False Life

A
Support

False Life is a Support spell. Support spells strengthen, protect, or buff allies.

See all Support spells →
 spell that grants false vitality with a burst of
temporary vitality

False Life is a Healing spell. Healing spells restore hit points and bring characters back to life.

See all Healing spells →
 to help you survive the next hit.

2024 Rules
Level & School
1st-level necromancy
Casting Time
Action
Range
Self
Components
V, S, M (a drop of alcohol)
Duration
Instantaneous
Classes
Sorcerer, Wizard

You gain 2d4 + 4 Temporary Hit Points.

Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. You gain 5 additional Temporary Hit Points for each spell slot level above 1.

2014 Rules
Level & School
1st-level necromancy
Casting Time
Action
Range
Self
Components
V, S, M (a small amount of alcohol or distilled spirits)
Duration
1 hour
Classes
Sorcerer, Wizard

Bolstering yourself with a necromantic facsimile of life, you gain 1d4 + 4 temporary hit points for the duration.

Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 2nd level or higher, you gain 5 additional temporary hit points for each slot level above 1st.

False Life 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

The 2024 version is now Instantaneous instead of lasting 1 hour, but it still gives temporary hit points that last until lost. It also changes the base roll from 1d4 + 4 to 2d4 + 4. Upcasting still adds 5 temporary hit points per slot level above 1st.

False Life popularity

How popular is False Life? It is a commonly found spell in the game, but is chosen less than other options when available. This spell may be situational for many spellbooks.

Spells similar to False Life

False Life is featured in