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The Warlock Spell 'Hex' (PHB 251) gives Disadvantage on ability checks.

Does this include saving throws and attacks? That is, in this context, are saving throws and attacks 'ability checks'?

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Disadvantage from the Hex spell1 applies only to ability checks. The Player's Basic Rules and Player's Handbook differentiate ability checks from saving throws and attack rolls from ability checks in Chapter 7: Using Ability Scores. Specifically,

The three main rolls of the game—the ability check, the saving throw, and the attack roll—rely on the six ability scores. (PBR, p. 57; PHB, p. 173)

Under the subsection Advantage and Disadvantage, it again indicates that these are separate rolls.

Sometimes a special ability or spell tells you that you have advantage or disadvantage on an ability check, a saving throw, or an attack roll. [Emphasis added] (Ibid.)

So while saving throws and attack rolls are based on your ability scores, they are not ability checks. In fact, Chapter 7 is dedicated to ability checks and saving throws (not attack rolls).

  1. The Hex spell description states, in relevant part, "choose one ability when you cast the spell. The target has disadvantage on ability checks made with the chosen ability." (PHB, p. 251)
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    \$\begingroup\$ So, how Hex can help during battle? Except extra damage. \$\endgroup\$
    – orkenstein
    Feb 5, 2015 at 22:24
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    \$\begingroup\$ @orkenstein; In battle, Hex can help by making a target more susceptible to shove or disarm or similar (STR (Athletics) or DEX (Acrobatics) ability checks). Cast before battle, it can make a target go later in the order (initiative is a DEX ability check). \$\endgroup\$
    – Greenstone Walker
    Jun 20, 2016 at 22:23
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According PHB 173, ability check, saving throw and attack are threatened different:

Sometimes a special ability or spell tells you that you have advantage or disadvantage on an ability check, a saving throw, or an attack roll.

So, the Hex Spell only cause disadvantage in ability checks (PHB 251).

Also, choose one ability when you cast the spell. The target has disadvantage on ability checks made with the chosen ability.

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    \$\begingroup\$ Hex can however provide disadvantage on strength checks which will cause 'grapple' or 'shove' special attack options to be made at disadvantage. Useful against giant constrictor snakes among other monsters. Or druids in that form. \$\endgroup\$
    – Billy the baby goat.
    May 5, 2017 at 6:13

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