Armor Class (AC) is an important statistic in 5th Edition Dungeons & Dragons, as it determines how hard it is for a creature to hit you in combat. It also determines how much damage a creature can take before it is defeated. Knowing how to calculate your character’s AC can give you an edge in battle and help you survive longer against powerful foes. In this article, we’ll explain how to calculate your AC in 5e, so you can be prepared for whatever peril awaits you in the wilds of the Forgotten Realms.
What is Armor Class?
Armor Class (AC) is a measure of how difficult it is to hit a creature in combat. It is based on a combination of several factors, including the creature’s armor, Dexterity modifier, and other bonuses. The higher the AC, the more difficult it is for an attacker to land a successful hit. Armor Class is one of the most important statistics in 5e, as it is the main factor that determines how much damage a creature can take before it is defeated.
How to Calculate Armor Class 5E
Calculating your AC in 5e is fairly simple. The first step is to determine your base AC. This is usually determined by the type of armor you are wearing. If you are wearing light armor, your base AC is 11+ your Dexterity modifier. If you are wearing medium armor, your base AC is 13+ your Dexterity modifier. If you are wearing heavy armor, your base AC is 15+ your Dexterity modifier. If you are wearing no armor, your base AC is 10+ your Dexterity modifier.
Calculating Armor Class Adjustments
The next step is to calculate any armor class adjustments. These include any bonuses or penalties from spells, class features, or other special effects. Add any applicable bonuses or penalties to your base AC to determine your final AC. For example, if you have a +1 shield and a +2 Dexterity bonus, your AC would be 14 (11+2+1).
Calculating Unarmored Defense
If you are not wearing any armor, you can use the Unarmored Defense feature to calculate your AC. This feature allows you to use your Wisdom or Charisma modifier instead of your Dexterity modifier to calculate your AC. To calculate your AC, add 10+ your Wisdom or Charisma modifier to your base AC. For example, if you have a +2 Wisdom modifier, your AC would be 12 (10+2).
Calculating Natural Armor
Some creatures, such as dragons, have natural armor. This armor is calculated in the same way as normal armor, with one exception. Natural armor is not affected by spells or other special effects. To calculate the AC of a creature with natural armor, add its natural armor bonus to its base AC. For example, a dragon with a natural armor bonus of +4 would have an AC of 19 (15+4).
Calculating Magical Armor
Magical armor is similar to regular armor, but it provides additional bonuses. These bonuses are calculated in the same way as other armor class adjustments. To calculate the AC of a creature wearing magical armor, add its magical bonus to its base AC. For example, if a creature is wearing armor +1, its AC would be 12 (11+1).
Conclusion
Calculating your Armor Class in 5e is an important part of character creation and combat preparation. Knowing how to calculate your AC can give you an edge in battle and help you survive longer against powerful foes. Now that you know how to calculate your AC in 5e, you’ll be better prepared for whatever peril awaits you in the wilds of the Forgotten Realms.