Build a hero · 2024 rules

How to build your character

Seven steps, in the same order as the Character Creator. Each one says why it matters and how to choose well. Tips are written in our own words from the 2024 Player's Handbook.

Open the Character CreatorClass & species Playbook

  1. 1. Pick a class: what you want to do in a fight

    Your class decides most of what you do on your turn, so it's the biggest choice.

    • Want to hit things and soak damage? Barbarian, Fighter or Paladin.
    • Want to heal and support? Cleric, Druid or Bard.
    • Want sneaky precision? Rogue or Ranger.
    • Want big spells? Wizard, Sorcerer or Warlock.
    • First game? Fighter, Barbarian or Cleric have the fewest moving parts.

    Experienced players: Plan your level 3 subclass now. It shapes your feats and ability priorities more than anything else.

    Compare classes →

  2. 2. Choose a background: where your ability bonuses come from

    In the 2024 rules your background gives your ability score increases, an Origin feat, two skills and a tool.

    • Pick a background that lists your class's main ability, so it can get the +2 (each background lists three abilities).
    • Use +2 / +1 for a focused hero, or +1 to all three for a rounded one.
    • Each background grants a fixed Origin feat, so pick one whose feat you want: Alert, Lucky and Tough suit almost anyone.
    • Background skills and tool are fixed too; your class skill choices are where you fill gaps.

    Experienced players: You can skip the background's equipment and take 50 GP instead. Plan the background around your main ability first, the feat second.

    Browse backgrounds →

  3. 3. Choose a species: traits, not numbers

    Species no longer change ability scores. They give senses, resistances and special actions.

    • Darkvision matters in dungeons: Aasimar, Dragonborn, Dwarf, Elf, Gnome, Orc and Tiefling have it; Goliaths, Halflings and Humans don't.
    • Front-liners love extra hit points (Dwarf) or bounce-back traits (Orc, Goliath).
    • Don't forget the sub-choices: Elf and Gnome lineage, Dragonborn ancestry, Goliath giant ancestry, Tiefling legacy, Human skill and Origin feat, and Small or Medium size for Aasimar, Human and Tiefling.
    Browse species →

  4. 4. Set your ability scores

    Your scores decide how well you attack, cast, resist and use skills.

    • Put your highest score in your class's main ability (shown in the creator).
    • Constitution second for almost everyone: it raises your hit points.
    • Standard Array (15, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8) is quick and fair; Point Buy spends 27 points on scores from 8 to 15 before bonuses.
    • Add your background bonuses after: no score can go above 20.

    Experienced players: To multiclass you need 13 in the main abilities of both your current class and the new one. The creator suggests a legal spread.

  5. 5. Make the class choices

    Skills, Weapon Mastery, Fighting Style, spells and level-up picks are what you actually use in play.

    • Casters: take one damage cantrip, one defensive spell and one utility spell.
    • Martial classes: pick Weapon Mastery for the weapons you'll really carry.
    • Every class gets its subclass at level 3; Ability Score Improvement (or another feat) comes at level 4 and later levels.
    • Every choice left blank shows up in the To do list. Tap it to jump there.

  6. 6. Equipment: take the kit

    Your class and background each offer a ready-made kit (option A) or gold to buy your own gear (option B).

    • Check you can wear your armour: the creator warns you if you lack training or Strength.
    • Watch the carried weight total so you don't slow down.
    Weapons & armour →

  7. 7. Alignment and story

    Choose an alignment and fill in your details. A name, a personality and one goal give your DM hooks to build around.

    • Write one thing your hero wants and one thing they fear.
    • Add a portrait so the party remembers who you are.

Is my character complete?

The creator checks all of this automatically. When the To do list reads Ready to play, nothing the Player's Handbook needs is missing. Hit points, Hit Point Dice, Armor Class, Proficiency Bonus, saves, skills, Initiative, Passive Perception and spell save DC are worked out for you.

  • Class, subclass at level 3+, background and species chosen; multiclass prerequisites (13+) met
  • Background +2/+1 (or +1/+1/+1) assigned and all six scores set
  • Origin feat and its sub-choices (Skilled skills, Magic Initiate spells)
  • Class skills, Weapon Mastery, Fighting Style, a feat or Ability Score Improvement at levels 4, 8, 12 and 16 (Fighters and Rogues get extra ones), and an Epic Boon at 19
  • Cantrips and prepared spells within your limits
  • Class and background equipment (kit or gold) chosen, armour you're trained in
  • Common plus two more languages from the Standard Languages table
  • A name (alignment, appearance and backstory are recommended)

Using your character in a game

  • On a phone: open your sheet and tap Play mode. Hit points, AC, attacks, spell slots, conditions and turn tips fit in one scroll.
  • On a foldable or tablet: Play mode spreads into two columns when opened out.
  • On a PC or for print: use Full sheet for every detail and to print.
  • Tap an attack or skill to roll it; tap spell slots as you spend them. A Long Rest button resets everything.
  • Stuck on your turn? Read the On your turn tips at the bottom of Play mode.