Mastering the Art of Wisdom Saving Throws in 5e
If there’s one thing that Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition players know for sure, it’s that their characters need to be able to save against spells and other magical effects. And when it comes to Wisdom saving throws, players need to be extra careful. In this article, we’ll go over what Wisdom saving throws are, why they’re so important, and how you can optimize your character’s chances of success.
What are Wisdom Saving Throws?
Wisdom saving throws are a way for players to resist the effects of spells or other magic that target their minds. This can include things like charm spells, illusion spells, or even attempts to read their thoughts. Wisdom saves are typically used against effects that target emotions, memories, or perceptions.
When a player needs to make a Wisdom saving throw, they roll a d20 and add their Wisdom modifier. If the total is greater than or equal to the saving throw DC (Difficulty Class), their character succeeds in resisting the effect. If the total is less than the DC, their character fails and is affected by the spell or effect.
Why are Wisdom Saving Throws So Important?
There are a few reasons why Wisdom saving throws are especially important in 5th edition D&D. For one thing, many spells and effects that require Wisdom saves are incredibly powerful. They can control a character’s actions, reveal secrets, or even cause them to harm themselves or their allies.
Another reason that Wisdom saving throws are important is that they’re often used against the party’s spellcasters. If a wizard or sorcerer is affected by a mind-affecting spell, they may be unable to cast spells or use other abilities for the duration. This can be devastating, especially in combat.
Finally, some character classes, like paladins, have strong Wisdom scores and abilities that rely on their Wisdom modifier. If they fail a Wisdom save, they may not be able to use their abilities to their full potential.
How to Improve Your Wisdom Saving Throws
Now that we know why Wisdom saving throws are important, let’s talk about how to improve them. Here are a few strategies you can use to increase your chances of success:
1. Boost Your Wisdom Score
This one is obvious, but bears mentioning. The higher your Wisdom modifier, the better your chances of making a Wisdom saving throw. For certain classes, like clerics or druids, this is especially important since they rely on their Wisdom stats for spellcasting.
2. Spells and Abilities
There are several spells and abilities in the game that can boost your Wisdom saving throws. For example, the Paladin ability “Aura of Protection” adds your Charisma modifier to all saving throws, including Wisdom. Similarly, spells like “Bless” or “Guidance” can add a bonus to your Wisdom roll.
3. Equipment and Items
Certain items and equipment can also grant bonuses to your Wisdom saving throws. For example, a cloak of protection adds +1 to all saving throws, while a periapt of wound closure grants advantage on death saving throws (which use a player’s Constitution modifier).
Conclusion
Wisdom saving throws are a crucial aspect of 5th edition D&D, and it’s important for players to master them in order to keep their characters safe and effective. By boosting their Wisdom scores, using spells and abilities, and equipping helpful items, players can give themselves the best chance of success. Remember to stay alert, because the enemy is always lurking – and sometimes, it’s in your own head.
