Key Takeaways

• Use a clear DnD character checklist to streamline 5e character creation
• Start with core decisions like race, class, and background
• Align ability scores with your character's concept and role
• Don't overlook spell selection, equipment, and personality traits
• Ideal for new players and veterans who want a solid setup
• Boost your session zero prep and minimise game-time delays

Why You Need a 5e Character Creation Checklist

Creating a Dungeons & Dragons character can be one of the most exciting parts of playing, but it can quickly become overwhelming. A solid DnD character checklist helps keep things organised, ensuring that your character is complete, playable, and ready to dive into any campaign.

Whether you're a new adventurer or an experienced player, our reliable step-by-step 5e character creation checklist can help you save time and avoid skipping important elements like features, gear, or spell mechanics.

Step 1: Character Concept and Core Choices

Start your journey with a clear character idea. Choose a race that aligns with your vision—whether it’s a nimble elf, sturdy dwarf, or mysterious tiefling. Depending on your DM, each can come with specific bonuses and abilities that affect your stats and gameplay.

Next, pick your class. Your class determines your abilities, progression, and playstyle. A rogue will play very differently from a cleric or fighter. Also, choose a background that adds depth to your story and provides useful proficiencies. Was your character a former soldier, a travelling entertainer, or a cloistered scholar?

The beginning of your DnD character creation should lock in who your hero is at their core.

Step 2: Roll or Assign Ability Scores

Your stats will shape how your character interacts with the world. You can roll for scores, use point buy, or go with the standard array. Align your best numbers with your class’s key abilities.

Melee classes like fighters benefit from high Strength, while Dexterity supports stealthy or ranged characters. Constitution boosts your survivability with more HP, and Charisma governs persuasion and spellcasting for bards, sorcerers, and warlocks. Intelligence and Wisdom are critical for clerics, druids, rangers, and other perception-heavy roles.

Take the time to optimise this section of your DnD character creation checklist—it directly impacts combat and roleplay.

Step 3: Select Proficiencies and Class Features

Each class grants proficiencies in weapons, armour, saving throws, and tools. Your character's background and race may also influence these. It's important to review and add it to your character sheet.

You’ll also gain class-specific features—unique traits like the barbarian’s Rage or the monk’s Ki. These abilities are the mechanical identity of your class and should be understood fully before playing. Missing or misusing these features can weaken your character’s potential.

A detailed DnD character checklist ensures nothing slips through the cracks when tracking these bonuses and abilities.

Step 4: Choose Starting Gear or Roll for Gold

Most players choose the starting equipment packages provided by their class and background for convenience. This usually includes weapons, armour, and adventuring tools.

If you prefer a customised loadout, you can instead roll for gold and shop manually. In either case, make sure your character is equipped with essentials like a melee or ranged weapon, some form of defence (such as leather armour or a shield), and adventuring basics like rations and a backpack. Spellcasters will also need a spellcasting focus or components. Just make sure that your character is getting the weapon and armour they’re proficient in!

Check out D&D Beyond’s Equipment Guide for an in-depth look at your gear options.

Step 5: Select Spells and Understand its Mechanics

If your class has access to magic, take the time to understand how spellcasting works. Some classes, like clerics and druids, prepare spells daily from a wide list. Others, such as sorcerers and warlocks, know a set number of spells at all times.

Also, learn the difference between spell levels and spell slots, and how rituals and concentration work. Knowing these ahead of time prevents confusion during encounters.

Use resources like RPGBOT’s Class Spell Guide to choose spells that suit your strategy.

Step 6: Define Your Personality Traits and Backstory

This is where your character comes alive. Decide on their alignment—lawful good, chaotic neutral, or something else entirely. Add personal touches like ideals, bonds, flaws, and goals. Think about what motivates them and how they interact with others.

Even a simple backstory adds depth: a fallen noble seeking redemption, or a streetwise rogue with a heart of gold. You don’t need a novel—just enough detail to give your Dungeon Master story hooks and make your roleplay engaging.

Include these elements in your 5e character creation checklist so you're never caught off guard in roleplay scenes.

Step 7: Final Stats and Pre-Game Checks

Now that everything is in place, review your sheet. Calculate your hit points based on class and Constitution modifier. Double-check your Armour Class, initiative bonus, and movement speed. Note your passive Perception—it’s often used by DMs for detecting hidden details.

Fill in your saving throws, list your spells, and finalise any notes on proficiencies. Don’t forget your character’s name, alignment, and any campaign-specific info the DM requests.

Having a complete DND character checklist at this stage ensures a smooth session zero and lets you focus on the campaign story, not worrying about your stats.

Bonus Tip: Stay Organised and Ready to Play

Keeping your character sheet updated is essential. Use tools like D&D Beyond’s Character Builder for digital tracking, or grab custom clothing and apparel from Shop DnD to manage your game physically while looking stylish.

As you level up, update your spells, hit points, and features accordingly. A good DnD character checklist isn’t just for character creation—it’s a tool to guide you through your entire campaign.