A handy checklist to help you create a character in 5e
If you haven't made a character before, you may find yourself flipping back and forth through the Player's Handbook or Basic Rules a lot. Chapter 1: Step-by-Step Characters may help you get started, but here is a more explicit checklist that will help you know where to flip and when.
Download the Checklist (pdf)| Step | Instruction | Basic Rules v2 page | Player's Handbook page |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Determine character level. This is determined by your DM, but is usually level 1. |
6 | 11 |
| 2 | Record experience points (XP) for your level. | 10 | 15 |
| 3 | Record proficiency bonus for your level. | 10 | 15 |
| 4 | Choose a class. | 20 | 45 |
| 5 | Record the class name. | 20 | 45 |
| 6 | Note which ability is the class' Primary Ability. You'll want to make that ability score high later on. |
20 | 45 |
| 7 | Don't record anything else from the class for now. | ||
| 8 | Choose race and subrace. | 11-19 | 17-43 |
| 9 | Create a name. | ||
| 10 | Choose your age. | ||
| 11 | Write down all racial traits. | ||
| 12 | Temporarily put Ability Score Increases next to the relevant abilities. This will be used when you determine ability scores below. |
8 | 12 |
| 13 | Choose languages, if your race requires it. | 34 | 123 |
| 14 | Record your Base Speed. | ||
| 15 | Determine ability scores. If using variant Customizing Ability Scores, here's a calculator. | 7-8 | 12-13 |
| 16 | Add in racial Ability Score Increases from step 12. | ||
| 17 | Choose a background. | 36-42 | 125-141 |
| 18 | Record background features. | ||
| 19 | Record background proficiencies. | ||
| 20 | Record background languages. | 34 | 123 |
| 21 | Record background equipment (unless you've chosen the alternate equipment rules). | ||
| 22 | Choose two personality traits, one ideal, one bond, and one flaw. | 123-124 | |
| 23 | Return to your class information. | 20-32 | 45-119 |
| 24 | Record all class features. Don't forget to select spells, specializations, and record special maneuver or spell save DCs, etc. | ||
| 25 | Record your hit die. | ||
| 26 | Choose proficiencies, if required by your class. | ||
| 27 | Choose class starting equipment (unless you've chosen the alternate equipment rules). | ||
| 28 | Apply ability score improvements (or choose feats) according to your level. If you're starting at higher levels that grant these. |
||
| 29 | Calculate ability modifiers. | 7 | 13 |
| 30 | Create a physical description. | 33 | 121 |
| 31 | Select an alignment. | 33-34 | 122 |
| 32 | Record your initiative. | 61, 69 | 177, 189 |
| 33 | Determine maximum hit points. |
10, 61 | 12, 177 |
| 34 | Total all saving throws. | 62 | 179 |
| 35 | Total all skills. | 58-59 | 174-175 |
| 36 | Record Passive Wisdom (Perception). | 59 | 175 |
| 37 | Determine starting money, if permitted. | 43 | 143 |
| 38 | If you've chosen the alternate equipment rules, buy additional equipment. | 44-55 | 144-161 |
| 39 | Limit carried equipment by weight. | 60 | 176 |
| 40 | Record your armor class (AC). | 9, 44 | 14, 144-145 |
| 41 | Record your attacks (attack bonuses and damage). | 9, 45-47, 73-75 | 14, 146-148, 194-196 |
| 42 | You probably didn't select all your spells or special abilities back on step 24. Procrastinate no more. |