How do you build a D&D 5e character?
Start with the adventurer you want to play, then translate that idea into a race, class, background, ability scores, proficiencies, and equipment. Natural Zero keeps those choices together and calculates the numbers that belong on your character sheet.
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What does the Natural Zero builder currently support?
The builder covers levels 1–20 and follows the 2014 D&D fifth-edition Basic Rules model. It includes the core races and classes, backgrounds, 27-point buy, level-based Ability Score Improvements, skill and language choices, class features and spells through level 20, equipment, armor class, hit points, and attack options.
Campaign rules can differ, so your Dungeon Master always has the final word on available options, house rules, starting level, and equipment.
What order should you make the choices in?
- Choose a class. Your class determines your main abilities, hit die, saving throws, proficiencies, and level progression.
- Choose a race and subrace. This adds traits, speed, languages, size, and ability-score increases under the 2014 rules.
- Assign ability scores. Spend the 27-point budget on Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma.
- Add a background and proficiencies. Choose the legal skills and languages shown by the builder and add the story behind the statistics.
- Select and equip gear. Carrying an item and equipping it are different: equipped armor, shields, and weapons change the finished sheet.
- Review attacks and save. Check armor class, hit points, to-hit modifiers, damage rolls, and spell choices before saving or exporting.
How does 27-point buy work?
Every ability begins at 8. Raising scores costs points, with scores of 14 and 15 costing more than earlier increases. You have 27 points total, and 15 is the maximum before racial increases. Natural Zero prevents overspending and displays the final modifier after bonuses.
Check the official point-cost tableHow are attacks and damage calculated?
A proficient weapon attack normally combines the relevant ability modifier with proficiency for the to-hit bonus. A hit rolls the weapon’s damage die and usually adds the relevant ability modifier. Natural Zero shows both values for the equipment you have actually equipped.
Read the official combat rulesHow are armor class and equipment handled?
Armor sets a base Armor Class, Dexterity can modify it depending on armor type, and an equipped shield normally adds its own benefit. Your class also determines which equipment you can use proficiently.
Read the official equipment rulesCan you save or export the finished sheet?
Yes. You can build and export a styled PDF without an account. Creating an account lets you save multiple characters online and reopen them from the My Characters menu.
Open the Natural Zero builderWhere can you check the source rules?
These official resources provide the full context behind the summaries and calculations used by the builder.