Tough 5e (Updated for the 2024 Rules)

Which 5e Classes Make the Most of Tough?

The color code below has been implemented to help you identify, at a glance, how good the Tough 5e feat is for a specific class/subclass.

• Red: Weak, unlikely to contribute to your build
• Orange: Situationally good, but below average
• Green: A solid choice
• Blue: A great option worth considering
• Sky Blue: One of the best choices for optimization

The Tough feat provides an extra Hit Points per level, which would equate to increase your Constitution score by 4 during character creation. It usually has a larger impact for classes with lower hit dies, so Wizards and Sorcerers will feel the largest impact. That said, it can certainly be worthwhile for any class looking for a survivability boost.

Artificer: Artificers have reasonable survivability compared to other casters because of their Shield/armor proficiencies and d8 Hit Dice. There are likely better uses for feat or ASI than the Tough feat.

Barbarian: Tough makes you even tankier, and effectively provides 4 Hit Points per level instead of 2 Hit Points because of your Rage mechanics.

Bard: More Hit Points are always nice, but this feat is likely unnecessary unless you'll be in melee combat with a College of Swords/Valor build.

Cleric: Between the Cleric's unrivalled healing abilities and the Heavy armor that melee Cleric subclasses offer, Clerics won't usually need to invest in the Tough feat.

Druid: Druids have Wild Shape to provide an additional pool of Hit Points, so spending an ASI on Tough isn't likely necessary.

Fighter: Fighters already have a d10 Hit Dice but they have plenty of ASIs to spend on Tough, which will help keep them alive and swinging in combat.

Monk: Monks struggle with survivability in combat because of their low Hit Dice and lack of armor. Also, Monks are quite multi-ability dependant (MAD), so they need to focus on DEX and WIS before CON. Tough can bring your Hit Points up to a reasonable level.

Paladin: Paladins already have a d10 hit dice and don't have as many ASIs as fighters to spend on Tough. Combined with their Lay on Hands ability and healing spells, Paladins should look elsewhere for feats before turning to Tough.

Ranger: Typical Rangers that are stacked in DEX and use Ranged weapons likely won't need Tough as they can do a good job of avoiding damage by staying away from enemies. Melee Rangers may want the added survivability the extra Hit Points provide.

Rogue: Ranged Rogues won't have any need for Tough because they can mitigate damage by keeping their distance and using Cunning Action to Hide. If your Rogue is going to be up close and personal, you may find their d8 Hit Dice insufficient and want to give your Hit Points a boost with Tough.

Sorcerer: Sorcerers have a measly d6 Hit Dice, very little access to healing, and no armor proficiencies so Tough can do wonders to keep them alive when the going gets tough.

Warlock: Warlocks have a d8 Hit Dice but still struggle with AC, so Tough might be worth it to increase your survivability.

Wizard: Wizards have a measly d6 hit dice, very little access to healing, and no armor proficiencies so Tough can do wonders to keep them alive when the going gets tough.