A Beginner's Guide to Feats in Dungeons Dragons 5E

In the world of Dungeons Dragons 5th Edition (5E), a myriad of possibilities opens up for your character as they journey through the realms. One of the most exciting aspects of character progression is the acquisition of feats. A feat allows a character to gain special abilities, skills, and tools, enhancing their role in the adventuring party. Unlike ability score increases, feats are a versatile and customizable element of character development. This article will guide you through the intricacies of feats in 5E, including how many you can get and when, as well as some considerations for variant options.

How Many Feats Can You Get?

The number of feats a character can obtain in 5E is not a fixed number but heavily dependent on several factors. Here's a breakdown of the typical process and some exceptions:

Basic Feats

Levels: Characters can choose a feat at levels 4, 8, 12, 16, and 19. This means a character can gain a total of 5 basic feats by level 20. Class Features: Some classes have additional feat choices at specific levels. For example, fighters get an extra feat at level 6 and 12, while rogues get one extra at level 10. Multiclassing: Multi-class characters can still take feats according to their level requirements in each class, provided the prerequisites are met.

Starting Feats

While the bulk of feats are earned through leveling, some races or optional rules can provide starting feats:

Variants Human: The Variant Human race allows players to choose one feat at 1st level. New Race Features: Some races, like the Tasha's Cauldron of Everything background, add starting feats.

Additional Feats

Beyond the basic and starting feats, you can potentially gain additional feats through specific campaign rules or a Dungeon Master's (DM) discretion. Homebrew content and variant races can also add to the number of feats a character can have.

In summary, the maximum number of feats a character can have can vary widely depending on race, class, and DM rulings, but the typical total is around 5 to 8. If you're using a more customized approach, you can have more than 5 feats.

Character Feats and Class Progression

For a character, the process of gaining feats is straightforward. Most classes offer a certain number of feats at specific levels. The table below summarizes when you can gain these feats:

Standard Feats (5E)

Levels: 4, 8, 12, 16, and 19 Extra Features: Fighters: 6 and 12; Rogues: 10

Playing in a homebrew campaign can vary the number of feats. In some campaigns, feats might be granted every odd level, or more rules can be applied to increase the number of feats a character can gain.

Variant Human and Custom Lineage

Some special races or optional rules can offer additional starting or early-game feats:

Variant Human: 1 feat at 1st level Custom Lineage: From Tasha's Cauldron of Everything, players can have 1 feat at 1st level

When to Use Feats

Feats are powerful tools for customization and can significantly enhance a character. However, there are times when you might not need more than the basic feats:

Cardinal Features: Ability score increases (ASI) are generally more beneficial to a character's overall strength and versatility. Core Features: Most characters can reach maximum utility with just a few carefully chosen feats, especially early on.

Nevertheless, the addition of feats can unlock new roles and strategies for your character, making them a vital part of the Dungeons Dragons experience. Whether you're a seasoned campaign player or new to 5E, understanding the intricacies of feats can take your character to the next level.

Keywords: feats in 5E, Dungeons Dragons feats, character progression in 5E