D&D 5E (2014) Popular death/dying house rules in 2026?

[Li Shenron]

I don't remember if there's been any change in 5.5e on death saves, but I think the question applies to both 5e and 5.5e DMs.

Are you using any house rules on PC deaths (mainly on dying by loss of HP) and what is your reason for them?

If you have also tried other house rules previously, feel free to tell why you didn't stick with them.

 

[Plaguescarred]

I have the following houserules pertaining to Dying to keep other players on guessing how close to dead you are or make it more gritty and impactful against yoyoing;

Lone Death. Death Saving Throws are rolled in private so the result is only known to the player and DM.

Increase Exhaustion. Whenever you suffer a Death Saving Throw failure, your Exhaustion level increases by 1.