Understanding the Proficiency Bonus Table: A Guide for Players
Do you ever find yourself confused about the proficiency bonus table in the Player’s Handbook? Don’t worry; you’re not alone. Understanding the proficiency bonus table is essential for players who want to build their characters and improve their gameplay. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the proficiency bonus table and explain everything you need to know.
What is Proficiency Bonus?
The proficiency bonus is a numeric value that represents the character’s experience and training in certain skills and tasks. The proficiency bonus is added to the rolls made when the character attempts to do an action defined by a proficiency. The proficiency bonus is determined by the character’s level and class and starts at +2 at level 1.
Level Proficiency Bonus
1 +2
2-3 +2
4-5 +2
6-7 +3
8-9 +3
10-11 +4
12-13 +4
14-15 +5
16-17 +5
18-19 +6
20 +6
How to Calculate Proficiency Bonus?
Calculating proficiency bonus is a straightforward process. The proficiency bonus is determined by the character’s level and class. At level one, the proficiency bonus is +2, and it increases with each level gained. A character also gains additional bonuses for their class’s features, such as Expertise, Jack of All Trades, and Reliable Talent.
What Does Proficiency Bonus Do?
Proficiency bonus is a powerful tool that allows the character to add proficiency to their ability checks, attack rolls, and saving throws. Proficiency bonus is added to the roll when attempting to make an attack with a weapon that the character has proficiency with. It is also added when trying to perform any skill checks that the character has proficiency with.
Example – A fighter at level 5 has a proficiency bonus of +3. The fighter attempts to attack a goblin with a longsword, and they have proficiency with swords. The fighter’s attack roll adds their proficiency bonus, making it easier to hit the goblin.
Proficiency bonus can also be added to saving throws the character makes. It allows the character to resist the effects of spells and traps better. Additionally, proficiency bonus is used to determine a character’s passive skills, such as the passive Perception or passive Insight.
How to Increase Proficiency Bonus?
There are several ways that a character can increase their proficiency bonus:
– Leveling up: As the character gains experience and levels up, their proficiency bonus will increase.
– Class features: Some classes have features, such as Expertise, that can double or even triple proficiency bonuses in certain skills.
– Magic items: Certain magic items, such as weapons and armor, can grant a higher proficiency bonus in specific skills.
Conclusion
Understanding the proficiency bonus table is crucial for players who are looking to create a well-rounded character in D&D. Proficiency bonus allows characters to use their skills and abilities effectively when performing actions in the game. Players can increase their proficiency bonuses through leveling up or finding magic items. By carefully planning and utilizing proficiency bonuses, players can make their characters more powerful and have an enjoyable gaming experience. Remember that proficiency bonuses are just one part of building a character, and players should always keep their character’s backstory, personality, and motivations in mind.
