On a D&D 5e stat sheet, every character and creature have six basic core stats: Strength, Intelligence, Wisdom, Dexterity, Constitution, and Charisma. In addition, there are 18 skill proficiencies that players can choose from to enhance their character’s abilities: Acrobatics, Animal Handling, Arcana, Athletics, Deception, History, Insight, Intimidation, Investigation, Medicine, Nature, Perception, Performance, Persuasion, Religion, Sleight of Hand, Stealth, and Survival.
Based on gameplay and research in the D&D Player’s Handbook, I have discovered in my professional perspective the top five skill proficiencies for player characters (PCs) in D&D 5e With the exception of Constitution, which do not contain any skills, I have chosen one proficiency from each core stat. To learn about the best proficiencies, please read on!
5. Athletics
Although this is the only skill that is based on the Strength core stat, Athletics is important to have to be able to navigate difficult conditions and scenarios, as well as to handle physical encounters. Read on to find out more about how Athletics is a stellar skill to have on a character sheet!
Why Athletics Is Great
- This is a great skill to hone if you must do any kind of swimming; there could be situations like a creature pulling you underwater and/or swimming against an undercurrent or undertow.
- If you are climbing cliffs or jumping over a pit, having a strong Athletic skill will help avoid or minimize damage.
- Athletics is good to have if a creature or monster is attempting to pull you off of something, such as a rope.
Athletics details: https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/basic-rules/using-ability-scores#Athletics
4. Investigation
D&D 5e adventures and campaigns are based on details: so many details! Investigation, based on a core stat (Intelligence), is a great ability to discern and navigate facts and surroundings about the world. Read on to find out why Investigation is a great ability to use!
Why Investigation Is Great
- Investigation is good to have if a PC needs to remember a fact or legend, or to read a document such as a scroll.
- This skill can help determine clues such as which kind of weapon produced a wound or engage in nonverbal communication.
Investigation details: https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/basic-rules/using-ability-
scores#Investigation
3. Perception
In every gaming session, I ask a question, and the DM will respond by having the party roll for perception checks. Since I use this skill often, I thought it should be included on the list. High Perception rolls can result in valuable information from the DM and perhaps make the difference between survival and a Total Party Kill (TPK)! Keep reading to find out why Perception is an excellent skill to have in D&D 5e!
Why Perception Is Great
- Perception allows the PC a chance to find an important object, overhear a conversation, and see creatures before they are seen.
- Perception is a great survival skill, especially if the PC is somehow separated from the rest of the party.
- This is a good skill to have when conditions are not ideal for the senses.
Perception details: https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/basic-rules/using-ability-
scores#Perception
2. Persuasion
Persuasion is the Instagram influencer in the D&D universe! Based on the core stat Charisma, persuasion can be effective to use to inspire or persuade others to do what you and your party wants (within reason, of course). Read on to learn more about Persuasion as an important skill!
Why Persuasion Is Great
- Persuasion is a great skill to use to make allies, forge friendships, and possibly survive.
- This skill can be useful to blend into a crowd and gather important information for the party.
- Persuasion is also good for PCs to learn and use proper etiquette to navigate a formal event or occasion.
Persuasion details: https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/basic-rules/using-ability-
scores#Persuasion
1.Stealth
Admittedly, this is my favorite skill, as I am currently playing a rogue assassin! This ability, based on the Dexterity core stat, allows a PC to sneak around quietly so that they are unseen by others. If you are going to play a Rogue, stealth is a must-have ability stat. Read on to find out more about Stealth!
Why Stealth Is Great
- Stealth is fun to use to wriggle out of ropes and other constraints, or useful to tie a prisoner up.
- This skill is great to have if you need to avoid an encounter. (As an example, tiptoeing around sleeping guards.)
- Stealth is great to have to avoid nasty traps or to pick locks.
- I love using stealth to sneak up on an opponent in an encounter. If I make the Stealth check, the damage is a lot higher!
Stealth details: https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/basic-rules/using-ability-scores#Stealth
