When creating your Dungeons & Dragons 5e character, few choices are as important as your D&D 5e ability scores. These six numbers define your character’s talents, shape your gameplay, and influence everything from sword swings to spellcasting.
Let’s break down what ability scores are, how to assign them, and how they interact with the class, race, and background you’ve already chosen.
If you’re just starting your journey, check out our full Beginner’s Guide to D&D 5e for an overview of everything from dice to character creation.
What are D&D 5e ability scores?
The six ability scores represent the core aspects of every character:
- Strength (STR): Physical power and carrying capacity.
- Dexterity (DEX): Agility, reflexes, and finesse.
- Constitution (CON): Endurance, health, and resilience.
- Intelligence (INT): Book smarts and reasoning ability.
- Wisdom (WIS): Perception, insight, and common sense.
- Charisma (CHA): Charm, leadership, and force of personality.
Each score affects your ability to succeed at tasks, resist spells, and even stay alive in the heat of battle!
See how your ability scores factor into the character creation process.
How to Generate Ability Scores
There are three common methods to create your ability scores:
- Standard Array: 15, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8
- Point Buy: Spend a pool of points to customise your scores.
- Rolling Dice: Roll 4d6, drop the lowest die, and add the rest.
Many players use Standard Array for balance, while dice-rolling can lead to exciting (and sometimes chaotic) results.
Assigning Your Ability Scores
Your class will heavily influence where you put your best numbers:
- Fighters need high Strength or Dexterity.
- Wizards thrive with high Intelligence.
- Rogues rely on Dexterity and Charisma.
- Clerics need Wisdom to channel divine power.
Tip: Prioritise your main ability first, then shore up Constitution for hit points!
How Race and Background Affect D&D 5e ability scores
Races offer bonuses to ability scores—learn more in our race selection guide. For example, elves typically get +2 Dexterity, while dwarves often receive +2 Constitution.
Backgrounds, while mainly narrative, sometimes offer proficiencies that synergise with your abilities. If you haven’t yet, be sure to check out our previous guides:
- Choosing the Right D&D Race for Your Character
- How D&D Backgrounds Shape Your Story
- Finding Your Perfect Class in D&D 5e
These choices combine to define who your hero is at heart — and how they survive in the world of adventure.
Final Thoughts: Your Abilities Define Your Destiny
Ability scores aren’t just numbers on a sheet; they’re a blueprint for your character’s story. Whether you’re a towering barbarian smashing foes with raw Strength or a nimble bard dazzling crowds with Charisma, your abilities shape every moment of your journey.
Take your time, plan wisely, and roll for glory!
