You’ve picked your race, background, class, and ability scores. Now it’s time to prepare your character for the real world: it’s time to gear up! Choosing the right D&D 5e starting equipment is more than just grabbing a sword or a spellbook — it can shape your character’s fighting style, survival skills, and role in the party.
Let’s dive into the essentials of starting gear and make sure you’re ready for anything the road ahead throws your way.
New to the game? Check out our Beginner’s Guide to D&D 5e before diving into gear.
What Is D&D 5e starting equipment?
In Dungeons & Dragons 5e, each class offers a starting equipment package — a collection of weapons, armour, and tools that match your character’s training. Your background may add extra items, like an artisan’s tools, a musical instrument, or a symbolic trinket.
Instead of choosing the default equipment, players may also roll for starting gold and buy their own gear, but for most new players, the default package is faster and easier.
Example:
A fighter typically starts with chain mail, a martial weapon and shield, a light crossbow, and a dungeoneer’s pack.
Key Types of D&D 5e starting equipment
1. Weapons
- Simple Weapons: Clubs, daggers, shortbows — easy to use.
- Martial Weapons: Longswords, great axes, longbows — require specific training.
- Choose a weapon that fits your fighting style: melee bruiser, ranged sniper, sneaky stabber.
2. Armour
- Light Armour: Padded, leather — good for Dexterity-based characters.
- Medium Armour: Chain shirt, breastplate — a balance of protection and mobility.
- Heavy Armour: Chain mail, plate — strong defence for frontline warriors.
3. Packs and Supplies
- Explorer’s Pack: Rope, torches, rations — perfect for adventurers.
- Scholar’s Pack: Books, ink, parchment — ideal for wizards and loremasters.
- Don’t underestimate the importance of rope and a good tinderbox!
4. Tools and Trinkets
- Backgrounds often give speciality tools (thieves’ tools, herbalism kits, etc.)
- Personalise your character with a meaningful trinket from your background.
Rolling for Gold vs. Taking the Package
- Starting Gold: Roll dice based on your class to determine gold to spend freely.
- Starting Package: Quickly take a balanced, ready-to-go equipment set.
Tip: Rolling for gold allows more customisation but can leave you under-equipped if the rolls are low!
Final Thoughts: Set Out Ready
The right D&D 5e starting equipment makes all the difference when danger strikes. Whether it’s a trusty sword, a sturdy shield, or a well-packed explorer’s kit, being properly outfitted ensures your hero is ready to tackle dungeons, dragons, and everything in between.
Choose wisely, pack carefully, and may your dice roll in your favour!
