Mastering Feats in D&D Beyond: A Comprehensive Guide
So, you’re ready to enhance your D&D character with a powerful feat? You’ve come to the right place. Adding feats in D&D Beyond is a straightforward process, allowing you to customize your character and unlock exciting new abilities.
Where do you add feats in D&D Beyond? It’s simple: navigate to the “Features & Traits” section of your character sheet within the D&D Beyond platform. Scroll down to the “Feats” heading and click on “Manage Feats.” This will open a sidebar where you can browse, select, and add available feats to your character. Remember that you must either own the sourcebook containing the feat or purchase the individual feat in D&D Beyond to add it to your character.
Understanding Feats in 5e
What is a Feat?
A feat represents a special talent, skill, or area of expertise that enhances your character’s capabilities beyond their class features. It’s a tangible representation of training, experience, and innate abilities that make your character unique. Taking a feat usually means foregoing an Ability Score Improvement (ASI) at certain levels (typically levels 4, 8, 12, 16, and 19 for most classes). Fighters get additional ASIs at levels 6 and 14.
How Feats Work
When you reach a level where you can improve your ability scores, you have the option to instead choose a feat from the list available to your character. You must meet the prerequisites for the feat, such as a minimum ability score, race, or class level. Once selected, the feat grants you specific benefits detailed in its description. You can only take a feat once unless specified otherwise.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Feats in D&D Beyond
1. Why aren’t my feats showing up in D&D Beyond?
The most common reason for this is that you don’t own the sourcebook containing the desired feats in your D&D Beyond library. You either need to purchase the digital version of the relevant sourcebook (like the Player’s Handbook) or buy the individual feats you want. The Grappler feat is available for free.
2. How do I add custom (homebrew) feats in D&D Beyond?
First, you need to create the homebrew feat. From the D&D Beyond homepage, select COLLECTIONS > FEATS > CREATE FEAT. Follow the instructions to input all the necessary information for your custom feat, including name, description, and benefits. Then, on your character sheet, go to “Features & Traits,” click “Manage Feats,” and find your custom feat to add it.
3. What gives you feats in D&D?
Generally, you gain feats when your class grants you an Ability Score Improvement (ASI) at specific levels. However, your DM might allow you to gain feats through other means, such as completing a significant quest or as a reward for exceptional roleplaying. Remember that using feats is an optional rule in D&D 5e.
4. How many feats do you start with in D&D?
Typically, characters don’t start with any feats at level 1 unless you’re using a variant human race, which grants a free feat at level 1, or if your DM has homebrewed in some level 1 feats. Some backgrounds may also grant access to specific, thematic feats.
5. Can the DM give players feats as rewards?
Absolutely! It’s entirely up to the DM to decide if and when to award feats outside the standard leveling system. This can be a great way to reward players for outstanding actions, roleplaying, or completing challenging quests. The DM should consider the balance of the party when giving feats to individual characters.
6. How do I edit feats in D&D Beyond?
Go to the “Features & Traits” section of your character sheet, then click on “Feats” and “Manage Feats.” When you see the feat, it’ll have a blue circle with an exclamation point. Click/tap it, and you’ll be able to select your options and customize the feat’s effects (if applicable).
7. Are feats and class features the same thing?
No, feats and class features are distinct. Class features are inherent abilities granted by your chosen class at certain levels, whereas feats are optional, customizable abilities you can choose instead of an ASI. Class features are determined by your class, and feats are chosen by you from a broader list of options.
8. Can you replace feats in D&D?
Officially, the rules don’t offer a mechanism for swapping feats after you’ve chosen them. However, in Adventure League, you can rebuild your character every time you level up, allowing you to change feats. Ultimately, it’s up to your DM to decide if they’ll allow you to change feats, and under what circumstances.
9. What are some good first-level feats in D&D?
This depends on your character build and play style, but some popular first-level feats (especially for variant humans) include Lucky, Tough, Alert, and Magic Initiate. The Skilled feat can also be useful for characters who need extra proficiencies.
10. How do you use feats in 5e combat?
Each feat description outlines how it functions in combat. Some feats grant passive benefits, like increased initiative (Alert), while others provide active abilities you can use during your turn. Always refer to the feat’s description for specific instructions on its use.
11. Is there a limit to how many feats I can have?
While there isn’t a hard limit on the number of feats, the number of feats you can take is limited by the number of opportunities you get to choose a feat (typically instead of an ASI). Most classes get ASIs at levels 4, 8, 12, 16, and 19.
12. Are feats good in D&D 5e?
Absolutely! Feats are an excellent way to customize your character and make them more powerful and versatile. They can significantly enhance your character’s combat abilities, skills, or roleplaying potential. They are almost always considered beneficial when creating your character build.
13. How long does it take to learn a feat outside of leveling?
The rules don’t explicitly state a training time. However, using Xanathar’s Guide to Everything, one could infer using the training guidelines that it would take between 8 to 30 weeks, depending on Intelligence modifier and the availability of a qualified instructor.
14. Can I make a character on D&D Beyond for free?
Yes! D&D Beyond offers a free character builder that allows you to create and manage characters. You can use the basic rules content to build a character without purchasing anything.
15. Can I undo a feat choice?
Not really! After you have selected a feat and leveled up your character, D&D Beyond does not offer a way to simply undo that selection. You would need to either rebuild the character from a backup or create a brand new character with the proper feat choices.
Conclusion
Adding and managing feats in D&D Beyond is crucial for tailoring your character to your desired playstyle. Understanding the mechanics of feats and how they interact with your character’s abilities will empower you to make informed decisions and create a truly unique and effective adventurer. By using this guide, you’re now well-equipped to navigate the world of feats in D&D Beyond. For more resources on game-based learning and innovative educational approaches, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. Get out there and build your dream character.