Methods for Assigning Ability Scores in RPGs
Lawrence Cutlip-Mason
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There are a multitude of ways for players to assign ability scores in Roleplaying games such as Dungeons and Dragons, Pathfinder, Starfinder, Blades in the Dark, Call of Cthulu and other games that work on a 3-18 score scale.
The three main ways are The Random Method, The Assignment Method with Point buy or Standard Array.
The Random Method:
Random Rolling is a common method in which you roll 3d6 and add them up for a total. Repeat this six times to generate numbers for your six abilities (Strength, Dexterity, etc.).
For example:
- Rolls: 6, 5, 3 → Total: 14
Assign these numbers to your abilities in any order, or roll them directly for each ability if your DM prefers.
Why Random Rolling for Ability Scores is Awesome
It’s Exciting!
There’s nothing like the thrill of rolling dice and watching the numbers pop up. Will you get a powerhouse fighter or a hilariously clumsy rogue? The suspense and drama make it a memorable part of creating your character.
Surprise Characters Are Fun
Random rolls can lead to some wild and unique characters you might never have thought to play otherwise. Imagine a barbarian with a high Charisma who becomes the party’s unlikely spokesperson—random rolls can push you out of your comfort zone in the best way.
Great for Roleplaying
Those odd stats? They’re gold for creating character quirks and backstories. A wizard with low Intelligence? Maybe they’re self-taught and always a bit unsure about their spells.
Fun Group Moments
Rolling together can lead to some hilarious and memorable moments. Everyone loves cheering on a string of 18s—or laughing when someone gets stuck with a 3 in Strength.
Chance to Be Epic
Some rolling methods (like 4d6 and dropping the lowest die) are weighted towards higher numbers, meaning you might end up with a super-powerful character. That’s always exciting!
Why Random Rolling Can Be Tricky
It’s Not Always Fair
If one player rolls amazing stats and another rolls terribly, it can feel unbalanced. Nobody wants to be overshadowed by their teammate’s overpowered paladin while they’re stuck as a wizard who can barely read.
Less Control Over Your Concept
You might have a great idea for a character, but if the dice don’t cooperate, you could end up with stats that don’t fit the vision.
Low Rolls Can Be Frustrating
Sometimes the dice just aren’t on your side. Starting with stats that make your character feel underpowered can make the game less fun.
Harder on the Dungeon Master
When the party has wildly different power levels, it’s tricky for the DM to design encounters that are fun and fair for everyone.
It’s All Luck
Some players love the randomness, but others might feel like it’s unfair when they get stuck with bad rolls through no fault of their own.
So, Should You Roll?
Go for it if you’re into surprises, unique characters, and don’t mind a bit of chaos. It’s especially great in lighthearted campaigns where you’re all about the storytelling.
Maybe skip it if you prefer balanced gameplay, a specific character concept, or you don’t want to risk a string of bad luck ruining your fun.
The Assignment Method - Point Buy:
Point Buy is when you have a set number of points to buy the ability points, each consecutive raising of a stat usually costs more points then the previous with a cap on what you can raise the score to.
Such as the following basics from D&D 5e
- You start with 8 in all six abilities (Strength, Dexterity, etc.).
- You have a set number of points (typically 27) to spend increasing these scores.
- Higher scores cost more points (e.g., raising a score to 15 costs 9 points).
- You can’t raise a score above 15 using point buy.
Why Point Buy is Awesome
You’re in Control
With point buy, you get to build your character exactly how you imagine them. Want a super-smart wizard? You can make it happen. Want a balanced jack-of-all-trades bard? Totally doable.
Fair for Everyone
Everyone starts with the same number of points, so no one gets stuck feeling like their character is underpowered compared to the rest of the group.
Easy to Balance
Since point buy has built-in limits (like not being able to go above a 15 before racial bonuses in D&D), characters end up reasonably balanced. This makes the game smoother for both players and the Dungeon Master.
Supports Teamwork
Point buy helps create a team where everyone shines in their role. The fighter can focus on Strength and Constitution while the cleric invests in Wisdom without anyone feeling overshadowed.
No Bad Luck
You’re not at the mercy of the dice. If you hate the idea of a character with glaring weaknesses just because of unlucky rolls, point buy is your best friend.
Why Point Buy Might Not Be as Fun
It’s Predictable
If you love the excitement of rolling dice and the randomness that comes with it, point buy can feel a little boring in comparison.
No Big Scores
The system caps how high your scores can start, so if you dream of a fighter with an 18 Strength out of the gate, you’ll have to wait until you level up.
Can Feel Restrictive
With only so many points to spend, it can feel like you’re making trade-offs all the time. Want a high Constitution and Dexterity? Be prepared to leave something else lower.
Less Unique
Since everyone has the same number of points and works within the same rules, characters might end up feeling a little “samey” in terms of stats.
So, Should You Use Point Buy?
Go for it if you like fairness, control, and building your character exactly how you want them. It’s especially great in games where balance between party members is important.
Maybe skip it if you love the thrill of random rolls or want the chance to start with crazy-high stats (or hilariously low ones).
The Assignment Method - Standard Array:
Standard Array is a method by which you use a preset list of scores, Instead of rolling dice or spending points.
Such as the following set from D&D 5e
- 15, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8
You assign these numbers to your six abilities (Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, Charisma) however you like. Racial bonuses or other adjustments are applied after you assign the scores.
Why Standard Array is Awesome
It’s Simple
With standard array, you don’t have to worry about rolling dice or crunching numbers. You just take the predefined scores (like 15, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8 in D&D) and assign them however you like. Easy peasy.
It’s Fair
Everyone at the table starts with the same set of scores, so no one gets stuck feeling underpowered or overshadowed by another player’s crazy-good rolls.
Balanced Characters
The scores are designed to give you a solid foundation: some strengths, some weaknesses, and room to grow as you level up. It’s great for keeping characters realistic and avoiding extremes.
Quick Character Creation
If you’re short on time or new to the game, the standard array is perfect. There’s no need to spend forever agonizing over point allocation or waiting for everyone to finish rolling.
Great for DMs
Since all the characters have comparable power levels, it’s easier for the DM to balance encounters and challenges for the whole group.
Why Standard Array Might Not Be as Fun
No Surprises
If you enjoy the excitement of rolling dice or the customization of point buy, standard array can feel a little... dull.
No Extreme Stats
The scores are solid but capped—so no crazy 18s or comically low 3s to spice things up. This can feel limiting for players who want something out of the ordinary.
Might Feel Restrictive
You only get one set of scores, so if you’re trying to create a super-specialized character (like a Strength-focused barbarian with a high Constitution), you might feel a little boxed in.
Can Seem Generic
Since everyone starts with the same scores, characters might feel less unique stat-wise, especially if players aren’t creative with how they assign them.
So, Should You Use Standard Array?
Go for it if you’re new to the game, want a quick and easy setup, or care about balanced party dynamics. It’s great for groups who don’t want to fuss over stats too much.
Maybe skip it if you love the unpredictability of dice rolls or the customization of point buy.