What is Ability Score Improvement (ASI)?
In Dungeons & Dragons 5e, a character's ability score is one of the most important factors that determines their performance in combat, skill checks, saving throws, and even social encounters. After ability scores are determined during character creation, the primary way to improve these important stats is through the class' ability score improvement (ASI) feature. This guide explains what ability score improvement is, how it works, and the changes in the 2024 Player's Handbook.
How does proficiency score improvement work?
At certain levels, a character can take an ability score improvement feat to improve one or more ability scores of their choice (Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Wisdom, Intelligence, or Charisma) or gain another feat. You can choose which one to choose. Taking the ability score improvement feat allows you to gain +2 to one ability score or +1 to two different ability scores, for a maximum score of 20.
The 2024 Player's Handbook also provides ability score improvements from your background. This is a special ability score improvement that allows you to gain +2 to one ability, +1 to another ability, or +1 to three different ability scores.
Ability score vs. ability modifier
The character sheet displays two different numbers related to your character's abilities: ability scores and ability modifiers.
Ability scores are what you improve using ability score improvements. The total number has nothing to do with the D20 test. Rather, it reflects a character's potential in a particular area, such as raw strength or mental aptitude. These scores range from 1 to 20 for most characters, but magical enhancements, class features, and other effects can push them even higher.
These scores depend on the appropriate prerequisites to obtain them, specific feats such as Actor requiring a minimum Charisma of 13, or equipment such as Heavy Armor requiring a specific Strength score depending on the armor. Used when determining whether or not you are prepared. You chose it.
Ability modifiers, on the other hand, are the numbers used when rolling dice. These are derived from the ability score and are usually calculated by subtracting 10 from the ability score and dividing by 2 (rounded down).
For example, a Strength score of 16 gives you a +3 modifier. This is the number applied when making Strength-related rolls, such as melee attacks, Strength saving throws, and Strength (Athletics) checks.
When will my ability score improve?
Each class in Dungeons & Dragons 5e gains ability score enhancements at level 4 and gains additional ASI based on class level (rather than character level). Here's a quick breakdown:
Classes ASI Levels Barbarian Levels 4, 8, 12, 16 Bard Levels 4, 8, 12, 16 Cleric Levels 4, 8, 12, 16 Druid Levels 4, 8, 12, 16 Fighter Levels 4, 6, 8, 12, 14 , 16 Monk level 4, 8, 12, 16 Paladin level 4, 8, 12, 16 Ranger level 4, 8, 12, 16 Rogue Levels 4, 8, 10, 12, 16 Sorcerer Levels 4, 8, 12, 16 Warlock Levels 4, 8, 12, 16 Wizard Levels 4, 8, 12, 16
How ability scores affect your character
Ability scores determine the modifiers applied to various aspects of your character, such as attack rolls, skills, and saving throws. These modifiers are essential for calculating effectiveness in certain aspects of the game.
Strength helps you deal damage with most melee weapons and allows you to wear heavy armor without hindering your abilities Dexterity improves your armor class (AC) and attack rolls with finesse or ranged weapons , benefits characters like rogues who rely on dexterity for sneak attack damage. Constitution determines your HP, ability to concentrate on spells, and ability to maintain endurance. Wisdom increases your ability to notice details with Perception checks and resist magical effects that target Wisdom. Charisma represents the power of your personality and is especially valuable for characters like Bards, who rely on Charisma for spellcasting and social interaction. Intelligence is knowledge and the knack for understanding the esoteric.
Comparison of ability value improvement and special skills
In the 2024 Player's Handbook, the ability score improvement class feature is now a feat. You gain this class feature at 4th level, and each time you gain this feature thereafter, you can select the ability score improvement feat or another qualifying feat.
Specialties are divided into four categories:
Origin Feats: These feats are usually gained through your background. There are no bonuses to ability scores. General Feats: In the 2024 Player's Handbook, all feats that fall into this category provide a +1 bonus to the associated feat. For example, the Actor feat gives +1 to Charisma. Combat Style Feats: Certain martial arts classes have access to this feat category. There are no bonuses to ability scores. Epic Boon Feat: All classes gain the Epic Boon feat at level 19. These not only boost ability scores by +1, but also increase the maximum ability score to 30 instead of 20.
When choosing between ability score increasing feats and other feats, be sure to check which ability scores the class depends on. If your ability score is an odd number, gaining the General or Epic Boon feat increases your ability score modifier as well as your ability score. If an ability score is an even number, you must increase the ability score modifier by +2.
If you choose to improve your ability score
Improving ability scores is important for all characters in D&D. As you level up, you'll face progressively more difficult enemies, and you'll have to see if your abilities can defeat them. However, the focus on increasing ability scores varies by class.
Spellcasters (artificer*, bard, cleric, druid, sorcerer, warlock, wizard): These classes increase their ability score to 20 spellcasting ability as quickly as possible, since their ability scores only increase four times during class progression. should be prioritized. Once you reach this point, you can either pump up your constitution for extra hit points (aiding concentration checks) or choose feats that improve your skill set.
Half-caster (monk*, ranger, paladin): These classes also only increase their ability score by 4, but this is difficult because they usually need to increase their spellcasting ability score as well as their martial ability. They often rely on their martial arts abilities, but if they want to keep spellcasting relevant at higher levels, they need to spread their ASI thinly and usually don't have the opportunity to learn other feats.
Marshall (Barbarian, Fighter, Rogue): Classes in this category focus on two things: damage ability scores (dexterity or strength) and durability. This is likely to have enough resources to bring both relevant ability scores to 20, and for Rogues and Fighters, who gain more ASI than any other class, gain additional feats. means there are resources left to do so.
* Although these classes do not actually fall into this category, their ASI progression mirrors other classes in this category.
Ability value selection
Choosing which ability scores to improve is often a balance between buffing key stats and compensating for your character's weaknesses. For example, a paladin may prioritize strength scores for combat efficiency, or charm for spellcasting, while a rogue may attack with melee or ranged weapons, and the possibility of sneak attacks. You can improve your Dexterity score to strengthen your rolls.
The most common option is to increase one ability score, but you may also choose to increase two ability scores by 1 point, especially if two of the related ability scores are odd numbers.
How magic items and other enhancements affect ability scores
In Dungeons & Dragons, magical items like Gauntlets of Ogre Power and Belt of Giant Strength can artificially increase a character's Strength score, which affects associated modifiers. These magic items provide temporary or permanent bonuses to ability scores and help characters acquire various feats or meet specific requirements for feats or equipment.
In addition, proficiency bonuses, which are stats that increase with class level, further increase the effectiveness of ability modifiers and affect overall performance, especially on saving throws and attack rolls.
My intelligence has leveled up!
Ability score improvement is one of the most influential mechanics in Dungeons & Dragons 5e, allowing players to develop their characters into powerful heroes. Spending feats on improving your character's ability scores may not be fun or exciting, but it's often the right choice.
ASI optimization is an essential part of building a D&D character, and we'll go into more detail in our class guide.
