When playing Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) 5th Edition, one of the most crucial aspects of gameplay mechanics for a character is calculating their Armor Class (AC). The AC represents how well your character can defend themselves against incoming attacks from enemies. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of calculating your character’s AC in D&D 5e.

1. Start with the base Armor Class

The first thing you need to do is determine your character’s base AC. This varies depending on the type of armor your character is wearing:

– No Armor: If your character doesn’t wear any armor, their base AC equals 10.

– Light Armor: Add the armor’s listed AC bonus to your character’s Dexterity modifier (maximum of 2).

– Medium Armor: Add the armor’s listed AC bonus to your character’s Dexterity modifier (maximum of 2). Additionally, a character can add their full Dexterity modifier if it falls within the specified range.

– Heavy Armor: Disregard the Dexterity modifier and use only the armor’s listed AC bonus.

2. Apply Class Features and Abilities

Some classes have unique abilities or features that affect a character’s AC calculation. For example, a monk gains an AC boost based on their Wisdom modifier while not wearing any armor or shields. Be sure to account for these class features in determining your overall AC.

3. Add Shield Bonus

If a character chooses to equip a shield, they receive an additional bonus to their total Armor Class depending on the shield type. For instance, a typical shield provides +2 AC, but different shields may grant different values.

4. Apply Magic and Enchantments

Magic items and enchantments can significantly influence a character’s AC by providing magical bonuses and special abilities. Be sure to include all relevant bonuses from equipped magic items in your total Armor Class calculation.

5. Account for Racial Traits and Feats

Some races possess unique traits that affect AC. For example, the Lizardfolk race has the “Natural Armor” trait, which allows them to set their AC to 13 + their Dexterity modifier when not wearing armor. Additionally, feats like “Defensive Duelist” allow characters to increase their AC under specific conditions. Don’t forget to track these adjustments!

6. Add Miscellaneous Modifiers

Finally, consider any miscellaneous modifiers that could affect your character’s AC. These might include temporary bonuses or penalties from spells, conditions, or environmental effects. Some creatures also have resistance or vulnerability to specific damage types due to either their racial traits or magic effects.

In conclusion, calculating Armor Class in D&D 5e involves a sequential process of accounting for your character’s equipment, class features, racial traits, magic items, and other modifiers. By following these steps and carefully tracking any relevant changes to your character’s AC, you can ensure an accurate reflection of their defensive abilities in-game. Happy adventuring!