Rolling for stats is a crucial step in character creation for Dungeons & Dragons 5e. The stats you roll will determine your character’s strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to understand the process and how to do it correctly. There are a few different ways to roll for stats, but the most common method is the 4d6 drop the lowest method. To use this method, you roll 4d6, drop the lowest die, and then add the remaining three dice together. You do this six times to generate your six ability scores.
Once you have rolled your stats, you need to assign them to your character’s six ability scores: Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma. Each ability score represents a different aspect of your character’s abilities, so it’s important to assign them wisely. For example, a character with high Strength would be strong and physically powerful, while a character with high Intelligence would be smart and quick-witted.
Rolling for stats can be a lot of fun, but it’s also important to remember that the dice can be cruel. If you roll poorly, don’t despair! There are ways to improve your stats, such as by using feats or magic items. And even if your stats aren’t perfect, you can still create a fun and effective character. So don’t be afraid to roll the dice and see what you get!
Choosing the Right Dice
The first step in rolling for stats in 5e is to choose the right dice. There are three different dice that you can use: 4d6, 3d6, and 2d6. Each die has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the one that’s right for you.
**4d6:** This is the most common method of rolling for stats in 5e. It produces a wide range of possible scores, from 3 to 18. This makes it a good choice for players who want to have a chance at getting high stats.
**3d6:** This method produces a more moderate range of scores, from 2 to 15. This makes it a good choice for players who want to avoid getting too high or too low of a score.
**2d6:** This method produces the narrowest range of scores, from 1 to 12. This makes it a good choice for players who want to have a more predictable outcome.
| Die | Range of Possible Scores | Recommended for |
|---|---|---|
| 4d6 | 3-18 | Players who want a chance at getting high stats |
| 3d6 | 2-15 | Players who want to avoid getting too high or too low of a score |
| 2d6 | 1-12 | Players who want a more predictable outcome |
Rolling for Ability Scores Manually
Rolling for ability scores is a classic way to generate character statistics in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition. This method involves using a set of percentile dice to determine each ability score value. The following steps outline how to roll for ability scores manually:
Materials:
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Percentile dice (d100) | 4 |
| Pencil and paper | 1 |
Procedure:
- Label four columns on your paper as STR, DEX, CON, and so on for each ability score.
- Roll 4d100 and record the results in the first column for STR.
- Drop the lowest die roll and add the remaining three dice together.
- Record the sum in the second column for STR.
- Repeat steps 2-4 for the remaining ability scores.
- Assign the ability score values to the appropriate characteristics based on the order you rolled them (e.g., STR, DEX, CON, INT, WIS, CHA).
Using a Dice Roller App
If you don’t have physical dice or don’t want to roll them manually, you can use a dice roller app. There are many free and paid dice roller apps available for both iOS and Android devices. Some popular options include:
- Dice Tray
- RPG Dice Roller
- Fight Club 5th Edition
- D&D Beyond
To use a dice roller app, simply select the dice you want to roll (in this case, 4d6) and press the “roll” button. The app will then generate a random number for each die and display the total. You can then record the rolled numbers on your character sheet.
Rolling 4d6 and Dropping the Lowest
When rolling for stats, you will roll 4d6 and drop the lowest die. This means that you will disregard the lowest number that is rolled and only count the other three dice. For example, if you roll 4, 5, 6, and 1, you would drop the 1 and count the 4, 5, and 6. The total of your roll would be 15.
Dropping the lowest die helps to ensure that you don’t end up with a very low stat score. It also gives you a bit more control over the stats that you roll.
Rolling for Each Stat
Once you have rolled your 4d6 and dropped the lowest die, you will need to assign the remaining three dice to your six stats. There is no right or wrong way to do this, but most players prefer to assign their highest dice to their most important stats. For example, you might assign your highest die to Strength if you are playing a fighter or barbarian.
| Stat | Dice |
|---|---|
| Strength | 6 |
| Dexterity | 5 |
| Constitution | 4 |
| Intelligence | 5 |
| Wisdom | 4 |
| Charisma | 6 |
Evaluating Your Rolls
Once you’ve rolled your stats, it’s time to evaluate them and decide how you want to distribute them among your character’s six ability scores. Here are a few tips:
Consider Your Class
The class you choose will determine which ability scores are most important for your character. For example, a fighter will need high Strength and Constitution, while a wizard will need high Intelligence and Wisdom. Keep your class in mind when evaluating your rolls.
Look for the Highest and Lowest Scores
Once you’ve evaluated your rolls, identify your highest and lowest scores. Your highest scores should be assigned to your character’s most important ability scores. Conversely, your lowest scores should be assigned to their least important ability scores.
Don’t Be Afraid to Re-Roll
If you’re not happy with your rolls, you can always re-roll them. However, re-rolling can only be done in certain circumstances. For example, if you rolled all 1s, you can re-roll. If you rolled all 6s, you can also re-roll. If you’re not sure, ask your DM.
Additionally, some DMs may allow players to use a point buy system to set their ability scores instead of rolling. This system gives players a certain number of points to spend on their ability scores. Players can assign their points as they wish, but they are limited by the number of points they have.
| Ability Score | Racial Bonus | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | +2 | 15 |
| Dexterity | +1 | 14 |
| Constitution | +1 | 14 |
| Intelligence | +0 | 10 |
| Wisdom | +0 | 10 |
| Charisma | +2 | 14 |
Applying Racial Bonuses
Once you have your ability scores, you can apply any racial bonuses that your character may have. These bonuses are typically added to specific ability scores, such as Strength or Intelligence. For example, a dwarf might receive a +2 bonus to Strength, while an elf might receive a +2 bonus to Dexterity.
To apply a racial bonus, simply add the bonus to the appropriate ability score. For example, if you are playing a dwarf with a Strength score of 14, you would add your +2 racial bonus to Strength, giving you a total Strength score of 16.
Some races also have racial traits that give them additional benefits, such as proficiency in certain skills or resistance to certain types of damage. These traits are typically described in the race’s entry in the Player’s Handbook. Be sure to read your race’s entry carefully to learn about any additional benefits that you may have.
| Race | Ability Score Bonus | Racial Traits |
|---|---|---|
| Dwarf | +2 Strength | Darkvision, Dwarven Resilience |
| Elf | +2 Dexterity | Darkvision, Keen Senses |
| Halfling | +2 Dexterity | Brave, Lucky |
| Human | +1 to all ability scores | None |
| Dragonborn | +2 Strength, +1 Charisma | Breath Weapon, Dragon Ancestry |
Generating an Array
An array is a set of six numbers that represent the ability scores for a character. In 5e, ability scores are used to determine a character’s physical and mental abilities, such as Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma.
To generate an array, roll 4d6 six times. For each roll, drop the lowest die result. The six remaining numbers are your ability scores, in the order they were rolled. For example, if you roll the following numbers: 4, 6, 5, 3, 6, 4, your array would be 18, 15, 14, 12, 11, 10.
Once you have generated an array, you can assign the numbers to your ability scores in any order you want. For example, you could assign the 18 to Strength, the 15 to Dexterity, the 14 to Constitution, the 12 to Intelligence, the 11 to Wisdom, and the 10 to Charisma. , you could assign the 18 to Wisdom, the 15 to Intelligence, the 14 to Charisma, the 12 to Dexterity, the 11 to Constitution, and the 10 to Strength.
| Ability Score | Description |
|---|---|
| Strength | Physical power |
| Dexterity | Agility and coordination |
| Constitution | Health and endurance |
| Intelligence | Mental acuity |
| Wisdom | Perception and insight |
| Charisma | Personal magnetism |
Point Buy System
The point buy system allows players to customize their characters’ ability scores by purchasing them with points. Each ability score costs a different number of points, with the more powerful scores costing more. The total number of points available to a player is determined by their race and class.
Example:
If a player wants to create a character with a Strength score of 16, they would need to spend 3 points. If they also want a Dexterity score of 14, they would need to spend an additional 2 points, for a total of 5 points.
Advantages:
– The point buy system allows players to create characters with specific ability scores that they want.
– It is a more balanced system than rolling for stats, as it ensures that all characters have a similar level of power.
Disadvantages:
– The point buy system can be less exciting than rolling for stats, as it does not leave any room for chance.
– It can be difficult to determine the optimal point distribution for a given character.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Point Buy System:
1. Determine your race and class, which will give you a certain number of points to spend.
2. Decide which ability scores are most important for your character.
3. Spend your points on the ability scores in the order of their importance.
4. Make sure to stay within the point limit for your race and class.
5. You can also use a point buy calculator to help you optimize your point distribution.
Standard Array
The standard array method is a simple and straightforward way to generate your ability scores for your character. With this method, you are given a set of six numbers to use as your ability scores:
15, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8
You can assign these numbers to your six ability scores in any order you like. For example, you could assign 15 to Strength, 14 to Dexterity, 13 to Constitution, 12 to Intelligence, 10 to Wisdom, and 8 to Charisma.
The standard array method is a good choice if you want to create a character with a balanced set of ability scores. However, it can also be limiting if you want to create a character with a specific set of strengths and weaknesses.
Advantages of the Standard Array Method
The standard array method has several advantages over other methods of generating ability scores:
- It is simple and easy to use. The standard array method is one of the easiest ways to generate ability scores for your character. You simply choose a set of numbers from the provided list and assign them to your ability scores.
- It creates balanced characters. The standard array method ensures that your character will have a balanced set of ability scores. This is ideal for characters who are generalists and can perform a variety of tasks.
- It is fair. The standard array method gives all players an equal chance of creating a character with a good set of ability scores.
Disadvantages of the Standard Array Method
The standard array method also has some disadvantages:
- It can be limiting. The standard array method can be limiting if you want to create a character with a specific set of strengths and weaknesses. For example, if you want to create a character with a very high Strength score, you will not be able to do so using the standard array method.
- It can create boring characters. Characters created using the standard array method can often feel bland and uninspired. This is because all characters created using this method will have a similar set of ability scores.
Assignation of Ability Scores
After rolling your ability scores, you’ll need to assign them to your character’s six ability scores: Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma. The order in which you assign these scores is up to you, but it’s important to consider which scores are most important for your character’s class and playstyle.
Strength
Measures your character’s physical power and melee combat prowess. It is important for classes like fighters, barbarians, and paladins
Dexterity
Measures your character’s agility, reflexes, and finesse. It is important for classes like rogues, monks, and rangers.
Constitution
Measures your character’s physical toughness and durability. It is important for classes like barbarians, fighters, and clerics.
Intelligence
Measures your character’s mental acuity and knowledge. It is important for classes like wizards, sorcerers, and artificers.
Wisdom
Measures your character’s perception, intuition, and insight. It is important for classes like clerics, druids, and rangers.
Charisma
Measures your character’s personal magnetism and social skills. It is important for classes like bards, warlocks, and sorcerers.
Highest and Lowest Scores
Once you’ve assigned your ability scores, you need to determine your character’s highest and lowest ability scores. Your highest score is the score that you have assigned to your character’s most important attribute, while your lowest score is the score that you have assigned to your character’s least important attribute. Your highest and lowest scores will affect your character’s strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to choose them carefully.
For example, a fighter will want to have a high Strength score, while a wizard will want to have a high Intelligence score. A character with a low Strength score will be weak in melee combat, while a character with a low Intelligence score will be weak in spellcasting.
| Highest Score | Lowest Score |
|---|---|
| Strength | Intelligence |
| Dexterity | Wisdom |
| Constitution | Charisma |
Finalizing Your Stats
Once you’ve rolled your stats, it’s time to finalize them. This means assigning them to the six ability scores: Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma. The order in which you assign them is up to you, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
- Consider your class. Some classes are more reliant on certain ability scores than others. For example, a fighter will need high Strength and Dexterity, while a wizard will need high Intelligence.
- Consider your race. Some races have racial bonuses to certain ability scores. For example, dwarves get +2 to Constitution, while elves get +2 to Dexterity.
- Consider your background. Your background can also give you bonuses to certain ability scores. For example, a soldier might get +2 to Strength, while a scholar might get +2 to Intelligence.
Once you’ve considered all of these factors, you can assign your stats to your ability scores. Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to do this. The most important thing is to create a character that you’re happy with.
Using a point-buy system
If you’re not happy with the stats you rolled, you can use the point-buy system instead. This system allows you to purchase ability scores with points. The cost of each ability score is as follows:
Ability Score Cost (in points) Strength 8 Dexterity 8 Constitution 9 Intelligence 9 Wisdom 9 Charisma 9 You have 27 points to spend on ability scores. You can’t purchase any ability score higher than 15 or lower than 8. For example, you could purchase the following ability scores:
Ability Score Cost (in points) Strength 10 Dexterity 12 Constitution 14 Intelligence 8 Wisdom 10 Charisma 12 This would give you a total score of 27 points.
How To Roll For Stats 5e
There are a few different ways to roll for stats in 5e, but the most common method is to roll 4d6 and drop the lowest die. This method generates an array of six numbers, which can be assigned to your character’s six ability scores in any order you choose.
For example, if you roll 4d6 and get the following numbers: 1, 3, 4, and 6, you could assign them to your character’s ability scores as follows:
- Strength: 6
- Dexterity: 4
- Constitution: 3
- Intelligence: 1
- Wisdom: 6
- Charisma: 4
This method of rolling for stats is relatively simple and easy to understand, but it can also be quite random. If you’re not happy with the numbers you roll, you can always reroll them. However, keep in mind that rerolling your stats can lead to even worse results, so it’s important to weigh the risks and benefits before you decide to do so.
People Also Ask About How To Roll For Stats 5e
How many dice do you roll for stats in 5e?
You roll 4d6 and drop the lowest die.
What is the best way to roll for stats in 5e?
There is no one “best” way to roll for stats in 5e, as the best method depends on your personal preferences. Some people prefer to roll 4d6 and drop the lowest die, while others prefer to use a point buy system or an array of fixed scores.
Can you reroll your stats in 5e?
Yes, you can reroll your stats in 5e, but it’s important to keep in mind that rerolling your stats can lead to even worse results. So, it’s important to weigh the risks and benefits before you decide to do so.
