How to Use Armor Class

To use armor class, you need to understand that it is a numeric representation of how hard you are to hit, which is a combination of your agility and your level of protection. When you make an attack roll, you have to match or beat your target’s armor class in order to hit them and deal damage.

Understanding Armor Class

Armor class is a value that measures a character’s defenses, including the strength of their protective gear and their ability to avoid attacks. Determine an unarmored character’s armor class by adding 10 + their Dexterity modifier. When a character wears armor, base armor class increases depending on its strength.

Calculating Armor Class

To calculate armor class, start with a base number and add your Dexterity modifier if you are wearing light armor. If you are wearing medium armor, your Dexterity modifier is capped at 2. If you are wearing heavy armor, your Dexterity modifier is not added to your armor class.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about armor class:

1. What is armor class?: Armor class is a numeric representation of how hard you are to hit, which is a combination of your agility and your level of protection.
2. How do you set up armor class?: Determine an unarmored character’s armor class by adding 10 + their Dexterity modifier.
3. How do you hit armor class?: If the total of the roll plus modifiers equals or exceeds the target’s armor class, the attack hits.
4. What do you roll for armor class?: You roll a d20 and add your attack bonus and any other relevant modifiers.
5. How do you calculate armor class in 5e?: When unarmored, your base armor class is 10 + Dexterity modifier.
6. How do you hit armor class above 20?: To hit an armor class above 20, you need to roll a high number on your d20 and have a high attack bonus.
7. Does armor increase armor class?: Yes, armor can increase your armor class by providing a higher base armor class.
8. Do you hit on armor class?: Yes, if the total of the roll plus modifiers equals or exceeds the target’s armor class, the attack hits.
9. What is my armor class without armor?: Typically, a character who isn’t wearing armor starts off with an armor class equal to 10 + their Dexterity modifier.
10. What happens if you tie armor class?: If the attack roll ties with armor class, the attacker wins and hits the defender.
11. What is the armor class equal to in 5e?: When unarmored, your base armor class is 10 + Dexterity modifier.
12. Why is it called armor class?: Armor class is called armor class because it is a measure of how hard you are to hit, which is often determined by the armor you are wearing.
13. Does armor class increase with level?: No, armor class does not typically increase with level.
14. Is armor class copyrighted?: No, armor class is not copyrighted as it is a game mechanic.
15. Does armor class reduce damage?: Yes, armor class can reduce the amount of damage you take by making it harder for attackers to hit you.

Conclusion

In conclusion, using armor class is an important part of playing Dungeons & Dragons. By understanding how to calculate armor class and how it affects combat, you can make informed decisions about your character’s equipment and abilities. Remember to always consider your armor class when making attack rolls and to use armor and other defensive abilities to increase your armor class and stay safe in combat.