Resistance Cantrip 5e: D&D Spell Guide

Welcome to my guide on the Resistance Cantrip in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (5e)! This will still probably be a pretty short article, becuase there is not much to this one.

Now, let’s dive into the Resistance Cantrip and explore its mechanics, benefits, and potential pitfalls.

Key Takeaways:

• The Resistance Cantrip is spell in D&D 5e that provides assists with saving throws.
• It can be cast by Clerics and Druids
• The components required to cast the Resistance Cantrip are verbal and somatic and material (not consumed)
• The spell lasts for 1 minute and requires concentration, potentially limiting its effectiveness in prolonged battles.
• The Resistance Cantrip can be strategically used to bolster saving throws combat situations.

What is Resistance Cantrip?

The Resistance Cantrip is a spell in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (5e) that provides a one-time boost to a target’s ability to succeed a saving throw. When cast, this cantrip grants the target the ability to add a d4 to one of their saving throws until the spell ends. The spell ends after 1 minute or when the concentration of the caster is broken.

Classes That Can Cast Resistance Cantrip

Resistance is a cantrip avaliable to the following classes

• Cleric
• Druid

As a cantrip it can be cast at-will without the use of a spell slot. It does still require an action, and you can only have one concentration spell active at a time so they do not stack.

Components and Casting Time

The Resistance Cantrip has a casting time of 1 action, meaning it can be cast swiftly during combat or other time-sensitive situations. It verbal, somatic and material components. The material component is not consumed making it easily accessible for spellcasters so long as they are not restrained or silenced in any way.

Strategic Resistance Use in Combat

While not the strongest cantrip in the there are times when the Resistance cantrip can be useful in combat. It could be beneficial to give your front-line tank Resistance at the start of battle but it’s hard to know when a saving through will be needed.

A better use of this spell is helping party members to pass a failed saving throws that you know they’ll get to repeat. The Hideous Laughter spell for example, causes the target to fall down in a fit of laughter if they fail their saving throw. They are prone and incapacited and can only move by crawling. They get to attempt the saving throw again at the end of each turn to end the effects of the spell. Casting Resistance on them could help them to get back into the battle faster.

Probably the best use of Resistance in combat is to target a spell caster that has an offensive concentration spell up. If your spell caster has Spirit Guardians up or is retraining some enemies with Web casting Resistance on them can help them keep those spells active.

Preparatory Measures for Exploration

Outside of battle Resistance can come in handy as well. Our Rouge love to sneak ahead and scout thing out for the party. Casting Resistance helps him with any traps he may trigger or heights he might fall from. Outside of battle the spell is much more useful becuase it doesn’t use your combat action and there is less likely something that would break your concentration.

There are also times when you may come across a trap that if very difficult to disarm. Cast Resistance on the party memeber most likely to survive and trigger it. :)

The Resistance Cantrip and Death Saves

Quite possibly the best use of this cantrip is helping keeping party members alive. The Resistance cantrip applies to Death Saving Throws as well.

Is The Resistance Cantrip Good?

It’s not bad, but it’s not very versatile. You’ll want to use it when a saving throw is likely. Spells like Bless are better becuase it can be used for more than just a saving throw, but Bless consumes a spell slot and Resistance does not. It’s nice to have this in your back pocket, there will be times when it is useful, but I wouldn’t prioritize it as a cantrip to take.

Conclusion

Incorporating the Resistance Cantrip into gameplay requires strategic thinking. It’s a great tool for exploration and for keeping other spellcasters concentration in battle, but has little direct combat utility. Players should take advantage of opportunities to cast the Resistance Cantrip, making wise decisions that enhance saving throws when passing is critical like keeping someone in the battle or away from death’s door. When used appropriately the Resistance Cantrip is a valuable tool in your D&D 5e arsenal.