Edition note: This guide targets 2014 5E (legacy PHB-style rules). If your table uses the 2024 Player's Handbook, confirm wording, class lists, and any renamed features before locking a build.
Healing Word is the spell that turns a death save into a turn. As a bonus action, you restore hit points to a creature you can see within 60 feet — then still cast a cantrip or take the Attack action with your Action.
This Healing Word 5E guide covers the numbers, upcasting, and when Cure Wounds is still better.
Spell Level: 1st
Spell Type: Evocation
Casting Time: 1 Bonus Action
Range: 60 feet
Component Requirements: Verbal
Duration: Instantaneous
Class: Bard, Cleric, Druid (and several subclasses / features)
At Higher Levels: +1d4 per slot level above 1st
How does Healing Word work?
A creature of your choice that you can see within range regains hit points equal to 1d4 + your spellcasting ability modifier. At higher levels, you add 1d4 per slot level above 1st.
Because it is only a bonus action and verbal, you can:
- Heal a downed ally, then Fire Bolt / Sacred Flame with your Action
- Heal, then Disengage / Dash
- Keep a weapon in hand (no somatic component)
Healing Word vs Cure Wounds
| Healing Word | Cure Wounds | |
|---|---|---|
| Action | Bonus action | Action |
| Range | 60 feet | Touch |
| Dice (1st) | 1d4 + mod | 1d8 + mod |
| Components | Verbal | Verbal, Somatic |
Pick Healing Word to pick someone up in combat without giving up your Action.
Pick Cure Wounds out of combat, or when you can afford the Action for a bigger burst and you are already adjacent.
Most support casters prepare both.
Best combat uses
Yo-yo healing
Bring a 0 HP ally to positive HP so they are conscious with their Action and movement on their turn. Even 1 HP is enough to act.
Mid-fight top-offs
If an ally is one hit from dropping and you do not need your bonus action for spiritual weapon / misty-adjacent plays, a cheap Healing Word buys a round.
Ranged triage
Touch heals fail when the front line is surrounded. Healing Word’s 60-foot range solves that.
Upcasting priority
Upcast Healing Word when:
- Multiple allies are near death and you need a more reliable floor after the modifier
- You are out of better high-slot options and need the heal now
Do not empty high slots into Healing Word if Mass Healing Word / Heal / Revivify are still relevant later in the adventuring day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Healing Word stop death saves?
Yes. Any healing that restores hit points at 0 HP makes the creature conscious and resets the dying state (they are no longer making death saves).
Does Healing Word work on undead or constructs?
Check the spell text and any class features. Standard Healing Word does not include the “undead and constructs” exclusion that some older heals had — but table editions/printings vary, so confirm in your sourcebook.
Can you Healing Word yourself?
Yes, if you can see yourself (you can) and are within range (you are).