D&D 5e backgrounds
Your background is what you did before adventuring. In the 2014 rules (SRD 5.1) it gives skills, tools or languages, equipment and a feature; in the 2024 rules (SRD 5.2) it also sets your ability score increases and an Origin feat.
| Background | Editions | Ability scores (2024) | Feat (2024) | Skills |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acolyte | 2014 and 2024 | Intelligence, Wisdom, Charisma | Magic Initiate | Insight, Religion |
| Criminal | 2024 | Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence | Alert | Sleight of Hand, Stealth |
| Sage | 2024 | Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom | Magic Initiate | Arcana, History |
| Soldier | 2024 | Strength, Dexterity, Constitution | Savage Attacker | Athletics, Intimidation |
Choosing a background
Pick the one that fits your character’s story first. In 2024 the choice also matters mechanically: it decides which ability scores can go up and which Origin feat you start with, so a soldier suits a Strength or Dexterity fighter and a sage an Intelligence or Wisdom caster. The builder includes 96 backgrounds from across the books, beyond these SRD four.