Concentration in D&D 5e — Saves, DC and What Breaks It

Some spells last only as long as you concentrate on them. You can concentrate on one spell at a time. When you take damage, you make a Constitution saving throw with a DC of 10 or half the damage taken, whichever is higher (capped at DC 30 in 2024). Fail and the spell ends. Concentration also ends if you cast another concentration spell, become incapacitated, or die. You can drop concentration whenever you like, no action required.

Track which spells are running with the spell slot tracker and the condition tracker.

What breaks concentration

Moving and attacking don't affect concentration. Casting a spell that doesn't need concentration (like a cantrip or Healing Word) doesn't either.

Concentration save DC table

The DC is half the damage rounded down, but never below 10. Anything under 22 damage is a DC 10 save.

Multiple hits mean multiple saves

Each time you take damage, you make a separate save. Three goblin arrows that each hit for 5 means three DC 10 saves. In 2014 the rules say this outright: damage from multiple sources (an arrow and a dragon's breath) means a separate save for each. This is why concentration casters fear many small attacks more than one big one.

How to protect concentration

• •Proficiency in Constitution saves. Sorcerers have it from level 1 in both editions, which is one reason they make good concentration casters.
• •War Caster feat (Player's Handbook, not in the SRD): advantage on Constitution saves to keep concentration.
• •Resilient (Constitution) (Player's Handbook): adds proficiency in Constitution saves.
• •Bless (1st level): adds 1d4 to saving throws, including concentration saves.
• •Paladin's Aura of Protection (level 6): adds the paladin's Charisma modifier to saves of allies in the aura.
• •Stay out of reach. Fewer hits means fewer saves. Mirror Image, Blur and high AC all help.

Common rulings and edge cases

• •A new concentration spell ends the old one. In 2024 this happens the moment you start casting, so the old spell ends even if the new one is countered.
• •Rage blocks it. A barbarian can't concentrate on spells while raging.
• •Ready a spell = concentration. When you ready a spell, you hold it with concentration until your trigger. If you were concentrating on something else, that ends.
• •Sleet Storm forces a save to keep concentration (2014) or breaks it on a failed Dexterity save (2024).
• •Being knocked unconscious ends it. So does any other incapacitating condition: stunned, paralyzed, petrified, unconscious.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the concentration DC in 5e?

10 or half the damage you took, whichever is higher. In 2024 it can't go above 30.

Can you concentrate on two spells at once?

No. Casting a second concentration spell ends the first one in both editions.

Does each hit require a concentration save?

Yes. You save every time you take damage, so three hits mean three saves.

What ends concentration besides damage?

Casting another concentration spell, becoming incapacitated, dying, choosing to end it, and some environmental effects or spells that say so.

Do you roll concentration saves with advantage?

Not normally. The War Caster feat gives advantage, and effects like Bless or a paladin's aura add bonuses.

Related rules

• •All D&D 5e conditions and rules
• •Incapacitated — always ends concentration
• •Spell slot tracker
• •Bless, Hold Person and other concentration spells in the spell guides
• •Condition tracker

Rules checked against the D&D 5e SRD 5.1 (2014) and SRD 5.2.1 (2024).