Today I’m going to walk you through building a fighter character for your Dungeons & Dragons game. Fighters are strong, proficient in all weapons and armor, and pretty valuable to any party.
So let’s get to it!
(Images in this post are owned by Wizards of the Coast, LLC)
First, Choose Two Skills You Want Your Character to be Proficient in:
Remember that your proficiencies are like extra points in a set area. It simply boosts your variety of skills a bit. (I always try to find a way to increase my Perception I’m where able to.)
Perception
Animal Handling
Insight
Acrobatics
History
Intimidation
Survival
Athletics


Then, Understand Your Pre-Determined Proficiencies.
It might help you choose the most effective starter gear to know that, as a fighter, you’re automatically proficient in the following:
Equipment
- All Armor
- Shields
Weapons
- Simple Weapons
- Martial Weapons
Savings Throws
- Strength
- Constitution
Now, You Can Choose Your Starter Equipment!
By now you’ve finished marking down your proficiencies on your character sheet. Now it’s time to get your complimentary starter equipment ready.
Choose One:
Chain Mail
Leather Armor, Longbow, & 20 Arrows
Choose One:
A Light Crossbow & 20 Bolts
Two Handaxes
Choose One:
A Martial Arts Weapon & Shield
Two Martial Arts Weapons
Choose One:
A Dungeoneer's Pack
An Explorer's Pack
An explorer’s pack holds the following: a backpack, 50 feet of hemp rope, 10 torches, 10 days of rations, a tinderbox, a mess kit, a bedroll, and a waterskin. If you’re into meta-gaming, you can use this printable backpack page to keep track of your items as well as their size and weight.


Level One Stats:


#FurtherReading – “How to Build a D&D 5E Character Sheet”
Your level one proficiency bonus for a fighter is +2.
Choose a specialty fighting style from one of the following – archery, defense, dueling, great weapon fighting, protection, or two-weapon fighting.
You get something called Second Wind. This can help to protect you! Second Wind is used as a bonus action to regain hit points. The amount is equal to 1d10 (one 10-sided die) + your level as a fighter. You must rest between uses.
Now you’re ready to start your adventure! Enjoy!