Damage Type Groups (5e Variant Rule)

Grouped Damage Types

Ever heard someone refer to "physical damage" in D&D 5E? This page isn't so much a change to mechanics as is a way to conveniently group together damage types for reference.

Physical

The three physical damage types are bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing. Barbarians get resistance to physical damage from their rage feature.

Chromatic

There are six chromatic damage types: acid, cold, fire, lightning, poison, and thunder. Sorcerers can use the transmuted spell metamagic to switch the damage type of a chromatic spell to another chromatic damage type. See also: chromatic orb.

Polar

There are two polar damage types: radiant and necrotic, which channel positive and negative energy to do harm respectively.

Force and Psychic

The two outliers. In a way, force and psychic damage can be seen as opposites of each other.

Elemental, Storm

Thunder and lightning damage. Optionally wind and water damage as well.

Elemental, Fire and Water/Ice

Cold, fire and water damage.

Common

Common damage types are bludgeoning, piercing, slashing, poison, fire.

Uncommon

Uncommon damage types are cold, lightning, acid, and necrotic.

Rare

Rare damage types are thunder, psychic, radiant, and force.

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