Do You Get a Free Feat at Level 1? A Comprehensive 5e Guide

The short answer is: it depends. In the standard rules of Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (5e), most characters do not receive a free feat at level 1. However, the Variant Human race is a notable exception, granting a free feat at character creation. Furthermore, individual Dungeon Masters (DMs) can implement house rules that award feats at level 1, regardless of race. Let’s dive deeper into the specifics and explore the intricacies of feats in 5e.

The Variant Human Exception

The Variant Human is a powerful and popular choice due to its flexibility. Instead of the standard Human’s +1 to all ability scores, the Variant Human receives the following benefits:

• +1 to two different ability scores of your choice.
• Proficiency in one skill of your choice.
• One feat of your choice from the available list.

This feat can significantly enhance a character’s capabilities from the very beginning, providing an edge in combat, skills, or roleplaying.

Ability Score Improvement and Feats

The Player’s Handbook (PHB) outlines that most classes gain the Ability Score Improvement (ASI) feature at levels 4, 8, 12, 16, and 19. This feature allows players to either increase two ability scores by 1 each, or increase one ability score by 2. However, the optional Feats rule allows you to forgo the ASI and instead select a feat. This provides significant customization and allows you to tailor your character to a specific role or playstyle.

House Rules and DM Discretion

D&D is a game built on collaboration and customization. DMs have the authority to alter rules to fit their vision of the game. Granting all players a free feat at level 1 is a common house rule. This can create more powerful and interesting characters from the start, but it can also affect the overall balance of the game. It’s essential to discuss any house rules with your DM and fellow players before the campaign begins. Exploring different game styles and options can be valuable learning experiences, similar to the educational opportunities provided by organizations like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Feat Prerequisites

Not all feats are available to every character. Many feats have prerequisites that must be met before they can be selected. These prerequisites can include specific ability scores, proficiencies, or even class features. For example, the Great Weapon Master feat requires you to be proficient with martial weapons. Always carefully review the feat’s description to ensure your character meets all the requirements.

The Impact of Feats on Gameplay

Feats can drastically change how a character plays. They can enhance combat abilities, improve skill proficiencies, grant access to new spells, or even provide unique roleplaying opportunities. Consider the following examples:

• Sharpshooter: Negates disadvantage on ranged attacks at long range and allows you to take a -5 penalty to attack rolls for +10 damage. This can be devastating for ranged damage dealers.
• Lucky: Grants you three luck points that can be used to reroll attack rolls, ability checks, or saving throws. This feat provides incredible versatility and survivability.
• Actor: Grants proficiency in Deception and Advantage on Deception checks, and allows you to mimic the speech of others. A great feat for engaging role-playing.

The choice of feats should align with your character’s role, playstyle, and backstory.

Related Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many feats do you get in 5e?

You primarily get feats by forgoing your Ability Score Improvement (ASI) at levels 4, 8, 12, 16, and 19. This means a character can potentially gain a total of five feats through this method. Variant Humans gain one more at level 1, and some DMs may award additional feats as part of their house rules.

2. Can you take the same feat multiple times?

No, unless the feat’s description explicitly states otherwise. Most feats can only be taken once. This encourages players to explore a variety of feats to customize their characters.

3. Are there any feats specific to certain races or classes?

Yes, there are several feats that require specific races or classes as prerequisites. These feats are often tied to the lore and abilities of those races or classes. For example, some feats require you to be an elf, while others require you to be a spellcaster.

4. What are some good feats for a level 1 Variant Human?

Some popular and effective feats for a level 1 Variant Human include:

• Lucky: Provides versatile rerolls.
• Tough: Increases maximum hit points, improving survivability.
• Alert: Grants a bonus to initiative and prevents being surprised.
• Observant: Increases Wisdom or Intelligence and improves passive Perception and Investigation.

The best choice depends on your character’s class and intended role.

5. How do half-feats work?

Half-feats are feats that grant an increase of +1 to one ability score, in addition to other benefits. They are a good way to improve your stats while also gaining a useful ability. Many players favor them since they can increase an odd numbered ability score (like 15) to the next one (+16), that grants additional bonuses.

6. Can a DM remove feats from the game?

Yes, the DM has the final say on which rules and options are used in their game. They can choose to remove the optional Feats rule entirely. This is usually communicated during session zero before any characters are created.

7. What is the difference between a feat and an ability score improvement?

An Ability Score Improvement increases your ability scores, which affects various aspects of your character, such as attack rolls, skill checks, and saving throws. A Feat grants a specific ability or benefit, such as proficiency with a weapon, the ability to cast spells, or a bonus to a particular skill.

8. Can you multiclass to gain more feats?

No, multiclassing does not grant additional feats. You only gain feats by forgoing your Ability Score Improvement at levels 4, 8, 12, 16, and 19, regardless of how many classes you have levels in.

9. What are some “must-have” feats for certain classes?

Certain feats synergize particularly well with specific classes:

• Fighter: Great Weapon Master, Sharpshooter, Polearm Master.
• Rogue: Skill Expert, Observant, Lucky.
• Wizard: War Caster, Resilient (Constitution), Lucky.
• Cleric: War Caster, Resilient (Constitution), Observant.

These are just suggestions, and the best feat for your character will depend on your specific build and playstyle.

10. Do feats affect a character’s challenge rating (CR)?

Yes, feats can indirectly affect a character’s Challenge Rating (CR). Feats that increase damage output, survivability, or utility can make a character more effective in combat, which can impact the CR calculation.

11. Can you swap out feats later in the game?

Generally no, once you choose a feat, you are stuck with it unless your DM allows you to change it. Some DMs may allow players to swap out feats under certain circumstances, but this is not a standard rule.

12. Are there any feats that allow you to cast spells?

Yes, several feats grant spellcasting abilities. Examples include:

• Magic Initiate: Learn two cantrips and one 1st-level spell from a specific class’s spell list.
• Ritual Caster: Learn two ritual spells and gain the ability to cast them.
• Fey Touched: Learn Misty Step and a 1st level Divination or Enchantment spell.

These feats can be a great way for non-spellcasting classes to gain access to magic.

13. How do feats interact with multiclassing?

Feats are independent of class levels. You can choose any feat you qualify for when you would normally gain an Ability Score Improvement, regardless of your class levels. Multiclassing can help you meet the prerequisites for certain feats, but it does not directly grant additional feats.

14. What are some good feats for a support character?

Good feats for a support character include:

• Healer: Allows you to restore hit points to allies.
• Inspiring Leader: Grants temporary hit points to allies.
• Ritual Caster: Provides access to useful utility spells.

These feats can enhance your ability to aid and protect your party.

15. Where can I find a comprehensive list of all the feats in 5e?

A comprehensive list of feats can be found in the Player’s Handbook (PHB), as well as in other official D&D sourcebooks such as Xanathar’s Guide to Everything and Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything. You can also find information on websites such as D&D Beyond and various D&D wikis.

In conclusion, while most characters don’t automatically get a free feat at level 1, the Variant Human is an exception. Furthermore, DMs can implement house rules to grant feats at level 1 or at other times during the game. Feats are a powerful tool for customizing your character and enhancing your gameplay experience. Choose wisely and have fun!