Evening folks! I hope you’ve had a good weekend. In today’s post, DnD 5e Standard Array, I’ll be discussing how this method of rolling a new character works.
So you can put away those dice, and buckle up as we dive into the post.
Standard Array
Okay so this term comes up from time to time, and funnily enough, it’s not actually mentioned in the Player’s Handbook as “standard array”, so it likely comes from older versions of the game. However, it does still exist within 5e.
The standard array is a method of creating a new character in DnD. It’s a way to assign ability scores, without rolling dice, or using other systems such as “point buy”. Basically, you take these numbers as your ability scores (before applying modifiers from whatever race you pick.)
15, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8
You then assign these numbers to your abilities, so that’s your Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma. Then you add any extra modifiers from your race selection.
The reason people use this method of making characters is that it puts everyone on the same playing field, everyone will have a decent modifier for their main stat, and also a really poor stat that can help add flaws to your character. This is useful for RP reasons too, as having flaws makes your character feel a lot more real.
Question Time
Is Point Buy or Standard Array Better in DnD 5E?
I’d say if you are a more veteran player you may want point buy and if your new it may be better to use standard array so there is less to worry about.
What are the Standard Array stats?
15, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8
Conclusion
Another simple post, but I see the term standard array come up relatively often and I figure it might be confusing for players who are new to DnD.
There are pros and cons to using this method. Pros being that it makes it an even playing field for the whole party. No one is extremely powerful right out the gate with a max score for their main stat. Cons being that I find it makes character creation a little less exciting and might deter some people from picking non-optimal race choices for their characters. I prefer my players to have the freedom to do what they want with their characters.
As always, I hope the post helped, and until next time, may your day be a critical success!
TheGM