Rules edition: This guide compares 2014 fifth-edition backgrounds with the revised 2024 Player’s Handbook backgrounds. Their mechanical packages differ. Choose one character-creation rules set with your DM and use the complete rules for that version; do not combine a 2014 background feature with 2024 ability increases or feats unless your DM approves a conversion.
A background describes parts of a character’s life before adventuring and gives mechanical benefits tied to that history. A good choice can add useful skills and equipment while giving you a reason to know people, places, or trades in the campaign. Start with the character’s past and the campaign’s setting, then compare the exact benefits available under your table’s rules.
How 2014 Backgrounds Work
Under the 2014 rules, a background normally grants proficiency in two skills, an equipment package, and a background feature. Many backgrounds also grant tool proficiencies or languages. The exact package varies. For example, Soldier grants Athletics and Intimidation, a gaming-set proficiency and land-vehicle proficiency, and Military Rank. Criminal grants Deception and Stealth, thieves’ tools, a gaming-set proficiency, and Criminal Contact. Thieves’ Cant comes from the 2014 Rogue class feature; it is not a benefit of the Criminal background.
Background features have their own limits. Outlander’s Wanderer can help you find food and fresh water for yourself and up to five others when the land has suitable resources; it does not automatically remove every wilderness challenge or Survival check. Urchin’s City Secrets can speed travel between locations in a city for you and companions you lead when you are not in combat; it does not require that you travel alone. Features such as Criminal Contact, Researcher, Shelter of the Faithful, and Position of Privilege create access or story opportunities under their text, rather than automatic success in every related scene.
Customizing a 2014 Background
The 2014 Player’s Handbook provides a customization option. You can replace one background feature with another, choose any two skills, and choose a total of two tool proficiencies or languages from the sample backgrounds. You also use a background equipment package or buy gear with starting coin, following the class-equipment rules. Work with your DM if no existing feature fits, since the rules ask the DM to help create one when needed.
Customization is a way to match the mechanical package to a character’s history. A former scout might pair skills and tools that reflect reconnaissance, while keeping a feature that makes sense in the campaign. Avoid assuming that mixing two complete backgrounds grants both of their features and equipment.
How 2024 Backgrounds Work
In the revised 2024 rules, each background lists three ability scores. Increase one by 2 and another by 1, or increase all three by 1. A background also provides a specified Origin feat, two skill proficiencies, one tool proficiency, and a choice between its equipment package and 50 GP. These benefits are part of the background, so the choice now affects both your character’s story and starting mechanics.
Compare the listed ability scores with the class you plan to play, then consider the Origin feat, skills, tool, and equipment together. A background’s narrative description can be changed to suit your character, but its rules benefits remain those listed unless your DM changes them. The 2024 Player’s Handbook contains 16 backgrounds; the free 2024 Basic Rules present a smaller selection.
Using Older Backgrounds with 2024 Characters
Backgrounds from older books do not list the 2024 ability-score increases. The 2024 Basic Rules say to increase one score by 2 and a different score by 1, or increase three different scores by 1; if the older background does not provide a feat, you also gain an Origin feat of your choice. When using a species from an older book, ignore its old ability-score increases and use the background rules instead. Follow those compatibility rules and any campaign limits set by your DM.
Pick for the Campaign, Not Only the Class
Acolyte can fit someone with temple experience, but a cleric need not have been raised in a temple. Criminal can suit a character who knows an underworld contact, but a Rogue can come from many other backgrounds. For any class, ask whether the skills cover something your party needs, whether the tools will matter in the campaign, and whether the background feature can come up in the setting.
Talk through features with your DM during character creation. Criminal Contact may be useful in a city with an underworld network; Sailor’s Ship’s Passage matters when the campaign uses ships; and Outlander’s food-and-water benefit depends on the terrain. A feature can still be part of your history even when it is not central to a particular adventure. The best fit is one you want to roleplay and that functions under the rules your table is using.
Build a Character Story from the Mechanics
Skills and tools suggest what your character practiced. A background feature can connect the character to an organization, mentor, community, or unresolved obligation. Choose a few details that can appear in play: someone who recognizes you, a place you want to return to, a skill you learned from a former job, or a reason you left that life. The rules do not require a background to dictate your personality, alignment, or future choices.
When the party is making characters together, compare backgrounds for shared history and complementary proficiencies. Two characters might have served in the same unit, studied at rival institutions, or know different sides of the same city. This supports collaboration while leaving each character’s identity distinct.
Official Rules Sources
- D&D Beyond Basic Rules (2014): Personality and Background
- D&D Beyond Basic Rules (2024): Character Origins and backgrounds
- D&D Beyond Basic Rules (2024): Creating a Character and older-background guidance
- D&D Beyond: 2024 backgrounds and Origin feats
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