DnD 5e Radiant Damage Explained
Are you looking for an in-depth understanding of the rules for radiant damage in Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition (DnD 5e)?
Radiant damage is derived from various spells, abilities, and monsters and can cause positive and negative effects depending on how it’s used. At least two sources must be checked to understand how it works: Player’s Handbook p.196-7 and the Dungeon Master’s Guide p.249 onwards.
Navigating all the information required to use radiant damage properly can be tricky without guidance; however, with this article, you’ll come away with a comprehensive understanding of all facets of this powerful resource in DnD 5e. From the origins of radiant damage to the different types it can take, we explore all you need to know about successfully working this energy into your games.
What is Radiant Damage?
Radiant damage is a type of holy or divine magic in D&D 5e that serves as the antithesis to necrotic damage. It is often used against negatively-aligned creatures like undead and fiends and is described in the Player’s Handbook as causing physical or spiritual harm to a creature or object. Visual cues of Radiant damage may include smooth, shimmering burns and luminescent lines of energy. Other senses can be used to describe Radiant damage, such as a deep ringing bell sound, sharp stabbing pain, an after-rain smell, and a metallic coppery taste.
The Knowledge Domain describes Celestial runes constricting around the target’s head with a chorus of celestial voices detailing an ancient tale. The Nature Domain has a strong smell of fresh roses turning to rot, accompanied by harsh birdsongs and visions of leaves accosting the target. Finally, the War Domain brings forth a war horn radiating from the target with a glowing ethereal weapon appearing and striking them.
How To Describe Radiant Damage?
Radiant damage is a type of holy or divine magic in D&D 5e that causes physical or spiritual harm. It is the antithesis to necrotic damage and often opposes negatively-aligned creatures like undead and fiends. Radiant damage can be described with visual, auditory, tactile, olfactory, and gustatory cues. Visual cues may include shimmering burns on the skin or luminescent lines of energy tracing the blood vessels. Auditory cues may include a deep ringing bell or rapid twinkling like wind chimes; tactile cues may include sharp stabbing pain in the bones or an electrical sensation; olfactory cues may include an after-rain smell or ozone; and gustatory cues may include a metallic coppery taste or fresh spring water.
The Knowledge Domain’s radiant damage is described as celestial runes constricting around the target, a chorus of celestial voices echoing, and visions of ancient tales appearing.
Radiant Damage Spells in 5e
Radiant damage spells in D&D 5e offer a variety of options for characters of all levels. From cantrips to 5th-level spells, there are 21 Radiant damage spells available to Clerics and Paladins, as well as some other classes. These spells range from Sacred Flame and Word of Radiance to Divine Favor and Guiding Bolt, with Branding Smite, Moonbeam, Blinding Smite, Crusader’s Mantle, Spirit Guardians, Spirit Shroud, Guardian of Faith, Sickening Radiance, Dawn, Destructive Wave and Flame Strike also included.
Nine of these spells require a Constitution saving throw to avoid taking the full amount of Radiant damage. Eight require a weapon or spell attack roll in order to deal the damage. Three require a Dexterity save, while one requires a Wisdom save, and one deals the damage if certain conditions are met.
Monster Interactions with Radiant Damage
Radiant damage is a type of magical energy that is rarely resisted or ignored by monsters. It is reliable for dealing with consistent damage, making it a great choice for players who want to take down their enemies quickly and efficiently. Unfortunately, only a small number of creatures have a vulnerability to Radiant damage; approximately 13 out of the over 2,000 monsters in Dungeons & Dragons.
These creatures are mostly low-level, so players may encounter them and use a Radiant damage spell soon after starting their adventure. Examples of creatures with a vulnerability to Radiant damage include Shadow, Shadow (Variant), Shadow Duplicate, Flying Horror, Shadow Demon, Undead Bulette, Gidean Lightward, Gloomstalker, Auril (First Form), Shadow Assassin, Shadow Horror, Atropal and Skittering Horror.
Overall, Radiant damage can be an effective tool for taking down monsters in D&D. However, due to the limited number of creatures with vulnerabilities to this type of magical energy.
Monsters with Resistance to Radiant Damage
Monsters with resistance to Radiant damage are rare in the world of 5e. Out of the 2,173 monsters cataloged in the game, only 22 have this trait. This is second only to those which resist force damage (9). The creatures resistant to Radiant damage include Alseid, Crystal Dragon Wyrmling, Undying Soldier and Couatl.
The number of creatures with immunity against Radiant damage is even smaller; only 13 out of 5e’s full catalog have this trait. These creatures are mostly high in Challenge Rating, so they won’t be encountered until later in the game. Examples include Mighty Servant of Leuk-o, Skulk, Light Devourer and Aeorian Reverser. As such, players should prepare for a tough fight if they come across one of these powerful monsters!
Monsters with Immunity Against Radiant Damage
Radiant damage is one of the most powerful types of damage in Dungeons and Dragons 5e, but a few creatures have immunity to it. These creatures are usually high in Challenge Rating, so they may not be encountered until later in the game. Out of 5e’s full catalog, only 13 creatures have immunity against Radiant damage. This includes Mighty Servant of Leuk-o, Skulk, Light Devourer, Aeorian Reverser, and more.
In addition to these 13 monsters with immunity to Radiant damage, there are also 22 monsters that have resistance to it. This number is second only to those which resist force damage (9). Some examples of monsters resistant to Radiant damage include Alseid, Crystal Dragon Wyrmling, Undying Soldier, and Couatl. As such, players should be aware that some enemies may be able to withstand their Radiant attacks if they’re not careful.
Monsters Vulnerable to Radiant Damage
Radiant damage is a powerful force in Dungeons and Dragons, capable of dealing significant damage to creatures vulnerable to it. Out of the over two thousand monsters in D&D, only thirteen have a vulnerability to Radiant damage. These creatures are mostly low-level, giving players an opportunity to use a Radiant damage spell early on. Creatures with a vulnerability to Radiant damage include Shadow, Shadow (Variant), Shadow Duplicate, Flying Horror, Shadow Demon, Undead Bulette, Gidean Lightward, Gloomstalker, Auril (First Form), Shadow Assassin, Shadow Horror, Atropal and Skittering Horror.
In comparison to those vulnerable to Radiant damage, there are also monsters that have resistance or immunity to it. Approximately 22 out of 2173 monsters in 5e have resistance to Radiant damage; this number is second only to those which resist force damage (9).
5e Radiant Damage FAQs
Radiant damage is a type of magical energy found in Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition. It is described as divine energy causing harm against a creature or object, either physically or spiritually. Radiant damage stands in opposition to necrotic damage and negatively-aligned creatures like undead and fiends, making it an effective weapon against these foes.
It is important to note that radiant damage does not equate to sunlight, despite some spells which deal radiant damage creating sunlight. This means that the Vampire’s Sunlight Hypersensitivity trait does not apply when taking radiant damage, as nothing specifies it as doing anything other than causing harm to a creature or object. As such, it can be used by both good and evil characters, depending on the situation at hand.
Is Radiant Damage Holy Damage?
Radiant damage is a type of divine energy that can be used to cause harm to creatures or objects. It stands in opposition to necrotic damage, which is the opposite of divine energy. Radiant damage is often used against negatively-aligned creatures, such as undead and fiends, representing the power of holy or divine magic. In Dungeons & Dragons 5e, radiant damage is the equivalent of holy damage and serves as a powerful tool for players to use against their enemies.
Radiant damage can be both physical and spiritual in nature. It can be used to cause direct physical harm, such as burning or searing wounds, or it can be used to spiritually weaken an enemy by draining their life force or sapping their strength. This makes it a versatile form of magical attack that can be used in many different ways depending on the situation. Radiant damage is also effective against certain types of creatures that are resistant to other forms of magical attacks, making it an invaluable asset for any adventurer looking to take
Summary of the Radiant Damage Type in D&D 5e
Radiant damage is a type of divine or holy damage in D&D 5e, most commonly associated with spells available to Clerics and Paladins. It is a powerful form of attack that can burn, banish, or disintegrate any who take it. Creatures resistant or immune to Radiant damage are second only to those resistant/immune to force damage. This type of damage appears to represent the gods’ ability to erase somebody from existence, making it particularly effective against creatures of the night, such as vampires.
Channel Divinity abilities like Turn Undead and Destroy Undead have similar effects to Radiant damage, though they are not technically considered Radiant damage. The influence of biblical writings and other religions in D&D lore and game mechanics can be seen in the power of Radiant damage. It is an expression of astral power combined with a divine conduit through nature magic and holy magic, making it one of the most powerful forms of attack available in D&D 5e.
