseudopod attack of a mimic, which deals 1d8 bludgeoning damage, and creatures slamming themselves into their targets to deal 1d6 bludgeoning damage. Bludgeoning damage can also be caused by spells such as Magic Missile and Finger of Death which deal force and necrotic damage respectively.
Mental damage is caused by psionic blasts from mind flayers, while radiant damage is caused by clerics’ spells or angels’ smiting weapons. Slashing damage is caused by swords, axes, and claws, while thunder damage is caused by concussive bursts of sound. All these types of damage are used in various ways to create unique monsters that can challenge players in different ways. For example, a creature with an acid breath attack.
Bludgeoning Damage
Bludgeoning damage is a type of blunt force trauma caused by a variety of sources, such as falling from a great height, being struck with a club, or being crushed in the grip of a giant boa constrictor. It can result in deep purple bruises, cracked ribs, and shattered bones. Bludgeoning damage can be incredibly painful and cause significant loss of HP. Taking proper precautions when engaging in activities that could lead to bludgeoning damage, such as wearing protective gear or avoiding dangerous situations, is important.

When faced with an enemy wielding a weapon capable of causing bludgeoning damage, it is important to be aware of the potential for injury and take steps to protect oneself. For example, if fighting against a Hill Giant armed with its great club, it would be wise to keep one’s distance and use ranged attacks instead of attempting to engage in close combat. Taking these precautions can help minimize the risk of serious injury from bludgeoning damage.
Bludgeoning Damage Weapons
Bludgeoning damage weapons are a common type of weapon found in the Player’s Handbook. These weapons include clubs, maces, morningstars, quarterstaffs, and Warhammer. They are mainly found in the Melee Martial Weapons section, with a few thrown weapons that inflict bludgeoning damage. Skeletons and other creatures take double damage from bludgeoning attacks, making them an effective way to deal with these foes. There are also monsters that are resistant or immune to all non-magical bludgeoning, piercing and slashing damage.
The Crusher Feat from Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything is particularly useful for characters who use bludgeoning weapons as it increases Strength or Constitution by 1 and grants proficiency in bludgeoning weapons. It is important to note that Black Puddings and Ochre Jellies are not harmed by slashing damage but instead split into two new oozes when subjected to it.
Bludgeoning Damage Spell Examples
Bludgeoning damage is a type of physical trauma caused by blunt force, such as being struck with a club or falling from a great height. It can cause deep purple bruises, cracked ribs, and shattered bones. In the world of magic, bludgeoning damage can be inflicted on both structures and creatures. For example, near a building or structure, it takes 50 points of bludgeoning damage, and any creatures within half the distance of the height must make a Dex saving throw or take 5d6 bludgeoning damage. Hand-to-hand combat also causes bludgeoning damage; punching and grasping hold of creatures causes 2d6 bludgeoning damage.
Spells that are all about hitting something really hard also exist, such as those that cause an explosion or create a shockwave. These spells can cause massive amounts of bludgeoning damage to anything in their path. Bludgeoning damage is often seen in medical dramas like Grey’s Anatomy when characters suffer broken bones.
What Does Bludgeoning Damage Look Like?
Bludgeoning damage is a type of blunt force trauma that can be caused by a variety of sources. It is most commonly inflicted through mundane melee attacks, such as maces and staves, but it can also come from creatures like Hill Giants with their great clubs. Falling damage is also considered bludgeoning damage due to the blunt force trauma it causes. Bludgeoning damage can cause broken bones and other physical trauma, pain, and injury.

Most creatures in DnD can inflict bludgeoning damage, either through weapons or body parts and a few spells can do so as well. The effects of bludgeoning damage vary depending on the source and severity of the attack, but they often include bruises, cuts, scrapes, swelling, internal bleeding, and even fractures. In some cases, the victim may experience shock or unconsciousness due to the trauma inflicted by the attack. Bludgeoning damage is an important factor to consider when playing.
Wrap Up
Damage is an integral part of Dungeons and Dragons 5e. It can come from various sources, from mundane weapons to powerful spells. Knowing the different types of damage and how they interact with each other is essential for any Dungeon Master looking to create a challenging and engaging experience for their players.
This article has provided an overview of the various types of damage available in D&D 5e, as well as some tips on how to use them effectively in your games. With this knowledge, you can create exciting encounters that will keep your players on their toes. Thanks for taking the time to read this post – may your day be a critical success!