D&D 5e Feats

Feats are optional character customization options that provide special abilities, bonuses, or features. They represent specialized training or natural talents that set your character apart.

Key Points:

• Feats are an optional rule (PHB Chapter 6)
• Most campaigns allow feats - check with your DM
• You gain feats at certain levels instead of Ability Score Improvements
• Some feats have prerequisites (ability scores, race, or class features)
• Each feat can only be taken once unless stated otherwise

You can choose a feat instead of an Ability Score Improvement at these levels:

Standard Classes:

• Levels 4, 8, 12, 16, and 19

• Levels 4, 6, 8, 12, 14, 16, and 19 (gets extra ASIs)

• Levels 4, 8, 10, 12, 16, and 19 (extra ASI at 10th level)

• Start with one feat at 1st level

• Start with one feat at 1st level

Choosing between a feat and a +2 to ability scores is one of the most important decisions in 5e.

Take an ASI if:

• Your primary ability score is below 18 or 20
• You're a spellcaster who needs spell save DC/attack bonus
• Your build depends heavily on a specific ability modifier
• You're at lower levels (4-8) and need fundamental capability

• Your primary score is already 18+ or capped at 20
• The feat directly enables your character concept
• The feat provides significant tactical options (PAM, GWM, Sharpshooter, Sentinel)
• You need a specific capability your class lacks
• The feat includes a half-feat bonus that rounds up an odd ability score

• Resilient: +1 to any ability score + proficiency in that save
• Skill Expert: +1 to any ability score + expertise in a skill
• Fey Touched: +1 INT/WIS/CHA + two spells
• Shadow Touched: +1 INT/WIS/CHA + two spells
• Observant: +1 INT or WIS + passive Perception/Investigation boost
• Crusher/Piercer/Slasher: +1 STR or DEX + damage type bonuses

Combat Powerhouses:

• Polearm Master: Bonus action attacks and opportunity attacks when enemies enter reach
• Great Weapon Master: Trade accuracy for massive damage (+10 per hit)
• Sharpshooter: Ranged equivalent of GWM, ignore cover and long range
• Crossbow Expert: Remove loading property, ignore melee disadvantage, bonus action attacks
• Sentinel: Lock down enemies and protect allies with powerful opportunity attacks

• War Caster: Advantage on concentration, cast spells as opportunity attacks, somatic components with weapons
• Resilient (Constitution): Proficiency in CON saves for concentration
• Alert: +5 initiative, can't be surprised
• Lucky: Reroll any d20 three times per long rest
• Fey Touched/Shadow Touched: Extra spells and ASI

• Heavy Armor Master: Reduce incoming nonmagical physical damage by 3
• Tough: +2 HP per level (retroactive)
• Shield Master: Bonus action shove, add shield AC to DEX saves, take no damage on successful DEX saves

• Skill Expert: Expertise in one skill, proficiency in another, +1 ASI
• Observant: Passive Perception/Investigation +5, read lips
• Mobile: +10 movement, ignore difficult terrain when dashing, avoid opportunity attacks after melee attacks
• Telekinetic: +1 ASI, invisible mage hand, bonus action shove

Some feats synergize extremely well together:

Polearm Master + Sentinel:

• Stop enemies at 10 feet away with opportunity attacks
• They can't move closer even if they hit
• Creates a "death zone" around you

• Bonus action attack from PAM increases GWM proc chances
• More attacks = more chances to land the -5/+10 hits
• Massive damage potential

• Bonus action hand crossbow attacks
• Use Sharpshooter's -5/+10 on all attacks
• Ignore cover and range penalties
• Best ranged damage in the game

• Advantage on concentration saves
• Proficiency in CON saves
• Nearly unbreakable concentration

• Hit and run tactics
• Can escape without opportunity attacks
• Stop enemies who try to ignore you

• Reroll one attack die when you have advantage
• Samurai grants advantage at will
• Champion crits on 19-20
• Devastating critical hit chance

Some feats require specific races (from Xanathar's Guide):

Dwarven Fortitude (Dwarf):

• Spend Hit Die when you take Dodge action
• Heal while dodging

• Reroll one attack die when you have advantage
• +1 DEX, INT, WIS, or CHA
• Incredible for crit-fishing builds

• Reaction to become invisible when taking damage
• Requires advantage to hit you
• +1 DEX or INT

• +5 movement speed
• +1 STR or DEX
• Advantage on escape attempts

• Dragon Fear: Frightening presence ability
• Dragon Hide: Natural armor and retractable claws

• Extra damage die once per short rest
• Boost Relentless Endurance
• +1 STR or CON

Balancing Feats in Your Game:

Power Level Considerations:

• Feats like GWM, Sharpshooter, PAM, and Sentinel are significantly stronger than others
• These "power feats" can overshadow players who choose flavorful but weaker options
• Consider if everyone in your party has access to similarly powerful options

• Buff weaker feats in your game
• Provide magic items that replicate feat effects for players who took ASIs
• Design encounters that challenge different character strengths
• Remember that feat users sacrificed ASIs and may lag in other areas

• Starting with a feat at 1st level is very powerful
• Consider whether this overshadows other racial choices
• Some groups ban Variant Human or allow all races a free feat at 1st level

• Be cautious with homebrew feats - they're difficult to balance
• Compare to existing feats for power level
• Consider playtesting in one-shots first
• Half-feats (+1 ASI) are generally safer than full feats

• Consider giving everyone a free feat at 1st level
• Creates more character diversity
• Allows cool concepts without sacrificing ASIs
• Makes martial characters more interesting