Armor 5e defines how characters withstand blows in Dungeons & Dragons, shaping survival and tactical choices. This guide explains core mechanics, common materials, and how armor influences your role at the table.
Below is a structured overview of armor types, properties, and game effects to help you compare options quickly.
| Armor Name | AC Bonus | Weight (lb) | Properties |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leather | 11 + Dex modifier | 10 | Light, flexible |
| Chain Shirt | 13 + Dex modifier (max 2) | 20 | Light armor, versatile |
| Scale Mail | 14 | 20 | Normal movement cost |
| Breastplate | 16 + Dex modifier (max 2) | 20 | Medium armor, balanced |
| Half Plate | 15 + Dex modifier (max 2) | 45 | Medium armor, bulkier |
Understanding Armor Class Calculations
Armor Class determines whether attacks hit you, and armor is one of the main contributors to this number. Your base AC, shield bonuses, and ability modifiers combine with the armor’s listed value.
How Dexterity Modifies Armor
Light and many medium armors allow you to add your Dexterity modifier to AC, up to a limit specified by the armor type. This rewards nimble characters even when wearing protective gear.
Shield Bonuses Are Separate
Carrying a shield adds a flat +2 to AC and stacks with armor, so many builds plan around this reliable bonus.
Light Armor Options and Playstyles
Light armor excels when you need mobility and frequent spellcasting, because it does not penalize Dexterity.
- Leather armor is the simplest light option, ideal for low-level characters and spellcasters who expect few hits.
- Studded leather offers the same AC as leather but looks tougher, with no mechanical downside.
- Druids often choose this category to maintain concentration on wild shape and nature spells.
- Rogues and Monks favor light armor for the speed needed to slip in and out of combat.
Medium Armor and Balanced Builds
Medium armor strikes a balance between protection and flexibility, making it popular for multiclass characters and frontliners.
Chain Shirt and Scale Mail
Chain Shirt is affordable and easy to wear, while Scale Mail provides a higher base AC at the cost of movement speed.
Breastplate and Half Plate
Breastplate preserves Dexterity bonuses up to +2, making it a favorite for cavaliers and Eldritch Knights. Half Plate offers the highest AC in this group but reduces speed to 25 feet unless you’re used to it.
Heavy Armor, Speed Tradeoffs, and Special Cases
Heavy armor delivers the highest defenses, but it slows you down, consumes actions, and may restrict multiclass features.
Splint and Plate
Splint Mail requires a Strength check to don, while Plate requires assistance to wear for long periods. Both reduce speed to 25 feet and prevent you from hiding easily.
Magical and Nonstandard Variants
Barding protects mounts, and rare magical armors can grant resistance, stealth, or charges, changing how you time your interventions in battle.
Choosing the Right Armor for Your Character
Optimizing armor selection helps your character survive longer and contribute effectively to the group.
- Prioritize AC and Dexterity synergy for squishier classes like Wizards and Sorcerers.
- Balance weight and speed when you expect long travel segments between fights.
- Consider your role: tank, striker, or support, and match armor accordingly.
- Plan for special situations like stealth sections or mounted combat when selecting barding or lightweight gear.
- Factor in gold and downtime costs, since some high-quality armors require attunement or rare materials.
FAQ
Reader questions
Can I add my Dexterity modifier to Armor Class while wearing Hide Armor?
No, Hide Armor is light armor that does not permit adding your Dexterity modifier to AC, so you rely entirely on the base armor value of 12.
Does wearing medium armor stop me from casting spells defensively?
Not automatically; medium armor like Chain Shirt and Breastplate allow you to add your Dexterity modifier to AC, so spellcasters can still defend themselves without heavy penalties.
Is it possible to hide while wearing heavy armor in the middle of a dungeon?
No, if you are wearing heavy armor, your speed is reduced and you automatically fail Dexterity (Stealth) checks, making hiding practically impossible without special abilities.
What happens if my armor is magically cursed and reduces my speed?
Cursed armor typically lowers speed, imposes disadvantage on checks, or causes exhaustion, and removing it usually requires a Remove Curse or similar magic to break the effect safely.