Ability Checks vs. Saving Throws: Mastering the Core Mechanics of 5e
The world of Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (5e) is built upon a foundation of dice rolls that determine the success or failure of actions. Two of the most fundamental types of rolls are ability checks and saving throws. The primary difference is this: an ability check is initiated by a character attempting to do something, while a saving throw is a reactive roll made to avoid a negative effect imposed by an external source. Essentially, you choose to make an ability check, but you are forced to make a saving throw.
Understanding Ability Checks in Detail
An ability check is a test of a character’s or monster’s innate talent and training. It’s used when a creature attempts an action other than an attack that has a chance of failure. The Dungeon Master (DM) calls for an ability check when the outcome of an action is uncertain and depends on the character’s abilities.
How Ability Checks Work
To make an ability check, you roll a d20 (a 20-sided die) and add the relevant ability modifier (Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma). You may also add a proficiency bonus if you are proficient in a skill related to that ability check. The total is then compared to a Difficulty Class (DC) set by the DM. If the total equals or exceeds the DC, the ability check is a success; otherwise, it’s a failure.
Examples of Ability Checks
- Strength (Athletics): Climbing a cliff, swimming against a strong current, or forcing open a stuck door.
- Dexterity (Stealth): Concealing yourself from enemies, slinking past guards, or picking a pocket.
- Constitution: Holding your breath underwater, enduring extreme heat or cold, or resisting the effects of poison (although this can also be a saving throw, depending on the source).
- Intelligence (Arcana): Recalling lore about spells, identifying a magical item, or deciphering ancient texts.
- Wisdom (Perception): Noticing a hidden trap, hearing a faint noise, or spotting an ambush.
- Charisma (Persuasion): Influencing someone’s opinion, negotiating a deal, or convincing someone to do something they wouldn’t normally do.
Skill Checks: Specialized Ability Checks
A skill check is simply an ability check that uses a specific skill proficiency. For example, a Wisdom (Perception) check is an ability check using the Wisdom ability score, with the addition of your proficiency bonus if you are proficient in the Perception skill. Initiative rolls are another example of named ability checks, specifically using Dexterity. This subtle distinction is important to understand when evaluating game effects that could impact these rolls.
Deciphering Saving Throws
A saving throw, or save, is a last-ditch effort to avoid a negative consequence. It’s a reactive roll prompted by an external threat, such as a spell, trap, or environmental hazard. Unlike ability checks, saving throws are forced upon you. You don’t choose to make a saving throw; you make it because something is trying to harm or hinder you.
How Saving Throws Work
Making a saving throw is similar to making an ability check: you roll a d20 and add the relevant ability modifier. However, instead of skill proficiency, you add your proficiency bonus if you are proficient in that particular saving throw (Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma). As with ability checks, the total is compared to a DC set by the effect imposing the save. If the total equals or exceeds the DC, the saving throw is a success, and you either avoid the effect entirely or reduce its severity. If it fails, you suffer the full consequence.
Examples of Saving Throws
- Strength: Resisting being shoved, avoiding being moved by a strong wind.
- Dexterity: Dodging out of the way of a dragon’s breath weapon, avoiding falling debris.
- Constitution: Resisting the effects of poison, maintaining concentration on a spell after taking damage.
- Intelligence: Avoiding being mind-controlled, disbelieving an illusion.
- Wisdom: Resisting being charmed or frightened, seeing through a deception.
- Charisma: Resisting being banished to another plane, warding off a possessing spirit.
Death Saving Throws: A Unique Case
Death saving throws are a special type of saving throw used when a character is reduced to 0 hit points and is dying. These saves don’t use any ability modifiers and are simply a d20 roll. A result of 10 or higher is a success, while a result of 9 or lower is a failure. Three successes stabilize the character, while three failures result in death. Rolling a 1 is counted as two failures, and rolling a 20 instantly stabilizes the character and restores 1 hit point.
Key Differences Summarized
Here’s a concise summary of the key differences between ability checks and saving throws:
| Feature | Ability Check | Saving Throw |
|---|---|---|
| —————- | —————————————————- | ——————————————————– |
| Initiation | Character attempts to do something. | Character reacts to an external threat. |
| Purpose | To determine success in an action. | To avoid or mitigate a negative effect. |
| Proficiency | Proficiency in related skills (if applicable). | Proficiency in the specific saving throw (if applicable). |
| Trigger | Player choice. | External force or effect. |
Understanding the distinction between ability checks and saving throws is crucial for both players and DMs to navigate the rules of 5e effectively and ensure fair and consistent gameplay. These rules, as well as others, are often utilized in educational games. The Games Learning Society and GamesLearningSociety.org have more resources about these types of educational practices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do ability checks include saving throws in 5e?
No, ability checks and saving throws are distinct types of rolls. The Sage Advice Compendium clarifies this point directly. They use different mechanics and are triggered by different circumstances.
2. Are attack rolls and saving throws basically specialized ability checks?
No, attack rolls and saving throws are not specialized ability checks. They are separate mechanics with their own rules and applications.
3. What’s the difference between skill checks and ability checks?
A skill check is simply an ability check that utilizes a specific skill proficiency bonus. It’s a more focused application of an ability check in a particular area.
4. Can you be proficient in ability checks?
Normally, your proficiency only applies to skill checks associated with specific abilities (e.g., Athletics for Strength checks). However, the DM might allow proficiency to apply to a different type of check in specific situations where it makes sense.
5. Is a stealth check an ability check?
Yes, a stealth check is an ability check based on the Dexterity ability score. It’s used to conceal yourself, sneak around, and avoid being detected.
6. How do ability checks work in 5e?
You roll a d20, add the relevant ability modifier and any applicable proficiency bonus, and compare the total to a DC set by the DM. If the total equals or exceeds the DC, the ability check is a success.
7. Is a death save an ability check?
No, death saving throws are unique and don’t use ability modifiers. They are simply a d20 roll, with 10 or higher being a success and 9 or lower being a failure.
8. How do saving throws work?
You roll a d20, add the relevant ability modifier and your proficiency bonus (if proficient in that saving throw), and compare the total to the DC of the effect imposing the save. If the total equals or exceeds the DC, you succeed on the saving throw.
9. Does Stone of Good Luck work on skill checks?
Yes, the Stone of Good Luck grants a +1 bonus to all ability checks and saving throws, which includes skill checks since they are a specific type of ability check.
10. Do incapacitated creatures fail saving throws?
No, incapacitated creatures do not automatically fail saving throws. They can still make saving throws, but their actions and reactions may be limited.
11. What is an example of an ability check?
Examples include a Strength (Athletics) check to climb a wall, a Dexterity (Stealth) check to hide, or a Charisma (Persuasion) check to convince someone of something.
12. Can you willingly fail an ability check in 5e?
The rules don’t specifically allow you to deliberately fail an ability check. The DM might allow it in specific circumstances, but it’s generally not possible.
13. Is a Wisdom check an ability check?
Yes, a Wisdom check is an ability check that uses the Wisdom ability score. Common examples include Wisdom (Perception) and Wisdom (Insight) checks.
14. Do spells count as ability checks?
Some spells require ability checks as part of their casting, such as Counterspell or Dispel Magic. These are distinct from attack rolls or saving throws and are subject to effects that modify ability checks.
15. When should you use a saving throw?
You use a saving throw when you are subjected to an unusual or magical attack, or any effect that requires you to avoid or reduce a negative outcome. The effect will specify which type of saving throw is required and the DC to beat.