Take advantage of your enemy’s attacks in DND with the Absorb Elements spell.
It offers resistance to elemental damage and empowers your next attack, turning your foe’s strength into your weapon.
Absorb Elements Stat Block
First things first, here are the details (stats) of the Absorb Elements spell:
| Stat | Details |
| Spell Level | 1st-level |
| School | Abjuration |
| Casting Time | 1 reaction, which you take when you take acid, cold, fire, lightning, or thunder damage |
| Range | Self |
| Components | Somatic |
| Duration | 1 round |
What Is Absorb Elements? (Official Answer)
According to the D&D Player’s Handbook, Absorb Elements is a 1st-level spell from the school of Abjuration.
This spell allows a creature to harness and reduce the effect of certain kinds of incoming elemental energy and store it for their next melee attack.
Specifically, the energy types the spell works on include cold, thunder, fire, and lightning.
The spell takes in some of the energy from a harmful attack of these kinds, reducing the harm it causes to the caster and enabling them to use that energy to enhance their next attack.
How Does Absorb Elements Work?
Here is how the Absorb Elements spell works:
- The spellcaster reacts to specific types of damage.
- The damage is lessened.
- The spellcaster gains resistance to the specific type of damage.
- On the next attack, the spellcaster
Absorb Elements is a spell of reaction, which means it’s designed to be cast in direct response to an event – in this case, the event is when the caster takes damage of the aforementioned types.
Notably, the spell does not work on “water” damage.
Once the spell is cast, the person casting it becomes less vulnerable to the type of damage that caused them to use the spell, and this effect lasts until it’s their turn again.
The resistance effect of this spell means that the damage taken from the triggering attack is halved.
Absorb Elements has an additional effect: it charges the caster’s next melee attack with the energy it absorbed.
When the spellcaster successfully lands their first close combat attack during their next turn, the attack will do an extra 1d6 damage. The type of this extra damage will be the same as the type of damage they absorbed.
The additional damage signifies the release of the stored energy.
At higher levels, the spell deals even 1d6 more damage for every spell slot higher than first level.
Here is a good (and short) video about Absorb Elements in DND:
Absorb Elements DND Example
Here’s an example of how this might play out in a combat encounter:
The adventuring party, composed of Elysia the Wizard, Rurik the Dwarf Cleric, and Thia the Elf Ranger, has just engaged a Young Red Dragon in its lair. The dragon’s turn is first in the combat order due to a high initiative roll.
The dragon inhales deeply, and the party members realize it’s about to unleash its fire breath attack.
Elysia knows she is in the line of fire and quickly invokes Absorb Elements, readying herself to mitigate some of the incoming damage.
The dragon exhales a blast of fire towards Elysia and Rurik.
The DM rolls the damage for the dragon’s fire breath, resulting in 35 points of fire damage.
However, thanks to Absorb Elements, Elysia only takes half of this, resulting in 17 points of fire damage (rounded down).
Elysia describes her character absorbing the fire’s energy, her hands glowing red with the stored energy. Rurik, unfortunately, takes the full brunt of the attack.
It is now Elysia’s turn.
She decides to use her glowing hand to amplify her melee spell attack. She moves toward the dragon and casts Green-Flame Blade, a cantrip that involves making a melee attack.
She hits, dealing her usual damage from the spell and her weapon, as well as an extra 1d6 fire damage from Absorb Elements.
In this scenario, not only did Elysia protect herself from severe damage.
But she also used the absorbed energy to enhance her offensive capabilities, demonstrating the defensive and offensive utility of Absorb Elements in a real gameplay scenario.
Who Can Use Absorb Elements?
The Absorb Elements spell is available to a number of classes within D&D.
Mainly, the following can use the spell:
- Druids
- Rangers
- Wizards
- Sorcerer
- Artificers
Which is quite fitting as these classes are often associated with harnessing and manipulating natural and elemental energies.
In addition, the spell may also be available to other classes via specific pathways.
For instance, the Eldritch Knight subclass of the Fighter and the Arcane Trickster subclass of the Rogue both gain access to the Wizard’s spell list, and thereby to Absorb Elements.
Anyone with the Magic Initiate feat, which allows the character to learn spells from any class’s spell list, can learn Absorb Elements.
Is Absorb Elements Good?
The value of a spell in D&D often depends on the context, but in general, Absorb Elements is considered a useful and powerful spell.
It essentially allows the character to turn a potentially negative situation into an advantageous one by reducing incoming damage and storing it for a counterattack.
Firstly, Absorb Elements can help the caster survive potent elemental attacks.
The resistance provided by the spell can mean the difference between staying conscious and falling unconscious, or – in extreme cases – even between life and death.
Secondly, the spell provides an offensive benefit.
The bonus damage added to the caster’s next melee attack can help them strike back with unexpected force.
This feature of the spell adds a dynamic element to combat encounters, enabling strategic and creative plays that can surprise opponents and shift the tide of battle.
Absorb Elements and Damage
Absorb Elements in D&D interacts uniquely with damage.
Here we answer some common questions about the interaction between Absorb Elements and damage.
Does Absorb Elements Go Before or After Damage?
Absorb Elements is a reaction spell that is cast in response to taking elemental damage.
If someone or something hurts the spellcaster with the relevant types of damage (cold, thunder, fire, etc.), then the spellcaster can choose to use the Absorb Elements spell.
The resistance from the spell applies to the triggering attack, effectively reducing the damage taken from that attack by half.
So, in terms of game mechanics, Absorb Elements is cast after the attack hits but before the damage is resolved.
Does Absorb Elements Work on Psychic Damage?
No, Absorb Elements does not work on psychic damage.
The spell specifically only works on acid, cold, fire, lightning, and thunder damage.
Psychic damage represents mental or emotional harm rather than physical or elemental harm, and so it is not affected by Absorb Elements.
Does Absorb Elements Work with Melee Spell Attacks?
Yes, the extra damage from Absorb Elements can be applied to the next melee attack you make, and this includes melee spell attacks.
This means that if a spell involves making a melee attack, such as the Booming Blade or Green-Flame Blade cantrips, the extra damage from Absorb Elements can be added to the damage dealt by that spell attack.
Does Absorb Elements Stack with Resistance?
No, damage resistances in D&D do not stack.
If you currently possess some form of resistance to a specific damage type, casting Absorb Elements won’t further reduce the damage you take.
The principle here is that if get the same type of damage resistance from more than one source, you benefit from only one source of resistance—the sources don’t “stack” or combine to provide double resistance.
However, Absorb Elements can still be useful in such situations for its secondary effect, adding extra damage to your next melee attack.
How Can Players Use Absorb Elements?
The Absorb Elements spell offers a number of strategic options for players.
Here are five ways players can make use of this versatile spell:
- Counterattack: The additional damage provided by Absorb Elements can make the caster’s next melee attack particularly potent. This can be especially impactful if the attack is already likely to hit or if it has other effects that would benefit from increased damage.
- Shielding: If the caster anticipates taking a large amount of elemental damage, they can use Absorb Elements to significantly reduce that damage. This can be particularly useful when fighting creatures known to deal elemental damage, or when in an environment that poses elemental dangers.
- Combination with Other Spells: Some spells, such as the Green-Flame Blade cantrip, involve making a melee attack as part of the spell. The extra damage from Absorb Elements can be added to the damage from such spells, potentially resulting in a highly damaging attack.
- Mitigating Friendly Fire: In some situations, the caster may be caught in the area of effect of an ally’s spell, such as a Fireball. Absorb Elements can be used to reduce the damage taken from such spells.
- Deliberate Triggering: In certain cases, the caster might deliberately expose themselves to an elemental hazard or even an ally’s attack in order to trigger Absorb Elements and charge their next attack. This is a risky move, but it could pay off with careful planning and coordination.
Absorb Elements Ideas for DND
As a Dungeon Master (or Game Master), it’s always a good idea to find unique ways to incorporate magic into your adventures.
Check out these 50 ideas for your next campaign:
- Elemental Mage: An enemy mage uses a spell to supercharge their melee fighters with elemental energy.
- Elemental Artifact: A powerful artifact that triggers Absorb Elements when the holder is attacked.
- Elemental Enemy: An enemy that absorbs elements, changing its type depending on the absorbed damage.
- Elemental Trap: A magical trap in a dungeon that triggers elemental damage, requiring the use of Absorb Elements to progress.
- Elemental Quest: A quest to retrieve an ingredient that can be obtained only from a creature killed by an attack boosted by Absorb Elements.
- Elemental Obstacle: An obstacle that requires an attack powered by Absorb Elements to overcome.
- Elemental Gladiators: Gladiator fights where opponents are equipped with elemental damage weapons, making Absorb Elements useful.
- Ley Line Locations: Locations in the world that naturally cast Absorb Elements on creatures within them.
- Elemental Symbiosis: A creature that can share the benefits of Absorb Elements with its allies.
- Elemental Rifts: Rifts that periodically release bursts of elemental damage, encouraging strategic use of Absorb Elements.
- Time-delayed Potions: Potions that mimic the effect of Absorb Elements but activate some time after ingestion.
- Elemental Foci: Magical foci that enhance the damage of the next melee attack after casting Absorb Elements.
- Elemental Nodes: A series of battles on elemental nodes, each battle featuring an elemental type.
- Powerful Elemental Artifacts: Artifacts that mimic the effects of Absorb Elements.
- Legendary Smith’s Tools: Blacksmith’s tools that use the energy from Absorb Elements to craft elemental weapons.
- Magical Tattoos: Tattoos that react to Absorb Elements, enhancing the caster’s physical appearance temporarily.
- Elemental Trials: The party must face trials that revolve around using Absorb Elements strategically.
- Elemental Sickness: A disease that periodically deals elemental damage to the sufferer, Absorb Elements can help manage the symptoms.
- Prison Break: Cells designed to deal elemental damage to the inmates, Absorb Elements can aid in a prison break scenario.
- Elemental Gardens: Plant life that can cause elemental damage and provide resources if the players use Absorb Elements wisely.
- Weather Phenomenon: Unpredictable weather patterns that cause elemental damage, creating a need for Absorb Elements.
- Elemental Hazards: Environmental hazards that deal different types of elemental damage.
- Elemental Chariot Race: A chariot race where competitors can use elemental damage to their advantage.
- Underground Exploration: Subterranean exploration with various geothermal hazards.
- Trapped Library: A library where the books deal elemental damage if handled improperly.
- Elemental Siege Weapons: Siege weapons that deal various types of elemental damage.
- Relic Retrieval: An ancient relic can only be retrieved by a character who can cast Absorb Elements.
- Enchanted Hot Springs: Hot springs that give off elemental energy, healing those who can absorb it.
- Elemental Cooking Contest: A cooking contest using exotic, potentially hazardous ingredients that deal elemental damage.
- Training with Elemental Monks: A sect of monks who use Absorb Elements in their martial training.
- Prophetic Elemental Patterns: Patterns of elemental damage that, if correctly interpreted with Absorb Elements, can reveal future events.
- Elemental Festivals: Celebrations that revolve around casting and resisting elemental spells.
- Dancing Elemental Flames: Flames that cause different elemental damage and must be guided to complete a ritual.
- Elemental Fishing: Exotic fish that emit elemental energy when caught.
- Elemental Drought: A prolonged lack of a specific element causing an imbalance in the world.
- Astral Entities: Entities that bring elemental damage from the Astral Plane.
- Elemental Paintings: Paintings that pull viewers into an elemental landscape.
- Harmonic Crystals: Crystals that resonate with elemental energy, empowering those who can absorb it.
- Shapeshifting Elemental Beast: A beast that changes its elemental damage type periodically.
- Elemental Whirlwinds: Whirlwinds that pick up elemental energy, dealing damage as they move.
- Meteoric Showers: Meteors causing different types of elemental damage upon impact.
- Elemental Clock: A magical clock that causes different types of elemental damage each hour.
- Wizards’ Duel: A duel between wizards where the effective use of Absorb Elements could turn the tide.
- Cursed Armor: Armor that causes its wearer to suffer from different types of elemental damage.
- Elemental Geysers: Geysers that spew different types of elemental damage.
- Elemental Wells: Wells whose water has been imbued with different elemental properties.
- Healing Springs: Healing springs that heal more efficiently if the person drinks the water while under the effect of Absorb Elements.
- Elemental Deities: Deities associated with specific elements who reward their followers for absorbing their respective elemental damage.
- Elemental Gates: Gates or portals that can only be opened by a character who has just cast Absorb Elements.
- Elemental Prophecy: A prophecy that can only be fulfilled by a hero who wields the power of Absorb Elements.
- Elemental Alignment Test: A test or trial in a temple or ancient site where each character must demonstrate control over elemental forces by successfully using Absorb Elements.
- Charged Weapon: An ancient weapon that charges up when hit with elemental damage, effectively incorporating the effect of Absorb Elements.
- Absorb Elements Scroll Hunt: A quest to find a powerful scroll that contains an enhanced version of the Absorb Elements spell.
- Elemental Coliseum: An arena where fighters duel with elemental creatures, and Absorb Elements can turn the tide.
- Elemental Infused Plants: Carnivorous plants in a jungle that deal elemental damage, offering opportunities for the usage of Absorb Elements.
- Elemental Familiar: A unique familiar that can deal elemental damage to its master to trigger Absorb Elements.
- Elemental Puzzle Room: A room where players must absorb elements from one source and release them into another.
- Elemental Chain Reaction: A situation where the players must set off a chain reaction of elemental damage that can be absorbed and redirected.
- Elemental Assassins: Assassins that utilize different elements in their attacks, making Absorb Elements a key to survival.
- Living Runes: Ancient runes that release elemental energy when touched, potentially serving as energy sources for Absorb Elements.
- Elemental Storm: A magical storm that rains down elemental damage, requiring use of Absorb Elements for survival and advantage.
- Elemental Chess: A giant chess game with pieces that deal elemental damage, transforming a mental challenge into a physical one.
- Underwater Volcano: An underwater adventure involving a submarine volcano dealing fire damage, offering Absorb Elements opportunities.
- Thief of Elements: A unique thief NPC who specializes in stealing elemental energies, leading to a challenge where Absorb Elements plays a central role.
- Elemental Mines: Mines where certain minerals cause elemental damage when disturbed.
- Elemental Maze: A labyrinth where the walls and traps deal various types of elemental damage.
- Elemental Conversion Device: A device that converts one type of elemental damage to another, which can be combined with Absorb Elements for strategic advantage.
- Elemental Artifacts: Artifacts that discharge different types of elemental damage when handled, requiring Absorb Elements to be safely retrieved.
- Absorb Elements Duel: A wizard’s duel where Absorb Elements is the only spell allowed, testing players’ strategic use of the spell.
- Elemental Siege Weapons: Siege weapons that deal different types of elemental damage, requiring use of Absorb Elements for survival and counterattack.
- Elemental Towers: Towers radiating a specific type of elemental energy, posing a challenge for the party to climb.
- Elemental Dance: A ritual dance where participants must absorb and release elemental energy in precise patterns.
- Elemental Apocalypse: An impending disaster of intense elemental activity, and Absorb Elements becomes key to averting the catastrophe.
- Elemental Tattoos: Tattoos that grant the ability to use Absorb Elements once a day, serving as unique rewards or character customization options.
- Time Capsule: A time capsule that releases an intense burst of elemental energy when opened, which can be absorbed and redirected.
Final Thoughts: Absorb Elements in DND
Like any other spell in DND, Absorb Elements is what you make of it.
Be creative, inventive, and resourceful – I think you’ll have a blast foiling foes and keeping your DM on their toes.
Related Posts:
- Teleport in DND: Stats, Mechanics, & Ultimate Guide
- DND Deep Speech: Ultimate Guide for Beginners
- DND: Can You Concentrate on Two Spells? (Yes, Here’s How)
- Can Rogues Use Magic in DND? (Solved & Explained)
Sources
D&D Player’s Handbook
Personal Experience