Home/Items/Magic Items/Belt of Giant Strength (Hill Giant)

Belt of Giant Strength (Hill Giant)

A Belt of Giant Strength is a magnificently crafted belt that grants the wearer the tremendous strength of a giant. The Hill Giant variant is the weakest of the giant strength belts but still incredibly powerful, setting the wearer's Strength to 21. The belt appears as a wide, sturdy belt made of thick leather or metal links, often decorated with giant runes or symbols of strength. When worn and attuned, the wearer's muscles surge with supernatural power, allowing feats of strength that would be impossible for most mortals. This is one of the most impactful magic items for martial characters.

At a Glance

Type
Wondrous Item
Rarity
Rare
Attunement
Required

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MechanicsCommon MistakesDM TipsFAQSources

How It Works

Your Strength score is 21 while you wear this belt. It has no effect on you if your Strength is already 21 or higher. This improves your Strength-based attack rolls (+5 modifier), damage rolls (+5), Athletics checks, carrying capacity (315 lbs), and any other abilities that use your Strength modifier. There are six varieties of Belt of Giant Strength, corresponding to different giant types. The Hill Giant version (21 Strength) is the weakest but still incredibly powerful. Other versions include Stone (23), Frost (23), Fire (25), Cloud (27), and Storm (29) giant belts, each with higher rarity.

Common Mistakes

Common Mistake
Thinking the belt increases Strength above the stated score (it sets it, doesn't add)
Common Mistake
Confusing the different giant belt types and their Strength scores
Common Mistake
Not realizing this has no effect if your Strength is already 21 or higher
Common Mistake
Forgetting the massive increase to carrying capacity (21 Str = 315 lbs)
Common Mistake
Not accounting for the +5 modifier to all Strength-based activities

DM Tips

DM Tip
This item dramatically transforms any character into a strength powerhouse
DM Tip
A <a href="/characters/classes/wizard-5e/">wizard</a> with 8 Strength suddenly has 21 Strength and +5 modifier - game-changing
DM Tip
Standard value around 5,000-10,000 gp as a rare attunement item
DM Tip
Perfect for enabling martial multiclasses or unconventional melee builds
DM Tip
The Hill Giant version (21 Str) is the weakest but still extraordinary
DM Tip
Higher-rarity belts (Stone, Frost, etc.) are progressively more powerful
DM Tip
<a href="/characters/classes/fighter-5e/">Fighters</a> and <a href="/characters/classes/barbarian-5e/">Barbarians</a> typically can't benefit as much (they have high Strength already)
DM Tip
Setting Strength to 21 provides +5 modifier, which is exceptional
DM Tip
Great for characters who want to grapple, shove, or dominate physical contests
DM Tip
Consider this a legendary treasure or major quest reward due to its power

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Further Reading