Skills are areas of training. When the DM asks for an ability check — “make a Wisdom (Perception) check” — you add your ability modifier, plus your proficiency bonus if you are proficient in that skill.
The 18 skills by ability
- Strength: Athletics.
- Dexterity: Acrobatics, Sleight of Hand, Stealth.
- Intelligence: Arcana, History, Investigation, Nature, Religion.
- Wisdom: Animal Handling, Insight, Medicine, Perception, Survival.
- Charisma: Deception, Intimidation, Performance, Persuasion.
Proficiency and Expertise
Your class and background each give you skill proficiencies. Expertise, from rogues, bards, rangers and some feats, doubles your proficiency bonus for that skill. You can’t have Expertise in the same skill twice.
Passive Perception
Your passive Perception is 10 + your Perception modifier. The DM uses it to decide whether you notice hidden things without rolling. It’s one of the most important numbers on your sheet.
The ones that come up most
Perception, Stealth, Athletics, Insight, Persuasion and Investigation appear in almost every session. If you’re not sure what to pick, Perception is never wasted.
Roll them with one click
Every Roleplayer character sheet lists your skills with the right bonus — tap one to roll. Learn more in ability scores explained.