Download Article
A comprehensive guide on using point buy to build a DnD character
Download Article
- Overview |
- Using Point Buy |
- Pros |
- Cons |
- Who should use it? |
- Alternatives |
- Video |
- Tips
In Dungeons and Dragons (DnD), every player builds their own playable character (PC). Each PC has 6 ability scores that correspond to the 6 aspects of a character's physical and mental ability. But how do you generate those stats? If your Dungeon Master (DM) has selected the “point buy” method, you’ll have a bank of 27 points to purchase the stats you use. In this article, we’ll break down how you do this. If you’re a DM, you may be wondering if point buy is better than the other options out there, so we’ll break the other systems down as well.
Steps
Section 2 of 6:
Using the Point Buy System
Download Article
-
Choose your character’s race. Every race in DnD has bonuses and drawbacks in the form of modifiers, which are positive or negative numbers you add to the ability stats. For example, Dwarves are known for mining and digging deep below the surface of the earth, which toughened them up. So, they get +2 bonus to their constitution score. Choose your race and note the bonuses. [3] X Research source
- There are other options, but the core DnD races are: Human, Dwarf, Dragonborn, Gnome, Elf, Half-Elf, Halfling, Tiefling, and Half-Orc.
- If you’ve never built a character before, read through your race’s entire section in the 5e Player’s Handbook . The handbook walks through everything you need to know about your race so you can make your character by following along.
-
Select the class you want to play. Once you’ve got your race, select your class. This is basically like your “character type” and your choice determines which weapons, abilities, spells, and skills you can have. Like your race, every class gets certain bonuses and drawbacks. Choose your class after you’ve selected your race. [4] X Research source
- The core options are: Cleric, Monk, Rogue, Wizard, Warlock, Ranger, Fighter, Bard, Druid, Barbarian, Paladin, and Sorcerer.
- If you’re new to DnD, read your class’s entire section in the 5e Player’s Handbook .
-
Identify which ability scores matter most to your class. Every class in DnD has a primary ability score based on what skills they rely on in combat and conversation. For example, Wizards acquire spells by studying them, so Intelligence is their primary ability score. Barbarians need strength, Rangers need dexterity, etc. Then, every class has 2 secondary ability scores based on what they rely on outside of their main skill. Figure out what 3 abilities you need to prioritize. [5] X Research source A few examples:
- A Wizard is unlikely to need to beat something up when they’ve got all those powerful spells, so strength is usually unimportant. Also, who needs charisma when you can cast spells like Charm Person or Friendship? So, a Wizard usually prioritizes intelligence, followed by dexterity and wisdom.
- A Rogue primarily relies on dexterity to sneak around in the shadows. Then, they often need charisma to deceive, steal, or persuade in social situations. Lastly, Rogues need wisdom to be perceptive and stay alert. So, you can normally leave strength and intelligence for last when building a rogue.
-
Spend your 27 points to assign the ability scores. Once you’ve got a race and class, spend the points in your bank to “buy” the specific stats you want. Prioritize your primary ability, followed by your secondary abilities, and spend less on the remaining two stats. Let’s walk through an example together:
- Clerics need a high wisdom score for their spellcasting. So, someone building a cleric might put a 14 in wisdom (-7 points).
- Then, they benefit from high strength in melee combat and high constitution in religious rituals. So, they may put two 13s in strength and constitution (-5 and -5).
- They’ve now got 10 points left, so they put a 13 in intelligence (-5) because it helps to be a little academically-minded if you’re studying religious texts, and an 11 in charisma (-3). Who needs to be suave if your deity has your back?
- Now, they only have 2 points left in their bank so they have to put a 10 in dexterity. After all, clerics rarely need to juggle, do acrobatics, or dance.
- Note: If you don’t want to do this manually on paper, use a free online point buy calculator .
Advertisement
Expert Q&A
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement
Video
Tips
- With the point buy system, the rule book doesn’t explicitly state that you have to spend all 27 points in your bank. However, there’s no real good reason to not spend all of the points. The higher your scores are, the better.Thanks
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Advertisement
References
- ↑ https://critforbrains.com/2019/01/ability-scores-the-benefits-of-rolling-dice-point-buy-and-the-standard-array/
- ↑ https://critforbrains.com/2019/01/ability-scores-the-benefits-of-rolling-dice-point-buy-and-the-standard-array/
- ↑ https://orkerhulen.dk/onewebmedia/DnD%205e%20Players%20Handbook%20%28BnW%20OCR%29.pdf
- ↑ https://orkerhulen.dk/onewebmedia/DnD%205e%20Players%20Handbook%20%28BnW%20OCR%29.pdf
- ↑ https://orkerhulen.dk/onewebmedia/DnD%205e%20Players%20Handbook%20%28BnW%20OCR%29.pdf
- ↑ https://critforbrains.com/2019/01/ability-scores-the-benefits-of-rolling-dice-point-buy-and-the-standard-array/
- ↑ https://critforbrains.com/2019/01/ability-scores-the-benefits-of-rolling-dice-point-buy-and-the-standard-array/
- ↑ https://critforbrains.com/2019/01/ability-scores-the-benefits-of-rolling-dice-point-buy-and-the-standard-array/
- ↑ https://critforbrains.com/2019/01/ability-scores-the-benefits-of-rolling-dice-point-buy-and-the-standard-array/
About This Article
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 55,194 times.
Advertisement
