Acrobatics

Key facts

Ability

DEX

Overview

Acrobatics is the Dexterity skill for balance and body control: crossing a rope bridge in a storm, landing a fall with a roll, or slipping free of a grappler's grip. It comes up most in chases, fights on uneven ground, and set pieces like collapsing floors or ship decks. GMs also use it for stunts such as vaulting a table or flipping over a foe.

How it works

Ability: Dexterity Common checks: Balancing on narrow or slippery surfaces, staying upright when shoved or when the ground shifts, performing tumbles and flips. Contests: You can use Acrobatics instead of Athletics to escape a grapple, rolling against the grappler's Strength (Athletics). Acrobatics also lets you resist being shoved or grappled. Typical DCs: 10 for a wide beam, 15 for a slick ledge, 20 for a rope in high wind. Proficiency: Rogues and Bards can double the bonus with Expertise.

Tips and playstyle

Best for: Rogues, Monks, and Dexterity Fighters who fight in the open and need to escape grabs without a Strength score. Character concepts: Acrobat, dancer, sailor, cat burglar, tumbling street performer. Synergies: A high Dexterity already feeds AC and initiative, so Acrobatics is nearly free value for Dex builds. Pairs with Stealth for infiltration and with Sleight of Hand for a performer's toolkit.

Frequently asked questions