Attacks and other harmful effects deal different types of damage. Damage types have no rules of their own, but other rules, such as Resistance, rely on the types. The Damage Types table offers examples to help a DM assign a type to a new effect.

TypeExample
AcidCorrosive liquids, digestive enzymes
BludgeoningBlunt objects, constriction, falling
ColdFreezing water, icy blasts
FireFlames, unbearable heat
ForcePure Magical Energy
LightningElectricity
NecroticLife-draining energy
PiercingFangs, puncturing objects
PoisonToxic gas, venom
PsychicMind-rending energy
RadiantHoly energy, searing radiation
SlashingClaws, cutting objects
ThunderConcussive Sound