D&D 5e Character creation cheat sheet
A checklist you can run during creation. At-the-table reference for Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition.
D&D 5e character creation: choose race, class, and background, then assign ability scores, pick equipment, and fill in your character's story.
Creation steps
- 1. Choose a Race (Human, Elf, Dwarf, Halfling, etc.): determines ability score bonuses, size, speed, and racial traits.
- 2. Choose a Class (Fighter, Wizard, Rogue, Cleric, etc.): determines hit dice, proficiencies, and class features.
- 3. Determine Ability Scores: roll 4d6 drop lowest (×6), standard array (15/14/13/12/10/8), or point buy (27 points).
- 4. Choose a Background (Acolyte, Criminal, Sage, Soldier, etc.): grants skill proficiencies, tool proficiencies, languages, and starting equipment.
- 5. Pick starting Equipment (from class + background, or buy with gold).
- 6. Calculate derived stats: AC, HP (hit die + CON mod at level 1), initiative (DEX mod), spell save DC, passive Perception.
- 7. Fill in personality traits, ideals, bonds, and flaws from your background.
Key limits
- Ability score range
- 3-20 (after racial bonuses)
- Starting level
- 1 (unless DM says otherwise)
- Hit Points at level 1
- Max hit die + CON modifier
- Proficiency bonus
- +2 at level 1
Common mistakes
- Ability scores and ability modifiers are different: the modifier = floor((score - 10) / 2). A 14 gives +2, not +14.
- You get proficiency in specific saves (2 per class), not all of them.
- Starting equipment from your class and background are separate: you get both.