In Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition, item lists organize equipment by rarity, type, and availability, helping players and DMs quickly reference gear for characters. These lists standardize pricing, weight, and properties so that every table can run smoother campaigns.
Below you will find a detailed reference that breaks down how item lists work, how to use them at the table, and how they interact with rules for characters, treasure, and homebrew adjustments.
| Item Category | Typical Rarity Range | Average GP Value | Common Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|
| Common Adventuring Gear | Common | 5–50 gp | Backpacks, climbing kits, torches |
| Weapon and Armor | Common to Very Rare | 5–25,000+ gp | Longswords, chain mail, potions |
| Wondrous Items | Uncommon to Legendary | item lists 5e||
| Currency and Art Objects | Variable | 1 gp to 50,000+ gp | Gemstones, art pieces for downtime |
Understanding Basic Item Lists 5e
The official item lists in the Player’s Handbook and Dungeon Master’s Guide categorize gear by game function, such as adventuring gear, weapons, armor, and vehicles. Each entry includes cost, weight, and a short description of its use.
DMed use these lists to determine what shopkeepers carry, how much magical items should cost in a campaign, and how difficult it is to find or craft specific objects. The lists keep economies consistent across sessions.
Item Pricing and Treasure Tables
Standard Pricing Philosophy
Item lists 5e rely on a pricing framework that scales with character level and rarity. Common gear remains affordable, while rare and very rare items cost significantly more and often require quests to obtain.
Magic Item Integration
When magic items appear as rewards, DMs refer to existing item lists to assign appropriate rarity and estimated value. This ensures that powerful artifacts feel special without breaking campaign balance.
Using Item Lists for Character Creation
Starting Equipment Choices
Players consult item lists to select class-appropriate gear within their starting gold, balancing flavor with budget constraints. This shapes early survivability and roleplay options.
Purchasing and Selling During Play
Between adventures, characters can buy and sell items using the lists as a baseline. DMs may adjust prices based on settlement size, scarcity, or plot needs, keeping the economy dynamic.
Advanced Rules and Homebrew Adjustments
Variant Campaign Rules
Some tables treat item lists as a baseline and introduce variant rules for downtime purchases, crafting, or attunement restrictions. These tweaks can make rare gear feel more earned.
Custom Magic Items
Homebrew items should be compared to existing entries in the official lists to determine appropriate power level, cost, and rarity. Consistent comparisons prevent accidental optimization spikes.
Implementing Item Lists in Your Game
Consistent use of item lists 5e helps DMs manage rewards, prevents gold hoarding, and keeps character options transparent. By referencing these structured references, your table can focus on story and tactics instead of spreadsheet disputes.
- Reference official lists when pricing uncommon and rare gear
- Adjust costs based on campaign scarcity and downtime rules
- Compare homebrew items to existing entries for balance
- Track player purchases to avoid overloading them with gear
- Use weight and cost entries to manage survival and travel pacing
- Leverage magic item tables to reward milestones meaningfully
FAQ
Reader questions
How do I determine the price of a magic item not on the list?
Compare it to similar items in the same rarity tier, then adjust for unique abilities, attunement requirements, and campaign impact.
Can item lists 5e be used for crafting non-magical gear?
Yes, the lists provide baseline costs and crafting times for mundane objects, which DMs can scale for homebrew creations.
What if my table wants grittier survival rules?
You can tighten availability by increasing downtime costs, limiting vendors, or making rare components harder to acquire.
How often should I update my campaign’s item list?
Review and update the list whenever new official material releases change balance, or when player choices reveal unexpected gaps.