DnD Backgrounds 5E (Official)

Basically, the DnD backgrounds will provide you with an important story cues all about your character’s identity and one character background can reveal like how you have become an adventurer, where you have come from and about your place where ever it might be in the world and even does background matter in d&d?

Your rogue might have gotten by the commanded audiences like a jester or by a guild thief, your wizard could have been a sage background 5e or using artisan tools 5e and your fighter might have been an courageous knight or also a grizzled soldier.

Types Of Official DnD 5e Backgrounds

In the below provided dnd 5e backgrounds list “AL-Marked Background” created and introduced by the adventurers league, but it refers to content which wasn’t released in any source listed there.

Whenever they’re legal backgrounds then you may want to check before you use any of them with your Dungeon Master (DM).

5e backgrounds

NameLanguagesSource PageToolsSkills
AcolyteAny x2PHB127NoneInsight (WIS), Religion (INT)
AnthropologistAny x2ToA191NoneInsight (WIS), Religion (INT)
ArchaeologistAny x1ToA192Choose 1:
cartographer's tools, navigator's tools
History (INT), Survival (WIS)
AdoptedAnyx2NonePersuasion, Deception and Stealth
Black Fist Double AgentNoneCoS (AL)2Disguise kit, and choose 1: artisan's tools x1 , gaming set x1Deception (CHA), insight (WIS)
Caravan SpecialistAny x1EE (AL)2Vehicles (land)Animal handling (WIS), survival (WIS)
CharlatanNonePHB128Disguise kit, forgery kitDeception (CHA), sleight of hand (DEX)
City WatchAny x2SCAG145NoneAthletics (STR), insight (WIS)
Clan CrafterAny x1SCAG145Artisan's tools x1History (INT), insight (WIS)
Cloistered ScholarAny x2SCAG146NoneHistory (INT), and choose 1: arcana (INT), nature (INT), religion (INT)
Cormanthor RefugeeElvishRoD (AL)5Artisan's tools x1Nature (INT), survival (WIS)
CourtierAny x2SCAG146NoneInsight (WIS), persuasion (CHA)
CriminalNonePHB129Gaming set x1, thieves' toolsDeception (CHA), stealth (DEX)
Dimir Operative
DissenterSpecial (See page)PS:A11Special (See page)Special (See page)
Dragon CasualtyDraconicCoS (AL)3Special (See page) Intimidation (CHA), survival (WIS)
Earthspur MinerDwarvish, UndercommonEE (AL)3NoneAthletics (STR), survival (WIS)
EntertainerNonePHB130Disguise kit, musical instrument x1Acrobatics (DEX), performance (CHA)
Faction AgentAny x2SCAG147NoneInsight (WIS), and choose 1: special (See page)
Far TravelerAny x1SCAG148Choose 1: musical instrument x1, gaming set x1Insight (WIS), perception (WIS)
Folk HeroNonePHB131Artisan's tools x1, vehicles (land)Animal handling (WIS), survival (WIS)
Gate UrchinNoneRoD (AL)6Musical instrument x1, thieves' toolsDeception (CHA), sleight of hand (DEX)
GladiatorNone PHB130Disguise kit, unusual weapon x1Acrobatics (DEX), performance (CHA)
Golgari Agent
Gruul Anarch
Guild ArtisanAny x1PHB132Artisan's tools x1Insight (WIS), persuasion (CHA)
Guild MerchantAny x1PHB132Navigator's toolsInsight (WIS), persuasion (CHA)
HarborfolkNoneEE (AL)4Gaming set x1, vehicles (water)Athletics (STR), sleight of hand (DEX)
Haunted OneExotic x1CoS209NoneChoose 2: Arcana (INT), investigation (INT), religion (INT), survival (WIS)
HermitAny x1PHB134Herbalism kitMedicine (WIS), religion (INT)
Hillsfar MerchantNoneRoD (AL)7Vehicles (land), vehicles (water)Insight (WIS), persuasion (CHA)
Hillsfar SmugglerAny x1RoD (AL)8Forgery kitPerception (WIS), stealth (DEX)
House AgentNoneWGESpecial (See page)Investigation (INT), persuasion (CHA)
Izzet EngineerChoose one of Draconic, Goblin, or Vedalken.guildmaster's guide to ravnica66One type of artisan's toolsArcana, Investigation
InheritorNoneSCAG150Gaming set x1, musical instrument x1Survival (WIS), and choose 1: arcana (INT), history (INT), religion (INT)
InitiateNone PS:A8Gaming set x1, vehicles (land)Athletics (STR), intimidation (CHA)
InquisitorNonePS:In12Artisan's tools x1, thieves' toolsInvestigation (INT), religion (INT)
InvestigatorAny x2SCAG145None Insight (WIS), investigation (INT)
Iron Route BanditNoneCoS (AL)5Gaming set x1, vehicles (land)Animal handling (WIS), stealth (DEX)
KnightAny x1PHB135Gaming set x1History (INT), persuasion (CHA)
Knight of the OrderAny x1SCAG151Choose 1: gaming set x1, musical instrument x1Persuasion (CHA), and choose 1: special (See page)
Mercenary VeteranNoneSCAG152Gaming set x1, vehicles (land)Athletics (STR), persuasion (CHA)
Mulmaster AristocratNoneEE (AL)5Artisan's tools x1, musical instrument x1Deception (CHA), performance (CHA)
NobleAny x1PHB135Gaming set x1History (INT), persuasion (CHA)
OutlanderAny x1 PHB136Musical instrument x1Athletics (STR), survival (WIS)
Phlan InsurgentNoneCoS (AL) 6Artisan's tools x1, vehicles (land)Stealth (DEX), survival (WIS)
Phlan RefugeeAny x1EE (AL)6Artisan's tools x1Athletics (STR), insight (WIS)
PirateNonePHB139Navigator's tools, vehicles (water)Athletics (STR), perception (WIS)
Rakdos Cultist
SageAny x2PHB137NoneArcana (INT), history (INT)
SailorNonePHB139Navigator's tools, vehicles (water)Athletics (STR), perception (WIS)
Secret IdentityNoneRoD (AL)9Disguise kit, forgery kitDeception (CHA), stealth (DEX)
Selesnya Initiate
Shade FanaticNethereseRoD (AL)10Forgery kitDeception (CHA), intimidation (CHA)
SoldierNonePHB140Gaming set x1, vehicles (land)Athletics (STR), intimidation (CHA)
SpyNone PHB129Gaming set x1, thieves' toolsDeception (CHA), stealth (DEX)
Student Of Magic
Stojanow PrisonerNoneCoS (AL)8Gaming set x1, thieves' toolsDeception (CHA), perception (WIS)
Ticklebelly NomadGiantCoS (AL)9Herbalism kitAnimal handling (WIS), nature (INT)
Trade SheriffElvishRoD (AL)11Thieves' toolsInvestigation (INT), persuasion (CHA)
Urban Bounty HunterNoneSCAG153Choose 2: gaming set x1,musical instrument x1 , thieves' toolsChoose 2: deception (CHA), insight (WIS), persuasion (CHA), stealth (DEX)
UrchinNonePHB141Disguise kit, thieves' toolsSleight of hand (DEX), stealth (DEX)
Uthgardt Tribe MemberAny x1SCAG153Choose 1: artisan's tools x1, musical instrument x1Athletics (STR), survival (WIS)
VizierNonePS:A10Artisan's tools x1, musical instrument x1History (INT), religion (INT)
Waterdhavian NobleAny x1SCAG154Choose 1: gaming set x1, musical instrument x1History (INT), persuasion (CHA)
D&D Gladiator ArenaAny x1

Sources (5e backgrounds guide’s) Mentioned In The Above List

Actually, we have given some sources or 5e backgrounds guide’s where you can easily find those backgrounds for dungeons and dragons 5th edition. So let us give an abbreviation on what d&d books have backgrounds.

PHB = Player’s Hand Book

ToA = Tomb Of Annihilation

CoS = Curse Of Strahd

EE = Princes Of The Apocalypse

SCAG = Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide

RoD = Out Of The Abyss

PS:A = Plane Shift: Amonkhet

WGE = Wayfinder’s Guide To Eberron

PS:In = Plane Shift: Innistrad

Now we have to know the Features and proficiency’s of the dnd background 5e. So from the below lines we can get to know them.

External Homebrew Backgrounds

We are going to mention all the External 5e Homebrew backgrounds in an alphabetical order, so it will be easier to check for your background wherever it is from the below list.

Backgrounds From A To E

ABCDE
AbyssdwellerBalloon MageCattle RustlerDandyEarthling
AdeptBankerChangelingDark LordElysium Knight
AdoptedBarmaidChild of AresDemonologistEmployee of Royalty
AdventurerBattlesmithChroniclerDenizenEndless Soul
Adventuring RoyaltyBeggarCity GuardDetectiveEngineer
AfflictedBereavedCity WorkerDiplomatEnvoy
Air AcrobatBodyguardCloneDisciple of the ObscureEternal One
Alchemic ConstructBounty HunterCombat MedicDisgraceEvil Cultist
AlchemistButlerConfederacy of Feuding HousesDisowned NobleEx-Blood Doll
AlcoholicConscriptDivineExecutioner
Alcoholic ScientistConstructDoctorExile
AmnesiacCookDog of the MilitaryExiled Ruler
Ancient CultistCourtesanDragon TrainedExperiment
Ancient OneCrazed HermitDrow Breeding SlaveExplorer
AntiquarianCrusader NationDrunken Bum
ApothecaryCursedDuelist
Arcana Spy
Arcane Augmented
Arcane Dominion
Archaeologist
Armed Escort
Arranged Marriage
Artist
Arvoreen Keeper
Aspirant
Astronaut

Backgrounds From F To L

FGHIL
FarmerGladiatorHellbornIdol FollowerLibrarian
Feral ChildGypsyInquirerLone Survivor
Firefighter
Fourth Wall Breaker

Backgrounds From M To W

MPRSU & W
Master InquisitorProspectorReaverSalesmanUnknown
MercenaryPsychicScavengerUrban Vigilante
Metal WorkerSeeker Of A Lost LifeWriter
MonsterShadow Thieves Guild Member
Monster HunterSlave
MysticSlayer
Spy
Squire
Student Of Magic

Backgrounds From Homebrew Page

If you are searching for the various types of backgrounds from the homebrew page then you can chose all of them from the below mentioned tables From A to Z.

Backgrounds From A TO F

ABCDEF
AbyssdwellerBalloon MageCattle RustlerDandyEarthlingFalconer
AdeptBankerChangelingDark LordElysium KnightFallen Hero
AdoptedBarmaidChild of AresDemonologistEmployee of RoyaltyFarmer
AdventurerBattlesmithChroniclerDenizenEndless SoulFeared
Adventuring RoyaltyBeggarCity GuardDetectiveEngineerFearful
AfflictedBereavedCity WorkerDiplomatEnvoyFeral Child
Air AcrobatBodyguardCloneDisciple of the ObscureEternal OneFey Child
Alchemic ConstructBounty HunterCombat MedicDisgraceEvil CultistFirefighter
AlchemistButlerConfederacy of Feuding HousesDisowned NobleEx-Blood DollForgotten
AlcoholicConscriptDivineExecutionerFully Customizable Backgrounds Variant Rule)
Alcoholic ScientistConstructDoctorExile
AmnesiacCookDog of the MilitaryExiled Ruler
Ancient CultistCourtesanDragon TrainedExperiment
Ancient OneCrazed HermitDrow Breeding SlaveExplorer
AntiquarianCrusader NationDrunken Bum
ApothecaryCursedDuelist
Arcana Spy
Arcane Augmented
Arcane Dominion
Archaeologist
Armed Escort
Arranged Marriage
Artist
Arvoreen Keeper
Aspirant
Astronaut

Backgrounds From G to M

GHIJLM
GamblerHeir of a Fallen KingdomImmortalJanitorLaw BringerMage Hunter
Gladiator, VariantHellbornInfectedJesterLibrarianMaid
God TouchedHerald of the GodsInnkeeperLone SurvivorMailman
GovernessHereticInquirerLost CivilizationMarshal
GravetenderHitmanIsekaiLoverMaster Inquisitor
Hooded FigureIslanderLumberjackMercenary
House WorkerMessenger
HunterMetal Worker
Hunter StalkerMilitant assassin
Military Asset
Military Pilot
Miner
Monastic
Monastic Traveller
Monster
Monster Hunter
Mute
Mystic

Backgrounds From N to T

NOPRST
Noble Dragon TamerOathbreakerPlanar TravelerRedeemed CultistSalesmanTailor
Noble GuardOccult InvestigatorPlane WalkerRegime of the Dark OverlordSavage LandTemple Guardian
NomadOf the VoidPoliticianRevenantScavengerTest Subject
Otherworlder, VariantPrincess/PrinceRevolutionistScoutThe Chosen One
OtherworlderPrisonerRiderSecretTransformed Monster
Professional AssassinRivalSeeker
ProspectorRoamerSentinel
PsychicRoyal CavalrymanSerial Killer
PsychoRoyaltySex Worker
PuppeteerRunawayShadow Bringer
Shadow Thieves' Guild Member
Shipwright
Simpleton
Slayer
Smuggler, Variant
Smuggler
Soulless
Spirit Medium
Spy
Squire
Storyteller
Student of Magic
Survivor

Backgrounds From U to Z

UVWZ
Urban VigilanteVagrant TrouperWandering MercenaryZealot
VaqueroWar Criminal
VenatorWell Travelled
Witch Doctor
Witch Hunter
Wolf Knight
Woodcutter
Wooddweller
Worshipped One
Writer

D&D 5e Backgrounds Chart

Check out the latest backgrounds chart in dungeons and dragons role playing game.

5e backgrounds chart

Languages:

Most of the characters will be allowed by some backgrounds to learn some extra languages beyond those which are given by race.

Proficiency’s:

  1. Each and every dnd Backgrounds will give character proficiency in two skills.
  2. All the skills are explained in the Player’s Hand Book in Chapter 7
  3. With one or more tools most of the backgrounds 5e will give a character proficiency this is in an addition
  4. You can get the tools from the chapter 5 of the players handbook
  5. He or she have a chance to choose the different proficiency of the same kind (i.e, skill or tool) instead, but it is possible when a character would gain equal proficiency from the two various sources

Suggested Characteristics:

  •  So what are background characteristics in dnd? Based on your d&d backgrounds, every background contains suggested personnel characteristics
  • You have full privacy to select characteristics, roll dice for determining them randomly or also use the suggestions as inspiration for your own creation characteristics

Equipment:

  • A package of starting equipment is provided by the each background
  • If you use the optional rule from the chapter 5 to spend coins on gear then you don’t have a chance to receive the starting equipment from any of your 5e backgrounds.

Recommended article: you may also like to read haunted one , investigator , background.

How To Create Own Background (Customizing A Background)

With the d&d 5e background generator we can create our own 5e background and customize it as like as we want. So read the below steps to know more about the 5e backstory generator.

  1. Some times you may want to tweak a background for some of its features then it is better fits your campaign or character setting
  2. To do customize your background, You can replace one feature with any other one, you can chose any two skills and from the sample backgrounds 5e also you can chose a total of two tool proficiencies or languages.
  3. According to the chapter 5 description you can either spend coins on gear or you can use the equipment package from your 5e backgrounds which you have
  4. Finally, you have to select two personality traits, one bond, one ideal and also one flaw. (Note: you can not even take the equipment package suggested for your class, this happens If you spend  coins)
  5. But you have to work with your Dungeon Master (DM) to create one whenever you can’t find a feature which will match your aspiring background. We hope you’ve found a way to how do you create a background in 5e?

You Should Follow Below Aspects While Selecting DnD Backgrounds

Before you’re going to select any of your favorite backgrounds you need to follow the below three aspects and they will help you so much if you follow them while selecting a background.

So the three aspects are 1) theme, 2) mechanics, 3) background features

1. Theme:

  • Most of the backgrounds would have an habit of speaking with a specified environment.
  • But for an example, either urchin background d&d or else the criminal background d&d 5e will speak with an urban setting naturally.
  • Basically, the background dnd 5e outlander have meant clearly to be out in the wilderness.
  • Also, some other backgrounds like Acolytes, sages, and guild artisans speak with those cloistered away in the temples, libraries and even the workshops too.

Some of the themes suitable for some most popular backgrounds, so chose those themes for your favorite background according to the below mentioned points.

Academic: Acolyte, Anthropologist, Archaeologist, Sage

Shady Past: Criminal, Charlatan, Pirate, Spy

Martial/Military: Soldier, City Watch, Knight

Situational: Noble, Outlander, Urchin, Far Traveler, Uthgardt Tribe Member

Vocational: Guild Artisan, Entertainer, Sailor

2. Mechanics:

  • As we mentioned in the above table, every background has two skills, tool sets and also the specific languages for your character race or class whichever you chose a different one for replacing it.
  • All types of races according to you’ve chosen provides set of benefits or a limited choice.
  • Only few players know that, the classes do provide a different way to select and receive skills and the tool proficiencies too.
  • Any how, the duplicate background proficiencies are the only time, that all types of skills and the tool proficiencies to open up as the options of characters.

3. Background Features:

  • Each and every background which we have selected from the backgrounds chart has its personal features.
  • Every background feature offer a small in the game benefit.
  • It requires the player to interact with NPC’s.
  • For an adventure and for the role playing they add much more opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions Of D&D Backgrounds 5E

1) Q: What Are Backgrounds In DND?

A: There are so many backgrounds in DND. If you would like to know more about them, you need to look at the above tables. They divided into two categories such as dnd backgrounds 5e and dnd backgrounds homebrew.

2) Q: What is the best background in dnd?

A: The Acolyte is one of the best backgrounds in dnd.

Conclusion:

In this article we have tried to mention all types of backgrounds dnd 5e, still if you want to get any other 5e backgrounds you can leave a comment in the below comment section and we will provide that background with out any obstacles to get that.

So keep visiting this website it can help you in providing any kind of backgrounds which are important in dungeons and dragons role playing game. We hope it helps for many D&D 5e Backgrounds aspirants.