All DnD 2024 backgrounds explained

In a major shake-up to the Dungeons and Dragons rules, DnD 2024 backgrounds are now responsible for your character's ability score increases and starting feat. They still offer extra skills and backstory ideas, but they're now more crucial than ever before to your character build. This guide explains each of the new DnD backgrounds, including how they can be mixed and matched with different character options.

After DnD classes, 5e backgrounds are now the second-most important choice for your character build. DnD races play a smaller but still influential role, so be sure to keep up-to-date with their rules, too.

All DnD backgrounds explained:

What are DnD backgrounds?

Just as before, DnD backgrounds represent your character's backstory. While a class might define what your character dedicates their life to, a background explains where they're from and what their early life was like.

Are they a Noble who's used to navigating complex social politics, or are they a Charlatan who earns their bread with cunning? Both characters may have similar skill sets, but they acquired them in very different ways.

Mechanically, each 2024 background lists three DnD stats. You can choose to apply a +1 ability score increase to all three, or you can choose two to receive a +2 and a +1 increase instead. Each background also provides the following:

• An origin feat
• Proficiency in two skills
• Proficiency with one set of tools

Acolyte 5e

You don't have to be a Cleric to dedicate yourself to a temple. Anyone with the DnD Acolyte background can make such holy claims.

Your dedication is rewarded with a handful of starting spells from the Cleric spell list, as well as a prayer book, holy symbol, parchment, robe, and calligrapher's supplies for your starting equipment. That starter set also gets you eight GP, but you can forgo the whole collection and start with 50 GP instead, if you like.

Honestly, we're not huge fans of the stats spread here. An Arcane Trickster Rogue might want to buff both Charisma and Intelligence, but it leaves their crucial Dexterity stat out in the cold. Clerics will avoid this one to dodge a slightly redundant feat, and Charisma casters are probably more concerned with boosting their Constitution than Intelligence or Wisdom.

Still, this is a roleplaying game, so go for this DnD background if the flavor fits.

Artisan 5e

A DnD Artisan once worked as a craftsperson, so it makes sense that they'd gain the all-new Crafter feat. This gives you proficiency with three extra sets of Artisan's Tools, a 20% discount on any non-magical item you buy, and the ability to craft certain bits of equipment during a long rest.

Starting equipment includes the tool set you're proficient in, 32 GP, traveler's clothes, and two pouches for storage. Alternatively, you can start with 50 GP and do your own shopping.

Few martial builds need you to buff Strength and Dexterity, but this background does lean toward those who choose weapons over magic. Unless you're an Eldritch Knight, that is - buffing Strength and Intelligence from the get-go isn't too shabby.

Charlatan 5e

The DnD Charlatan is the obvious pick for a Rogue character, but the Bard, Paladin, Sorcerer, or Warlock might consider it too (for the stats, not necessarily the sneaky lifestyle). As befitting your tricksy status, you'll start out with a Forgery Kit, costume, fine clothes, and 15 GP - or 50 GP, of course.

This is one of those backgrounds that might not fit your character, depending on your alignment. But don't panic - there are other DnD backgrounds with similar stats that make more sense for lawful good characters. And if they don't tickle your fancy, you could always be a reformed Charlatan.

Criminal 5e

They say crime doesn't pay, but the DnD Criminal background proves them all wrong. Criminals get an incredibly useful set of tools, plus one of our favorite feats (though Alert has been tweaked in the new rules).

On top of this, they get two daggers, thieves' tools, a crowbar, two pouches, traveler's clothes, and 16 GP. As long as they don't take the base 50 GP, that is.

We'd recommend this DnD background for a Rogue, Fighter, or Wizard. You'll get the most out of the stat boosts available, and even though the skills might not be super relevant for a Wizard, everyone likes to go first in combat. 

Entertainer 5e

Bards, Rogues, and the odd performative Paladin will make a beeline for the DnD Entertainer background. Those musical instrument proficiencies might not mean much if you don't need one as a spellcasting focus, but your Musician feat means you can play a song and give someone Inspiration during a rest. The starter kit also features two costumes, a mirror, perfume, traveler's clothes, and 11 GP (or, as always, 50 GP).

Again, it feels a bit awkward to buff both Strength and Dexterity, so we expect most builds with this DnD background to go for a +2/+1 combination. Martial classes who moonlight as the party Face will have a lot to work with here.

Farmer 5e

The DnD Farmer is an entirely new background, and it comes with a solid feat that makes it suitable for a wide range of classes. Buffed Constitution and an increased maximum HP? Yes please.

Your starting equipment includes a Sickle, Carpenter's Tools, Healer's Kit, Iron Pot, Shovel, Traveler's Clothes, and 30 GP. These are all very practical choices, but you can go for the 50 GP starter set if you aren't keen.

Druids, Fighters, and even Clerics and Paladins have great cause to choose the humble Farmer background. A Monk or Ranger may also be drawn to the Wis-Con combo, even if their Dexterity is sorely neglected. This is also one of the few DnD background options that really suits the Barbarian.

Guard 5e

If you want to start out with the Alert feat but hate the idea of playing a Criminal, you can take the DnD Guard background instead. We're not entirely sure who those stat increases are for (a Cleric who loves to frontline? A Wizard who lifts weights?), but they're probably doing plenty of scouting, whoever they are.

As for starting equipment, you can pick the 50 GP option or, instead, start with a spear, light crossbow, 20 bolts, a gaming set you're proficient in, hooded lantern, manacles, quiver, traveler's clothes, and 12 GP.

If you couldn't tell from the weightlifting Wizard gags, this is one of our least favorite DnD backgrounds. Alert is an excellent feat, but the background's features seem so at odds with each other. What does a gaming set and an initiative bonus have in common with those stat boosts? Not much, in our eyes.

Guide 5e

The new DnD Guide background feels ready-made for the Monk, Ranger, and Fighter, and it might tempt the odd Cleric and Druid too. With stat boosts that benefit both spellcasting and martial classes, super useful proficiencies, plus that crucial Constitution buff, this looks like one of the most versatile DnD background options in the new Player's Handbook.

Your starting equipment here is either 50 GP or a shortbow, 20 arrows, Cartographer's Tools, a bedroll, a quiver, a tent, traveler's clothes, and three GP. You don't have much cash to spend in the city, but you're well prepared for long trips in the wilderness. 

Hermit 5e

The DnD Hermit is designed for classes that want to specialize in healing. That's usually the Cleric or Druid, though Paladins and Rangers regularly get in on the action too. Thankfully, the Hermit has stat boosts to back all these classes up.

To help you achieve maximum healing, the Healer feat has had a major overhaul. Now it lets you use a Healer's Kit to heal someone as an action, meaning they can spend a Hit Point Dice and get a number of HP back that's boosted by your proficiency bonus.

It was apparently asking too much to give the Hermit a Healer's Kit straight out of the gate, though. Instead, you can start with 50 GP or a quarterstaff, a Herbalism Kit, a philosophy book, lamp, oil, traveler's clothes, and 16 GP. On the bright side, the Herbalism Kit can be used to craft a Healer's Kit.

Merchant 5e

Want a free Lucky feat that now scales with your proficiency bonus? Pick the DnD Merchant background. Between the handy Persuasion skill and the spread of stat boosts, Charisma casters like the Sorcerer are eating well with this background. Wizards can get in on the action too, though they'll have less to do with the extra skill proficiencies.

If you don't pick the base 50 GP, your Merchant can start a campaign with Navigator's Tools, two pouches, traveler's clothes, and 22 GP. There's not too much equipment to work with, but in true Merchant fashion, you can use money to solve your problems instead. 

Noble 5e

The DnD Noble gets extra proficiencies thanks to their Skilled feat, making it an ideal background for Skill Monkeys like the Rogue and the  Bard. Wizards who want to be serious know-it-alls should also apply for this DnD background, as well as Fighters and Paladins who want to show off their excellent standing in society.

Instead of the basic 50 GP, you can start with a gaming set you're proficient in, fine clothes, perfume, and 29 GP. All useful in a campaign that's heavy on social intrigue and politics, but not as helpful for a dungeon crawl or wilderness trek. 

Sage 5e

Characters who've spent extensive time in libraries should go for the DnD Sage background. That's usually the domain of studious Wizards, but Wisdom-based casters are also a prime choice here - especially as they can benefit from that Magic Initiate feat giving them access to the Wizard spell list.

The skills you gain proficiency in are situational at best, and they're likely to be ignored by any Cleric or Druid who dumped the Sage's Intelligence boost. However, free spells from the expansive Wizard spell list is definitely worth the trade-off.

Unless you take the base 50 GP, your Sage will start with a quarterstaff, Calligrapher's Supplies, a history book, parchment, a robe, and eight GP. 

Sailor 5e

We were a little nervous when we saw that the DnD Sailor background came with one of the worst feats from fifth edition. But Wizards of the Coast has made some tweaks, and Tavern Brawler is looking a little more appealing. Instead of a stat boost and the option to grapple, this feat now buffs your Unarmed Strike damage, lets you reroll 1 for said Unarmed Strikes, and can push enemies you damage five feet away.

The focus on unarmed attacks and Wisdom make this perfect for future Monk characters, or perhaps Barbarians who are keen to fight with their fists. There's enough here for Dex-based martials to work with, too. Although if you're planning a ranged build, we're not sure such a melee-focused feat will prove useful.

As for starting equipment, you can choose your own with the blanket 50 GP. Alternatively, you can begin play with a Dagger, Navigator's Tools, Rope, Traveler's Clothes, and 20 GP. Seems the pay for Sailors isn't too shabby.

Scribe 5e

The DnD Scribe is hugely flexible thanks to its Skilled feat and spread of stats. Whatever class you choose, your character is wise, capable, and quick. We're cooking up some Monk, Wizard, Ranger, and Fighter builds as we speak. There's no Constitution bonus to keep you beefed up, but if you plan your ability scores carefully, you can work around this.

Perception is perhaps our most-used skill in all of D&D, so we'd recommend it for any class. Investigation is slightly more situational, but it's still worth having for free. As for starting equipment, you can begin with Calligrapher's Supplies, Fine Clothes, a lamp, oil, parchment, and 23 GP. Or you can go for the classic 50 GP option.

Soldier 5e

The DnD Soldier background is designed to be the ultimate martial option. Sure, most Fighters and Barbarians don't need high Dexterity and Strength, but Athletics and Intimidation are classic skill options for these kinds of characters. Plus, the Savage Attacker feat is no longer limited to melee weapons - ranged builds can now join in on the fun.

Unless you pick the 50 GP option, your Soldier will start out with a spear, a shortbow, 20 arrows, a gaming set you're proficient in, a Healer's Kit, a quiver, traveling clothes, and 14 GP. That's some pretty sweet gear. 

Wayfarer 5e

Finally, there's the DnD Wayfarer. This is for everyone who wants to start with the Lucky feat but doesn't want to play a Merchant. Wayfarers live on the fringes of society instead, often wishing for money rather than making much of it - think of them as siblings to the 5e Urchin. The stats and skills available here make this a great choice for Rangers, Rogues, Monks, and Bards.

If you're not tempted by the starting 50 GP, you can begin your game with two daggers, Thieves' Tools, any Gaming Set, a bedroll, two pouches, traveler's clothes, and 15 GP.

Forgotten Realms backgrounds

The new book, Forgotten Realms: Heroes of Faerûn, introduces 18 additional DnD backgrounds. Many of these are linked to a particular faction or location in the official setting, but you could easily handwave that flavor away.

Here are those new background options:

Chondathan Freebooter

Besides its flavor ties to the land of Chondath, you might choose the Chondathan Freebooter background if you're a Wisdom caster looking to play more of a utility role in your party. We're thinking particularly of Rangers who want to do a lot of scouting and sneaking, but the feats and skills here might equally suit a Monk, or maybe even a Knowledge Cleric.

Dead Magic Dweller

Barbarians had very few optimal background options before Wizards of the Coast released Forgotten Realms: Heroes of Faerûn. Luckily, the 2025 sourcebook came with plenty of backgrounds that boosted Strength and Constitution. Dead Magic Dweller offers these stat increases, but the focus on healing and Wisdom skills might still put a Raging brawler off. War Clerics, however, will be slightly more pleased.

Flaming Fist Mercenary

The Flaming Fist are the closest thing that Baldur's Gate has to law and order, but they're a mercenary guild, meaning there's plenty of room for corruption. This means martials and Charisma casters of any alignment might join, as long as they follow the guild's creed. Flaming Fist Mercenary is a solid choice for Barbarians, Fighters, and Paladins - or maybe a squishy spellcaster who feels their max HP is too feeble.

Genie Touched

Genie Touched characters hail from the land of Calimshan, where elementals hold profound influence. Your early encounters with these supernatural creatures have, in one way or another, given you an early affinity for magic - and an adeptness with some of D&D's best skills. All Charisma and Wisdom casters should consider this background, if it fits the backstory they had in mind.

Ice Fisher

An Ice Fisher background is a humble one, where you spent your early life fishing for trout in Icewind Dale. Still, it gives you some excellent physical skills, half-decent skills, and the Alert feat - nothing to be sniffed at for martial characters.

Moonwell Pilgrim

The Moonwell Pilgrim background is tied to the Moonshae Isles and its mysterious moonwell shrines. The magical influence of this location offers you all the stats, skills, and spells that would best suit a Druid - except that it's so Druid coded that an actual Druid would have little need to take this background. A Moon Bard would also benefit from the stat spread and feat here, but there are certainly stronger backgrounds for a Bard to take.

Mulhorandi Tomb Raider

People in Mulhorand have a habit of robbing tombs (or reclaiming them, depending on your perspective). The Mulhorandi Tomb Raider background presumes that you'll need plenty of luck for this pastime, plus a decent amount of Intelligence. The Lucky feat suits pretty much any character, but Wizards and Artificers have a lot to gain here.

Mythalkeeper

A Mythalkeeper has spent considerable time around a mythal, a source of magical power so great in can alter reality. The skills and stat increases make sense for this theme (though they're far from optimal). Still, we're not entirely sure what the Crafter feat, which grants you easy crafting for basic items and discounts while shopping, has to do with all this power. There aren't many builds we can see pursuing this background.

Rashemi Wanderer

A Rashemi Wanderer of Rashemen is used to harsh weather conditions, isolation, and dangerous beasts roaming the land. This has made you capable of charisma, but its more often used to intimidate than it is to please. The stats, feats, and skills here are appealing, particularly for beefy martials, defensive Paladins, and the occasional Charisma caster.

Shadowmasters Exile

A Shadowmasters Exile was part of a reclusive thieves' guild in Thesk, but for reasons that are your own, you've been expelled from their ranks. You're free to be whoever you want to be now, but you still make use of the skills the guild taught you. We're not sure that Intelligence-based characters will get much out of this background, but ignoring that rogue stat, a Bard, Warlock, or Rogue on the road to redemption makes a lot of sense.

Spellfire Initiate

A Spellfire Initiate has begun to learn a rare skill, the power to shape an unusual form of raw magic known as spellfire. The main attraction of this background is its feat, which allows you to cast the Sacred Flame cantrip as a bonus action and reduce incoming damage once per turn. It's pretty strong, and it's unique to this background.

Dragon Cultist

The Dragon Cultist is another background with a specialized feat. It's actually the first in a small tree of feats that can be unlocked as you level up. As cool as that sounds, this first feat's power is a little underwhelming: the ability to speak Draconic, and an action that can possibly frighten a nearby target. You also gain Inspiration when you manage to frighten said creature, but there's still a saving throw between you and success.

Emerald Enclave Caretaker

As well as some very Druidic or Wizardy stats and skills, an Emerald Enclave Caretaker always has Speak with Animals prepared thanks to their fledgling feat. They can also use the Help action to swap places with an ally within five feet, with no opportunity attacks. It's a very situational feat, but it does set you up to take the (still kind of situational) Enclave Magic feat at level four.

Harper

Another faction background, the Harper offers some excellent tools for budding Bards and Rogues. Its unique feat is a disappointing tool for distracting enemies with the Help action (something we've personally never done in a D&D game, even if it is in the rules). The level-four Harper Teamwork feat you can pick up later is slightly better, but we're not sure it's worth wasting your origin feat to get there.

Knight of the Gauntlet

A Knight of the Gauntlet immediately seems best-suited for a spellcasting Fighter, because few other builds would benefit from those stats. We're not even sure we'd recommend this for that character, though. An origin feat that lets you (checks notes) stop adjacent allies being pushed or pulled is honestly pretty bland. You can also give one attack roll against you disadvantage, but it costs an entire action. There's a level-four upgrade feat, but it still doesn't seem worth the cost.

Lords' Alliance Vassal

A loyal Lords' Alliance Vassal has some unusual stat boosts, but they could be handy for a Bard looking to master all possible skills. The Lords' Alliance Agent feat, however, is blatantly designed for more offensive builds, as it give someone Inspiration when you land a critical hit and gives you advantage on attack rolls after seeing an enemy die. Good for some Bards, but only a select few.

Purple Dragon Squire

The Purple Dragon Squire actually has a faction-based feat that appeals to us! Purple Dragon Rook offers an extra skill and the power to give out Inspiration every time you roll initiative. Purple Dragon Commandant, which you can pick up from level four, is even better, doling out temporary HP and giving you advantage on attack rolls while bloodied.

Zhentarim Mercenary

As a dodgy member of the Zhentarim Mercenary guild, it makes sense for you to have some very Rogue-coded stat boosts and skills. Zhentarim Ruffian isn't too tied to a particular playstyle, though. It lets you donate your Inspiration if you have it when initiative is rolled, and doing so gives your beneficiary advantage on their Initiative roll. Plus, you have a better shot at rolling major damage on opportunity attacks.

Custom background 5e

If the official backgrounds feel too restrictive, it's perfectly possible to cook up a custom DnD background instead. Chapter two of the 2024 Player's Handbook suggests using backgrounds from older (2014 rules) books as a jumping-off point:

• Use the same proficiencies as the 2014 background;
• Gain any extra talents or equipment provided by your 2014 background;
• Increase the ability scores of your choice (either three by +1 or two by +2 and +1);
• Gain an Origin feat of your choice if your background doesn't already provide a feat.

Here are a few of the best DnD backgrounds from the 2014 rules that you might want to convert:

• Anthropologist - Can communicate with any creature who they don't share a language with, provided they spend a day studying them.
• Folk Hero - Has the power to summon commoners to aid them when in trouble, and always has somewhere safe to stay among the people.
• Giant Foundling - Offers an excellent feat, extra languages, and Giant-themed roleplaying inspiration.
• Haunted One - Commoners will rush to your aid if battle goes wrong, and you get the spookiest backstory in all of D&D.
• Pirate - Has the power to get away with petty crimes scot-free.
• Rakdos Cultist - A rare background that actually offers extra spells.
• Urban Bounty Hunter - Strong proficiencies and a free contact in every city you visit who can provide useful information.
• Urchin - Can move at double their usual speed through a city as long as they aren't in combat.

If you want complete control, the steps to create a DnD background change slightly:

• Gain proficiency with any two skills and any one tool;
• Increase the ability scores of your choice (either three by +1 or two by +2 and +1);
• Gain an Origin feat of your choice;
• Gain 50 GP as your starting equipment.

Choosing a DnD background

As backgrounds can only buff certain ability scores, many are best suited to a limited range of classes:

These recommendations are based on the main stats you'll want to buff for your character build. You might instead want to choose your DnD background based on the feat it gives you:

All 2014 DnD backgrounds

Maybe you're looking for more custom background ideas, or maybe you just want to play with fifth editions old background rules. Whatever your reasons, here's a summary of all DnD backgrounds from the 2014 rules.

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