Understanding the Proficiency Bonus in 5e: A Guide for Players
As a player in Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition, understanding your character’s proficiency bonus is crucial in order to fully utilize their abilities. In this article, we will explore what the proficiency bonus is, how it is calculated, and how it affects your gameplay.
What is the Proficiency Bonus?
The proficiency bonus is a number that represents a character’s expertise and training in certain skills and abilities. The higher the proficiency bonus, the better the character is at using those skills.
How is it Calculated?
The proficiency bonus is based on the character’s level and class. At level one, the proficiency bonus is +2. It increases by +1 at levels five, nine, thirteen, and seventeen. Additionally, the character’s class may grant additional proficiency bonuses. For example, a rogue’s Expertise ability doubles the proficiency bonus for two skills chosen by the player.
How Does it Affect Gameplay?
The proficiency bonus affects various areas of gameplay, including ability checks, saving throws, and attack rolls. When a character makes an ability check or saving throw for a skill they are proficient in, the proficiency bonus is added to the roll. If the character attacks with a weapon they are proficient in, the proficiency bonus is added to their attack roll.
Additionally, some spells and class features require the character to make a spell attack or a skill check. In these cases, the proficiency bonus is added if the character is proficient in that particular spell or skill.
Examples of Proficiency Bonus in Action
Let’s say a 3rd level fighter with a strength score of 16 equipped with a longsword is attacking a goblin. The fighter adds their proficiency bonus (+2) to their attack roll since they are proficient in the longsword. The DM sets the goblin’s Armor Class (AC) at 15, and the fighter rolls a 17. With the proficiency bonus added to their attack roll, the fighter’s total attack roll is 19, successfully hitting the goblin.
Another example: a 5th level wizard casts the spell Magic Missile, which requires a spell attack roll. The wizard is proficient in the Arcana skill, but not in spellcasting. Therefore, the proficiency bonus is not added to the spell attack roll, only the wizard’s ability modifier. However, if the wizard chooses to cast a spell that they are proficient in, such as Fireball, both the proficiency bonus and ability modifier would be added to the spell attack roll.
Conclusion
In summary, the proficiency bonus is an essential component of a character’s abilities in Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition. Understanding how it is calculated and how it affects gameplay can greatly enhance a player’s experience. By incorporating the proficiency bonus into your strategy, you can increase your chances of success in combat, skill checks, and more. So, take advantage of your proficiency bonus and always aim for a critical hit!
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