Top 5 Damage Multipliers Every GM Hopes You Forget
Mike’s Personal Experience
I’ve been behind the screen enough to know what players miss. Early in my DM career, my table overlooked vulnerability to radiant damage on a vampire spawn. They wasted countless turns slashing away. A single Guiding Bolt would have doubled their damage and ended the fight in two rounds. Here are the multipliers your GM prays you’ll ignore.
1. Vulnerabilities
If the monster is weak to fire, radiant, or bludgeoning, use that. Double damage means double fun.
2. Hex and Hunter’s Mark (5e)
These spells add bonus damage to every hit. Stack them with other bonuses for multiplicative effect.
3. Sneak Attack and Divine Smite
These class features stack with weapon damage. Use advantage or a flat‑footed condition to land them.
4. Condition‑Triggered Spells
In PF2e, Soul Siphon deals double damage to frightened creatures. In 5e, Toll the Dead does more to injured targets.
5. Critical Multipliers
Many abilities double on a crit: Savage Attacker, Brutal Critical, or Roulette of Ruin. Increase your crit range with weapons like a Sword That Remembers Every Kill It Makes if you can.
Don’t Waste Another Turn, Lad
Damage multipliers are there to be used. Check Player Tips to learn more, browse the Tavern Armory for weapons that exploit vulnerabilities, and share your GM horror stories on the Contact page. We’re always listening.
Final Thoughts
Multipliers can end encounters in seconds — if you remember them. Pay attention to vulnerabilities, conditions, and class features.
Your Next Victory Starts Here
For more rules awareness, read When You Can’t Tell If You’re Burnt Out or Just Tired of Them, and explore Yer Not the Main Course — Stop Hoggin’ the Spotlight to make sure you’re sharing those high‑damage turns. Get those multipliers, and watch your DM’s jaw drop.
