What is the Max Weight You Can Lift in D&D?
The maximum weight a character can lift in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (5e) is a complex calculation involving a combination of factors, not just raw Strength score. While the base lifting capacity seems straightforward, various rules, abilities, and magical effects can dramatically increase it. In essence, there isn’t a single, fixed “max lift” number; it’s a value that can be significantly boosted by clever character builds and strategic resource utilization. However, for an absolute limit, considering all possible boosts, a well-optimized character could lift up to a staggering 3480 pounds! Let’s explore how we reach that impressive figure.
Base Carrying Capacity
The foundational rule is that your carrying capacity is your Strength score multiplied by 15. This represents the weight you can carry comfortably without penalty. You can also push, drag, or lift up to twice that amount, although doing so significantly limits your speed to 5 feet. For example, a character with a Strength of 16 can carry 240 pounds (16 x 15) and lift 480 pounds (16 x 30).
Size Matters
A character’s size also plays a vital role. The base carrying capacity doubles for each size category above Medium. This means a Large creature can carry twice as much as a Medium one, a Huge creature can carry four times as much, and a Gargantuan creature can carry eight times as much.
Strength Enhancers
While a starting character is usually capped at 20 Strength, certain magic items and abilities can push those limits. For example, Gauntlets of Ogre Power raise the wearer’s Strength score to 19 if it’s lower. Items like a Belt of Storm Giant Strength can raise it to 29 (+9 modifier) and potions of Giant Size can boost it to 25.
Stacking the Buffs
To reach the maximum theoretical lift, one must effectively stack the applicable rules, races, and class features. Here’s how we achieve that massive 3480-pound max lift:
- Strength Score of 29: A character with a Belt of Storm Giant Strength has a base Strength of 29.
- Base Carrying Capacity: 29 (Strength) x 15 = 435 pounds.
- Goliath Racial Trait: Goliaths have the trait ‘Powerful Build’ which doubles their carrying capacity: 435 x 2 = 870 pounds.
- 6th Level Bear Totem Barbarian: This level of Barbarian doubles carrying capacity again while raging: 870 x 2 = 1740 pounds.
- Brawny Feat: The Brawny feat doubles the character’s carrying capacity one more time: 1740 x 2 = 3480 pounds
- Lifting/Pushing/Dragging Capacity: The character can lift/push/drag twice their carry capacity. 3480 * 2 = 6960 pounds.
- Enlarge Spell: if a character has had the enlarge spell cast upon them. Their size goes up by one category, their strength advantage doubles their carry capacity yet again. 3480 *2 = 6960, and the lift/push/drag is 13,920 lbs.
Therefore, the theoretical max weight a character could lift or push/drag would be 6960 lbs and 13,920 lbs respectively, assuming they have optimized their character for lifting/pushing/dragging!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the typical Strength score for an adventurer?
Most adventurers have Strength scores above the average human (10-11). A score of 18 is considered very high, and many adventurers can reach 20. Some powerful creatures and divine beings can even have Strength scores of 30.
2. How does a Strength modifier impact my carrying capacity?
The Strength modifier does not directly impact your carrying capacity. It’s the actual Strength score that determines that, along with size and other effects. The Strength modifier is used in other rolls like Strength-based attacks, checks, and saving throws.
3. What happens if I try to carry too much weight?
Under the standard rules, you will be considered encumbered if you exceed your carrying capacity, but this doesn’t usually impose penalties. However, if you use the Encumbrance Variant rules, carrying more than Strength x 10 pounds reduces your speed by 20 feet and imposes disadvantage on Strength, Dexterity, and Constitution-based rolls.
4. Can magical items increase my carrying capacity?
Yes, while most magical items increase your Strength score, the result of this will result in a greater carrying capacity. There are no items that directly boost carrying capacity, but the result of increasing the strength score will increase the carrying capacity.
5. Does size impact how much a character can lift?
Absolutely. A character’s carrying capacity doubles for each size category they are above Medium. So, a Large creature has twice the base carrying capacity of a Medium one; a Huge creature has four times, and a Gargantuan creature has eight times.
6. How do heavy weapons relate to Strength?
Small characters have disadvantage on attack rolls when using heavy weapons, because the weapons are too large for them to use effectively. While Strength doesn’t affect this directly, you’ll need a high Strength score to effectively wield these weapons.
7. How does jumping height relate to Strength?
When you make a high jump, you leap into the air a number of feet equal to 3 + your Strength modifier if you move at least 10 feet on foot immediately before the jump. You jump half that distance when you do a standing high jump.
8. How much does a gold coin weigh in 5e?
According to the 5e Player’s Handbook, fifty coins weigh a pound. Therefore, a single coin weighs 0.02 pounds. It’s important to consider the weight of gold when amassing wealth.
9. What is the “Take 20” rule and how does it relate to strength checks?
The “Take 20” rule isn’t strictly part of the official rules of 5e, but is a house rule many use, where if a character repeatedly attempts a check that has no consequences for failure, they may take 20 times as long to succeed. Meaning they succeed with a roll of 20 assuming they have enough time. This is usually used for cases where players need to climb a wall, force open a door, or swim through a river.
10. How much can a Tiefling carry?
A Tiefling can carry the same as any other medium sized creature. Their carrying capacity is equal to their Strength score multiplied by 15.
11. Can a 1st level character have a strength score of 20?
The rules as written state a character’s strength score cannot exceed 18 at level 1. It is possible that magic items can grant a character the ability to exceed this cap.
12. What is a “Heavy” weapon, and how does it relate to Strength?
A “Heavy” weapon is a type of weapon that is large and cumbersome. As mentioned earlier, small creatures have disadvantage when using them. While Strength doesn’t directly affect the penalties, it’s a fact that the stronger your character is, the easier it is to handle these weapons.
13. What are some of the strongest creatures in D&D?
The strongest creatures in D&D vary across the numerous lore and editions. Some noteworthy ones are the Ancient Dragons, the Tarrasque, and some powerful deities, who can have Strength scores of 30 and above.
14. How does the spell ‘Enlarge’ interact with carry capacity?
The spell ‘Enlarge’ increases a character’s size by one category, which will increase their carrying capacity by double.
15. Does the Barbarian’s Rage affect carrying capacity?
The Bear Totem Barbarian doubles their carrying capacity at 6th level while raging, which is useful when trying to lift heavy objects.