Advantage is the simplest good idea in fifth edition. Instead of piling up small bonuses and penalties, the game asks one question: is the situation in your favour, against you, or neither?
How it works
- Advantage: roll two d20s and use the higher one.
- Disadvantage: roll two d20s and use the lower one.
- Then add your usual modifiers to the die you kept.
It applies to d20 rolls only — attack rolls, ability checks and saving throws — never to damage.
They don’t stack, and they cancel
Having three reasons for advantage still means rolling two dice, not four. And if you have any advantage and any disadvantage at the same time, they cancel out and you roll one die — even if you have three sources of one and only one of the other. That keeps the table from arguing over a list of modifiers.
Common ways to get it
- Attacking a creature that is prone from within 5 feet (but ranged attacks against a prone target have disadvantage).
- Attacking an enemy that is restrained, blinded or paralyzed, or one that can’t see you.
- An ally using the Help action.
- Features like a barbarian’s Reckless Attack or a rogue hiding first.
- Spending Inspiration (2014 rules).
Disadvantage usually comes from the reverse: you are poisoned, frightened, prone, can’t see your target, or are making a ranged attack with an enemy right next to you.
How much does it help?
Roughly as much as a +3 to +5 bonus, and most when you need around an 11 on the die. It also makes a natural 20 almost twice as likely — about a 1 in 10 chance instead of 1 in 20 — which is why critical-hit builds love it.
Roll it online
The dice roller and every Roleplayer character sheet have advantage and disadvantage buttons that roll both dice and show which one counts. Rules reference: Advantage and Disadvantage.