Table of Contents
What counts as an ability check?
Whenever the rules say you’re making a check using one of the six ability scores, you’re making an ability check. This is true whether or not the check involves a skill. A Strength check, a Dexterity check, a Charisma (Persuasion) check, a Wisdom (Perception) check—those are all examples of ability checks.
What is the difference between an ability check and a saving throw?
Ability checks and saving throws are similar dice rolls. The key difference is that ability checks are used when you are attempting a challenge while saving throws are used to resist an external effect. Both types of rolls use a d20, add the relevant ability modifier, and add proficiency bonus (if you are proficient).
Is an ability check the same as a skill check?
Ability Check vs Skill Check – Ability Check is a general term that includes dice rolls related to the player’s Ability Scores, and are not considered Attacks or Saving Throws. Skills are generalized areas study that players may specialize in, thus giving them a proficiency bonus to the roll.
What is an ability check in 5e?
An ability check tests a character’s or monster’s innate Talent and Training in an effort to overcome a Challenge. The GM calls for an ability check when a character or monster attempts an action (other than an attack) that has a chance of failure. When the outcome is uncertain, the dice determine the results.
Do Ability checks count for saving throws?
No. The three main types of d20 roll are ability checks, attack rolls, and saving throws. They’re all different from one another, and anything affects one doesn’t affect the other two unless it explicitly says so.
Are ability checks an action?
Some ability checks are actions, some aren’t. Many are, but it’s not a blanket rule. Sometimes a character does something as a part of their movement, which requires no action, and the DM decides (or the rules suggest) that it requires the character to make an ability check.