Why paralyzed is so deadly
Advantage makes the attacker more likely to hit. Every hit from 5 feet away is a critical, so the damage dice double. Extra dice that ride on the attack, like a rogue's Sneak Attack, are rolled twice as well. A paralyzed character at 0 hit points is in even worse trouble: a critical hit at 0 HP counts as two death save failures.
Want the numbers? Put your attack into the damage calculator and compare a normal hit with a crit.
What causes paralyzed
Spells
- •Hold Person (2nd level): one humanoid, Wisdom save, repeat the save at the end of each of its turns.
- •Hold Monster (5th level): any creature (the 2014 version doesn't work on undead).
Monsters (SRD)
- •Ghoul and ghast claws: Constitution save or paralyzed. In 2014 it lasts 1 minute with a save at the end of each turn. The 2024 ghoul's paralysis lasts only until the end of the target's next turn. Ghoul claws don't affect elves or undead.
- •Lich: Paralyzing Touch, Constitution save or paralyzed for 1 minute.
- •Mummy: Dreadful Glare paralyzes if the target fails the Wisdom save by 5 or more (2014).
- •Giant spider and giant wasp (2014): if the poison damage drops you to 0 hit points, you're stable but poisoned for an hour and paralyzed while poisoned this way.
How to end paralyzed
- •Repeat the save. Most sources let the target save at the end of each of its turns. This is the usual way out.
- •Break the caster's concentration. Hold Person and Hold Monster are concentration spells, so damaging the caster can end them.
- •Lesser Restoration (2nd level): ends paralyzed in both editions. It's a bonus action in 2024.
- •Paladin, level 14 (2024): Restoring Touch lets Lay On Hands remove paralyzed for 5 points from the pool.
- •Freedom of Movement (4th level): prevents magical paralysis for an hour. Cast it before the fight.
Common rulings and edge cases
- •The crit needs a hit within 5 feet. A ranged attack from 30 feet still has advantage, but it isn't an automatic critical. A ranged attack made from within 5 feet does qualify.
- •Reach weapons don't count from 10 feet. The attacker has to be within 5 feet, not just within reach.
- •It's not a "hit automatically" rule. You still need to roll a hit. Advantage just makes it likely.
- •Concentration ends. Paralyzed includes incapacitated, which breaks concentration.
- •Flying creatures fall (2024), unless they can hover.
- •Spell attacks qualify. A melee spell attack such as Shocking Grasp from within 5 feet is a critical hit on a hit. Spells that use a saving throw instead of an attack roll (like the 2024 Inflict Wounds) can't crit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does paralyzed mean automatic critical hits?
Only for hits from an attacker within 5 feet. Any attack roll that hits from that range is a critical hit. Attacks from farther away just get advantage.
Can a paralyzed creature make saving throws?
Yes, but it automatically fails Strength and Dexterity saves. It rolls Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom and Charisma saves normally, which is how most paralysis is ended.
Does paralyzed break concentration?
Yes. A paralyzed creature is incapacitated, and incapacitated ends concentration in both editions.
What is the difference between paralyzed and stunned?
Both incapacitate you, make you auto-fail Strength and Dexterity saves, and give attackers advantage. Paralyzed adds automatic critical hits from within 5 feet and stops speech. A stunned creature can speak falteringly in 2014 and takes no automatic crits.
What removes paralysis in 5e?
A successful save against the effect, ending the caster's concentration, or Lesser Restoration. Freedom of Movement stops magical paralysis from taking hold.
Rules checked against the D&D 5e SRD 5.1 (2014) and SRD 5.2.1 (2024).