Mastering Ability Score Improvements in D&D 5e: Your Ultimate Guide

Learn how to effectively use Ability Score Improvements (ASIs) in D&D 5e. Discover when to choose ASIs or feats, and explore tips for boosting your character’s stats. Perfect for beginners and experienced players alike!

Ability Score Improvements (ASIs) in D&D 5e

How to Improve Your Ability Scores (and When to Pick a Feat)

What Are Ability Score Improvements?

When you level up in D&D 5e, you often get to choose between an ability score improvement (ASI) and a feat. This choice can be confusing, especially if you’re not sure what ASIs are and how they help your character. This guide will explain how to use ASIs and how to choose between an ASI and a feat.

Ability Score Improvements Explained

ASIs let you improve your character’s ability scores at certain levels. They let you increase one score by 2 points or two scores by 1 point each. This makes your character better at checks, saving throws, and attacks.

What Are Ability Score Improvements?

Ability score improvements let you increase your character’s stats. In D&D 5e, your character has 6 ability scores: Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Charisma, Wisdom, and Intelligence. ASIs let you add +1 to two scores or +2 to one score. Higher scores make your character better at skills, checks, and saves.

For example, if your character is a barbarian and needs a high Strength score, you can use an ASI to increase their Strength. This will make them better at Strength-based skills.

Ability Score Modifiers

Each ability score has a modifier, which you add to checks, saving throws, and attack rolls. The higher the score, the higher the modifier. Here’s how scores and modifiers work:

• 4-5: -3 modifier
• 6-7: -2 modifier
• 8-9: -1 modifier
• 10-11: +0 modifier
• 12-13: +1 modifier
• 14-15: +2 modifier
• 16-17: +3 modifier
• 18-19: +4 modifier
• 20-21: +5 modifier

Which Levels Include ASIs?

You get to choose an ASI at levels 4, 8, 12, 16, and 19. These are guaranteed for every class. Rogues and fighters get extra ASIs:

• Rogues get an ASI at level 10.
• Fighters get ASIs at levels 6 and 14.

How to Use Ability Score Improvements

Give One Ability Score a +2 Bonus

You can boost one score by +2, which will also increase the modifier. This is useful if the score is an even number, as the modifier increases every 2 points.

For example, if your character’s Dexterity score is 14 (+2 modifier), adding +2 makes it 16 (+3 modifier).

Add a +1 Bonus to Two Ability Scores

Instead of +2 to one score, you can add +1 to two scores. This is useful for odd scores, as modifiers increase with even scores.

For example, if your character’s Intelligence and Constitution scores are 13 (+1 modifier), you can make each score 14 (+2 modifier).

Choose a Feat Instead of an ASI

Instead of an ASI, you can choose a feat, which gives your character an extra ability. Some feats are “half-feats” and give +1 to a score plus an ability.

For example, the Fey Touched feat gives +1 to Intelligence, Charisma, or Wisdom and lets your character cast 2 spells.

When to Choose an ASI

Improve Your Primary Stat if It’s Below 20

Since 20 is the highest score without magic items, it’s good to get your main score to 20. If it’s 18 or lower, use an ASI. If it’s 19, use an ASI or a feat that gives +1.

For example, if your sorcerer’s Charisma is 16 (+3 modifier), use an ASI to make it 18 (+4 modifier). Later, use another ASI to reach 20.

When to Take a Feat

Choose a Feat if You Only Need +1 to a Score

Some feats give +1 to a score. Take a feat instead of an ASI if you don’t need a full +2 bonus. Feats also give extra abilities. Even if you think an ASI is best, check the feats first—you might find one that fits your character well.

ASIs & Multiclassing

Multiclassing May Delay ASIs

ASIs are granted at specific levels in a single class. If you multiclass, you might not get ASIs as quickly. You must reach each ASI level in one class.

For example, if your character is a level 3 bard and takes 1 level in paladin, they won’t get an ASI until they reach level 4 in bard or paladin.

You can still get the same number of ASIs by reaching the required levels in each class.

Other Ways to Increase an Ability Score

Magic Items Can Raise Scores Beyond the Maximum

Magic items can increase scores beyond 20. Some items increase a score by a few points, while others set it to a specific number.

For example:

• Gauntlets of Ogre Power: Strength score to 19.
• Belt of Giant Strength: Strength score from 21 to 29, depending on the giant type.
• Amulet of Health: Constitution score to 19.
• Headband of Intellect: Intelligence score to 19.
• Tomes and Manuals: Six books can raise each score by +2.

Ability Scores & Why They Matter

Ability Scores Measure Your Character’s Skills

There are 6 ability scores: Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Charisma, and Wisdom. Higher scores make your character better at related skills and abilities.

• Strength: Physical power.
• Dexterity: Agility and speed.
• Constitution: Health and endurance.
• Intelligence: Logic and memory.
• Wisdom: Perception and insight.
• Charisma: Personality and interaction.

Ability Scores Impact All Checks, Saves, and Attacks

Ability checks, saving throws, and attack rolls are tied to ability scores. Higher scores and modifiers improve your character’s chances of success.

For example, if your character is grabbed by an ogre, they’ll make a Strength check to break free. A higher Strength score means a higher chance of success.

FAQs

Understanding ability score improvements and when to choose them over feats can make your character stronger and more effective. Think about your character’s main abilities and needs, and use ASIs and feats to enhance their skills and abilities in your D&D 5e game. Happy adventuring!