Rolling for stats in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (5e) is a crucial step in creating a character that is both balanced and suited to your playstyle. The outcome of these rolls can have a significant impact on your character’s abilities, strengths, and weaknesses throughout their adventuring career. While there are several methods for generating ability scores, rolling for stats remains the most popular and traditional approach.
The basic process of rolling for stats involves using a set of four six-sided dice (4d6) to generate six ability scores: Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma. You can either roll these dice yourself or use a digital dice roller. Once you have your six scores, you can assign them to the six ability scores in any order you wish. It is important to note that you cannot re-roll any of your scores. Once they are rolled, they are final.
There are several strategies you can use when rolling for stats. Some players prefer to roll all of their scores at once, while others prefer to roll them individually or in pairs. There is no right or wrong way to do this, so choose the method that works best for you. However, it is important to keep in mind that the average score for 4d6 is 13, so if you are hoping to create a character with particularly high or low scores, you may need to be prepared to re-roll several times.
Determine the Number of Dice to Roll
Rolling for stats in Dungeons & Dragons 5e can be a daunting task, but it’s essential for creating balanced and engaging characters. The process begins with determining the number of dice you’ll need to roll. This is based on the adventuring party’s size and level.
The table below outlines the number of dice to roll for each party size and level combination:
| Party Size | Level 1 | Level 5 | Level 10 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-3 players | 4d6 drop lowest | 4d6 drop lowest | 4d6 drop lowest |
| 4-5 players | 3d6 | 3d6 | 3d6 |
| 6 or more players | 2d6 + 6 | 2d6 + 6 | 2d6 + 6 |
For example, if you have a party of 4 players who are starting at level 1, you would roll 4 six-sided dice (d6) and drop the lowest result. This would give you a total of three dice rolls to determine your character’s ability scores.
Choose a Method for Rolling
When rolling for stats in 5e, you have several methods to choose from. Each method offers its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s essential to select one that aligns with your preferences and the desired outcome.
Standard Array
With the Standard Array method, you receive a fixed set of ability scores: 15, 14, 13, 12, 10, and 8. You can assign these scores to your character’s abilities in any order you wish. This method guarantees a balanced distribution of stats, making it a popular choice for players who prioritize consistency and predictability.
4d6 Drop Lowest
Another common method is 4d6 Drop Lowest. In this method, you roll 4 six-sided dice and drop the lowest result. You repeat this process six times to generate six ability scores. This method can produce a wide range of stat values, from below-average to exceptional. It’s often seen as a more random and exciting option than the Standard Array, but it can also lead to imbalances between abilities.
3d6 in Order
With 3d6 in Order, you roll 3 six-sided dice and arrange the results in ascending order. This method typically produces one or two high scores, along with several average or low scores. It’s often favored by players who prefer a more challenging experience, as it can create characters with both strengths and weaknesses.
| Method | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|———————|————————————-|———————————–|
| Standard Array | Balanced distribution, predictability | Limits creativity, low potential |
| 4d6 Drop Lowest | Wide range of values, excitement | Possible imbalances, randomness |
| 3d6 in Order | Focus on strengths and weaknesses | Can create extreme imbalances |
Assign Scores to Abilities
Once you have your six ability scores, it’s time to assign them to your abilities. The order in which you assign your scores is up to you, but there are some general guidelines you can follow.
First, consider your character’s class. Some classes, such as fighters and barbarians, rely heavily on Strength and Dexterity. Others, such as wizards and sorcerers, rely more on Intelligence and Charisma. Assign your highest scores to the abilities that are most important to your character’s class.
Second, consider your character’s background. If your character has a strong background in a particular field, such as athletics or academics, they may have higher scores in the relevant abilities. For example, a character with a background as a soldier might have a higher Strength score, while a character with a background as a scholar might have a higher Intelligence score.
Finally, consider your character’s personality. If your character is brave and outgoing, they may have a higher Charisma score. If your character is cautious and introverted, they may have a lower Charisma score. Ultimately, the decision of how to assign your ability scores is up to you. There is no right or wrong answer, so choose the scores that make the most sense for your character.
**Ability Score Table**
| Ability | Description |
|---|---|
| Strength | Physical strength |
| Dexterity | Agility and reflexes |
| Constitution | Health and stamina |
| Intelligence | Knowledge and problem-solving |
| Wisdom | Perception and insight |
| Charisma | Personality and leadership |
Use Point Buy
Point buy is a method of generating ability scores by allocating points to each ability. Players start with a pool of 27 points and must distribute them among their six abilities. Each ability score can be purchased for a certain number of points, as shown in the following table.
| Ability Score | Cost (in points) |
|---|---|
| 8 | 0 |
| 9 | 1 |
| 10 | 2 |
| 11 | 3 |
| 12 | 4 |
| 13 | 5 |
| 14 | 7 |
| 15 | 9 |
To determine their ability scores, players simply add up the number of points they have allocated to each ability. For example, a player who allocates 1 point to Strength, 2 points to Dexterity, 3 points to Constitution, 4 points to Intelligence, 5 points to Wisdom, and 7 points to Charisma would have the following ability scores: Strength 9, Dexterity 10, Constitution 11, Intelligence 12, Wisdom 13, and Charisma 14.
Point buy is a versatile method of generating ability scores that allows players to create characters with a wide range of strengths and weaknesses. It is also a relatively quick and easy method, making it a good choice for players who are short on time or who prefer to focus on other aspects of character creation.
Standard Array
The standard array option provides a fixed set of ability scores that players can use to create their characters. The standard array is as follows: 15, 14, 13, 12, 10, and 8. Players can assign these scores to their ability scores in any order they choose.
The standard array is a good option for players who want to create a balanced character with no major weaknesses. It also provides a consistent starting point for all characters, which can be helpful for creating a more fair and balanced game.
Benefits of the Standard Array
- Provides a consistent starting point for all characters.
- Creates a balanced character with no major weaknesses.
- Easy to use and implement.
Drawbacks of the Standard Array
- Can be less exciting than rolling for stats.
- May not allow for as much customization as other methods.
- Can lead to characters with very similar ability scores.
Here is a table that summarizes the benefits and drawbacks of the standard array:
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Provides a consistent starting point for all characters. | Can be less exciting than rolling for stats. |
| Creates a balanced character with no major weaknesses. | May not allow for as much customization as other methods. |
| Easy to use and implement. | Can lead to characters with very similar ability scores. |
Roll 4d6 and Drop the Lowest
The most popular method for rolling for stats in 5e is the 4d6 drop the lowest method. This method involves rolling 4d6 and dropping the lowest die. The remaining three dice are then added together to create your ability score.
Example
Let’s say you roll 4d6 and get the following numbers: 1, 3, 5, and 6. The lowest die is 1, so you would drop it. The remaining three dice (3, 5, and 6) would be added together to give you a score of 14.
Advantages
- This method is quick and easy to use.
- It produces a wide range of possible scores, from 3 to 18.
- It is the most commonly used method for rolling for stats in 5e.
Disadvantages
- This method can produce some very low scores, which can be frustrating for players.
- It can also produce some very high scores, which can give players an unfair advantage.
Variations
There are a number of variations on the 4d6 drop the lowest method. Some of the most popular variations include:
| Variation | Description |
|---|---|
| 4d6 drop the two lowest | This method involves rolling 4d6 and dropping the two lowest dice. |
| 3d6 in order | This method involves rolling 3d6 and using the dice in the order they were rolled. |
| Point buy | This method involves buying your ability scores with points. |
Roll 3d6 and Reroll 1s
The most common method of rolling for stats in 5e is to roll 3d6 and reroll any 1s. This method produces a relatively wide range of possible scores, with a mean of 10.5 and a standard deviation of 2.8. It is also the most straightforward method, and it is the one that is used in the official 5e rules.
Steps
1. Roll 3d6
2. Reroll any 1s
3. Sum the dice
4. Repeat steps 1-3 for each of the six ability scores
Example
Let’s say you roll 3d6 for your Strength score. You roll a 2, a 4, and a 1. You reroll the 1, and you get a 3. Your Strength score is now 2+4+3=9.
Advanced Options
There are a number of advanced options that you can use when rolling for stats. These options can give you more control over the distribution of your scores, but they can also make the process more complicated.
Array Method
The array method allows you to choose a set of six scores from a predefined array. The most common array is the standard array, which consists of the following scores: 15, 14, 13, 12, 10, and 8.
Point Buy
The point buy method allows you to buy your ability scores using a point system. Each ability score costs a certain number of points, and you are given a budget of 27 points to spend. The cost of each ability score is as follows:
| Score | Cost |
|—|—|
| 8 | 0 |
| 9 | 1 |
| 10 | 2 |
| 11 | 3 |
| 12 | 4 |
| 13 | 5 |
| 14 | 7 |
| 15 | 9 |
| 16 | 12 |
| 17 | 15 |
| 18 | 18 |
Generate Scores Electronically
The digital age has brought many conveniences to our lives, including the ability to roll dice and generate stats for tabletop role-playing games electronically. There are several ways to do this, but the most common is using a dice roller website or app.
Dice Roller Websites and Apps
There are many free and paid dice roller websites and apps available, each with its features and options. Some popular choices include:
| Website/App | Features |
|---|---|
| Roll20 | Free and paid options, character creation and management tools |
| DNDBeyond | Official digital tools for Dungeons & Dragons, including dice rolling |
| AnyDice | Free dice rolling calculator with advanced options |
To use dice roller websites and apps, simply create an account and start rolling! You can usually choose the number and type of dice to roll, as well as any modifiers or bonuses that apply.
Virtual Tabletops
Virtual tabletops (VTTs) are software programs that allow you to play tabletop RPGs online. They often include dice rolling functionality, making it easy to generate stats for your characters.
Some popular VTTs include:
| VTT | Features |
|---|---|
| Roll20 | Free and paid options, built-in character creation and management tools |
| Fantasy Grounds | Paid VTT with comprehensive features and support for multiple systems |
| Tabletopia | Browser-based VTT with a focus on board games |
To use VTTs for dice rolling, simply create an account and start a new game. You can then invite friends to join you and start rolling dice for character creation.
House Rules for Rolling Stats
Rolling for stats is a critical aspect of character creation in Dungeons & Dragons 5e. It can significantly impact the strengths and weaknesses of your character, so it’s important to understand the process and the various options available to you.
The standard method for rolling stats involves rolling 4d6 and dropping the lowest die. This will generate an array of six numbers that you can assign to your stats in any order you choose.
Method Enhancements
1. Standard Array
In this method, players are given a fixed array of six scores: 15, 14, 13, 12, 10, and 8. This ensures that every character starts with a balanced spread of abilities, eliminating the potential for extreme swings in stats.
2. Point Buy System
Players are given a specific number of points (usually 27) and can purchase ability scores at varying costs. This allows for more customization and optimization, as players can allocate points to the stats they value most.
3. Roll 3 Choose 2
Players roll 3d6 and choose two of the dice for each stat. This reduces the likelihood of getting extreme scores and allows for more consistency in character creation. However, it also limits the potential for exceptional stat rolls.
4. Roll 2d6+6
Instead of rolling 4d6, players roll 2d6 and add 6 to the result. This increases the average stat score and reduces the chance of getting very low rolls. However, it can also lead to higher-than-average stat arrays.
5. Roll 5d4 and Drop the Lowest
This method involves rolling 5d4 and dropping the lowest die. It provides a slightly narrower range of possible scores compared to 4d6, reducing the likelihood of extreme stat rolls.
6. Roll 3d6 for “Heroic” Stats
This is a more generous method that allows players to roll 3d6 and keep the result. This has the potential to generate higher-than-average stat arrays but can also lead to significant imbalances between characters.
7. Roll Once, Use Twice
Players roll 4d6 and use the same array for both the primary and secondary character classes they plan to play. This promotes consistency between characters and allows for versatility in character development.
8. Racial Adjustments
Some races in D&D 5e have racial bonuses or penalties to specific stats. These adjustments can be applied to the rolled scores to further customize the character’s abilities.
9. Inspiration
Players can spend a point of inspiration to reroll a single stat roll. This allows them to mitigate the effects of a particularly unlucky roll or to optimize a specific stat for their character build.
Tips for Rolling Good Stats
Rolling for stats in D&D 5e can be a nerve-wracking experience. You want to get the best possible stats for your character, but the dice can be cruel. Here are a few tips to help you roll good stats:
1. Use Standard Array or Point Buy
If you’re not feeling lucky, you can always use the standard array or point buy method to generate your stats. This will give you a more balanced set of stats than rolling, and you won’t have to worry about getting really bad rolls.
2. Roll 4d6, Drop Lowest
This is the most common way to roll for stats. Roll 4d6, and then drop the lowest die. This will give you a range of possible scores from 3 to 18.
3. Roll 3d6, In Order
This method is a bit more risky, but it can also give you higher scores. Roll 3d6, and then arrange the dice in order from lowest to highest. This will give you a range of possible scores from 4 to 18.
4. Roll Multiple Sets of Stats
If you’re really not happy with your rolls, you can always roll multiple sets of stats and choose the one you like best. This is a good option if you’re playing a campaign with a lot of character death.
5. Ask Your DM for Help
If you’re really struggling to roll good stats, you can always ask your DM for help. They may be willing to give you a bonus or let you reroll some of your dice.
6. Use a Dice Roller
If you don’t have any dice, you can always use a dice roller to generate your stats. This is a good option if you want to be sure that your rolls are fair.
7. Use an Online Character Generator
There are many online character generators that can help you create a character with good stats. This is a good option if you don’t want to deal with the hassle of rolling dice.
8. Don’t Be Afraid to Cheat
If you’re really desperate, you can always cheat. Just be sure to do it in a way that doesn’t ruin the game for everyone else.
9. Have Fun!
Rolling for stats should be fun! Don’t get too stressed out about it. If you don’t get the stats you want, there are plenty of other ways to make your character powerful.
10. The Math of Rolling Good Stats
The probability of rolling a good stat is relatively low. For example, the probability of rolling a 16 or higher on 4d6, drop lowest is only about 12%. However, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of rolling good stats.
| Method | Probability of Rolling a 16 or Higher |
|---|---|
| 4d6, Drop Lowest | 12% |
| 3d6, In Order | 17% |
| Standard Array | 25% |
| Point Buy | 33% |
How to Roll for Stats 5e
In the fifth edition of Dungeons & Dragons, there are a few different ways to generate ability scores for your character. One of the most common methods is to roll for stats.
To roll for stats, you will need seven dice: 4d6 and 3d6. Roll the 4d6 first, and discard the lowest die. Then, roll the 3d6 and discard the lowest die. Add the remaining dice together to get your ability score.
For example, let’s say you roll the following dice:
- 4d6: 6, 5, 4, 3
- 3d6: 5, 4, 2
Your ability score would be 6 + 5 + 4 + 2 = 17.
Repeat this process for each of your character’s six ability scores: Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma.
Once you have rolled for your stats, you can assign them to your character’s six abilities in any order you like. However, it is important to note that some classes have specific ability score requirements. For example, a fighter must have a Strength score of at least 13.
People Also Ask
What is the average stat roll for 5e?
The average stat roll for 5e is 10.5.
What is the highest stat roll for 5e?
The highest stat roll for 5e is 18.
What is the lowest stat roll for 5e?
The lowest stat roll for 5e is 3.
