Feats

Feats are special abilities that provide your character with unique capabilities, improved statistics, or enhanced features. Characters typically gain feats at certain levels instead of ability score improvements, or as bonus feats from their ancestry or class.

Gaining Feats

Characters can gain feats through several methods:

Instead of ASI: At levels when your class grants an Ability Score Improvement, you can choose a feat instead
Bonus Feats: Some ancestries (like Variant Human) grant a feat at 1st level
Class Features: Certain classes grant bonus feats (like Fighter's additional ASIs)
Optional Rule: Some DMs allow a free feat at 1st level

Feat Prerequisites

Some feats have prerequisites that must be met before you can take them:

Ability Score: Minimum score in a specific ability (e.g., Dexterity 13+)
Spellcasting: Ability to cast at least one spell
Level: Certain feats may require minimum character level
Class/Race: Some feats are restricted to specific classes or ancestries

Feat Categories

Combat Feats

Feats that enhance your effectiveness in battle:

Feat	Prerequisite	Summary
Crossbow Expert	None	Ignore loading, no disadvantage in melee, bonus hand crossbow attack
Defensive Duelist	Dex 13+	Add proficiency to AC as reaction when wielding finesse weapon
Dual Wielder	None	Use non-light weapons, +1 AC, draw two weapons
Great Weapon Master	None	Bonus attack on crit/kill, -5 to hit for +10 damage
Polearm Master	None	Bonus attack with polearm, opportunity attacks when enemies enter reach
Sentinel	None	Stop enemy movement, attack when allies are targeted
Sharpshooter	None	Ignore cover/range, -5 to hit for +10 damage

Half Feats (Ability Score Increase + Benefits)

Feats that increase an ability score by 1:

Feat	Ability	Summary
Actor	Charisma	Mimicry and advantage on Deception for disguises
Athlete	Str or Dex	Enhanced climbing, jumping, and standing from prone
Observant	Int or Wis	+5 to passive Perception and Investigation, lip reading
Resilient	Any	Gain proficiency in chosen ability's saving throws

Utility and Support Feats

Feats that provide versatility and out-of-combat benefits:

Feat	Prerequisite	Summary
Alert	None	+5 initiative, can't be surprised, no hidden attacker advantage
Healer	None	Enhanced healing with healer's kit
Inspiring Leader	Cha 13+	Grant temp HP to allies after short rest
Lucky	None	Three luck points per day to reroll or force rerolls
Mobile	None	+10 speed, avoid opportunity attacks after melee attack
Tough	None	Gain 2 HP per level

Magic Feats

Feats that grant or enhance magical abilities:

Feat	Prerequisite	Summary
Elemental Adept	Spellcasting	Ignore resistance, treat 1s as 2s for chosen element
Magic Initiate	None	Learn two cantrips and one 1st-level spell
Ritual Caster	Int or Wis 13+	Learn ritual spells in a ritual book
War Caster	Spellcasting	Advantage on concentration, cast with weapons/shield, spell opportunity attacks

Choosing Feats

When selecting a feat, consider:

Character Concept: Does it fit your character's theme and playstyle?
Build Synergy: Does it complement your class features and other choices?
Party Role: Does it help you fulfill your role in the party?
Campaign Type: Is it appropriate for your DM's campaign style?
Opportunity Cost: Is it worth more than a +2 ability score increase?

Popular Feat Combinations

Great Weapon Master + Polearm Master: High damage melee build
Crossbow Expert + Sharpshooter: Optimal archer build
Polearm Master + Sentinel: Battlefield control tank
War Caster + Resilient (Con): Concentration protection
Lucky + Anything: Universally valuable