How to Get Feats in D&D Beyond: A Comprehensive Guide
The digital tabletop platform D&D Beyond has revolutionized the way many of us play Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition. One common question that arises, especially for newer players, is: How do you get feats in D&D Beyond? The short answer is, feats are primarily gained through character level progression where they are selected instead of an Ability Score Improvement (ASI), and the platform provides a user-friendly interface to manage them. Let’s dive into the details of how you can acquire and manage feats within D&D Beyond.
How to Acquire Feats in D&D Beyond
The core mechanic for gaining feats remains the same as in the traditional tabletop game. Most classes gain an Ability Score Improvement at levels 4, 8, 12, 16, and 19. At these levels, instead of increasing your ability scores, you can opt to select a feat instead. The number of feats available is therefore limited by your class’s number of ASIs, unless your Dungeon Master grants additional feats by other means. It’s crucial to remember that feats are an optional rule in D&D 5e, so your DM must be using them in your campaign for you to utilize them.
Here’s the process on D&D Beyond:
- Level Up: When your character levels up to a point where your class grants you an ASI, navigate to your character sheet.
- Manage Feats: Within the “Features and Traits” section of your character sheet, scroll down to the bottom. You’ll see an option that says “Manage Feats”. Click this button.
- Choose a Feat: A window will appear showing all the feats available to your character. These include feats you have access to based on content you own on D&D Beyond and feats available from sources like the Player’s Handbook (PHB) or other sourcebooks.
- Select Your Feat: Click on the feat you wish to take. It will be added to your character’s sheet automatically.
- Confirm Your Choice: Once you’ve chosen your feat, it will be applied to your character.
It is also worth noting that you must own the digital sourcebooks where those feats are published to be able to choose those feats on D&D Beyond. Some feats, like Grappler, are freely available, but most require you to own the content in which they are published or to purchase those feats individually.
Custom Feats on D&D Beyond
If your DM allows custom feats or those from homebrew sources, D&D Beyond also provides ways to add them to your character. You may need to add them as custom items or use the homebrew editor tool, which allows you to input all the specifications of those homebrew feats. Then you can manage those created items in the same way as regular feats by going to the “Manage Feats” option and adding them to your character.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Feats on D&D Beyond
1. When do I typically get feats in D&D 5e?
Most character classes can choose feats at levels 4, 8, 12, 16, and 19, which are the same levels they would get Ability Score Improvements. Rogues and Fighters are exceptions, gaining more ASIs.
2. Can I learn feats through training within the game?
By the official rules, no. Feats are primarily gained when leveling up and choosing to take a feat in place of an ASI. However, it’s entirely up to your DM if they wish to implement a system for acquiring feats through in-game training.
3. Why aren’t feats showing up on D&D Beyond?
You need to own the digital version of the books where the feats are located. If you’re missing a feat from your character sheet, check that you have purchased the appropriate sourcebook or the specific feat. If you have the books, ensure that you have the content unlocked correctly in your campaign.
4. What are some good feats for a first-level character?
While most feats are not available at first level, some are available through certain races or the variant human option. Some notable first level feats include Alert, Lucky, Magic Initiate, and Skilled. These can provide a nice starting boost for any character build.
5. How many feats can my character have?
There is no hard limit to the number of feats a character has. However, they are limited by your class’s ASIs unless you get access to additional feats through homebrew rules or DM gifts. The typical number for a class is five feats, while Fighters can get up to seven, and Rogues can sometimes reach six.
6. Can Artificers use feats effectively?
Yes, Artificers can make good use of feats. Since they rely heavily on the Intelligence stat, it’s usually best for them to first focus on maxing out their Intelligence score before choosing feats. Once they have achieved that, they can choose feats that complement their specific playstyle.
7. Is it possible to get extra feats outside of leveling?
Usually, no. Unless your DM gives extra feats as a reward or part of a homebrew rule, the standard path to obtain feats is by trading an ASI at level-up. Some older editions allowed trading treasure or in-game currency for feats, but that is not standard practice in 5e.
8. How do I choose the best feats for my character?
Choosing feats depends on your character’s role, class, and desired playstyle. Some feats are universally useful such as Lucky or Resilient, while others, like Great Weapon Master or Sharpshooter, are very dependent on your character’s specific combat strategy. Consider what area of your character you would like to enhance.
9. Can I remove a feat in D&D?
The standard rule in 5e does not allow players to remove feats once chosen. However, some DMs may allow a retraining process, often as a downtime activity. Usually, this is not an option, though.
10. Do feats work differently when Multiclassing?
No. Feats function the same way for multiclass characters. They are selected when leveling up based on the character’s total level and not the specific class level. Multiclassing can be a great way to open up more options for feats based on the classes available.
11. Do Wizards benefit from feats?
Absolutely. Wizards can benefit greatly from feats. There are many feats tailored for spellcasters, such as War Caster and Spell Sniper, that can greatly enhance their magical prowess. Feats like Resilient (CON) can also enhance survivability.
12. Are feats based on a character level?
Feats are primarily granted upon leveling up, so they are dependent on character level. There are some exceptions based on certain feats given through race or if the DM has implemented other homebrew rules.
13. How often do you get ASIs/Feats in D&D?
Most classes get an Ability Score Improvement (ASI), which can be traded for a feat, at level 4, 8, 12, 16, and 19. Fighters and Rogues get additional ASIs, meaning they have additional opportunities for feats as well.
14. How long do D&D campaigns usually run?
The duration of a D&D campaign varies significantly, from a few sessions to over a year of weekly play. Campaigns typically last from 20-30 sessions, though some can last much longer. This is a decision between the group and the DM.
15. What is the best first-time class for new players?
Classes like the Fighter, Barbarian, and Rogue are often recommended for beginners due to their relatively straightforward mechanics and focus on martial combat. Cleric and Paladin are also excellent beginner options as they tend to have more survivability early on.
By understanding how feats work within the D&D Beyond platform, you’ll be better equipped to optimize your characters and engage with the game on a deeper level. So go forth, explore your character’s potential, and make the most of this incredible tool for your D&D adventures.