New Dungeons & Dragons Backgrounds 2024: Guide

In the 2014 version of Dungeons & Dragons, backgrounds helped flesh out characters’ personalities and histories.

They provided small in-game benefits and starting equipment.

However, they were often neglected in favor of the classes and subclasses.

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New Dungeons & Dragons 2024 Backgrounds

Background becomes more prominent in the 2024 Player’s Handbook.

Changes include new ability score modifiers, new skill proficiencies, and the introduction of Origin Feats.

Background Benefits in 2014

• Skill Proficiencies: Allowed adding proficiency bonuses to skill checks.
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• Tool Proficiencies: Some backgrounds granted proficiency with specific tools.
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• Languages: Many backgrounds offered additional languages.
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• Equipment: Everyone came with a set of starter equipment.
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• Feature: Each background included a unique trait that provided advantages related to the character’s history.

Critical Changes in the 2024 Background

While many of these benefits remain, there have been significant changes:

Backgrounds Now Provide Skill Scores

Each background offers three ability scores to choose from. You can increase one by 2 points and another by 1 point, or increase them all by 1 point.

For example, the Traveler background allows you to increase Dexterity, Wisdom, or Charisma.

This change is important because in the 2014 rules, ability score modifiers were based on race and species, not background.

Features Are Now Made From Origin

Origin Feats replace the 2014 background Traits. They offer more functionality and potential in the game. In 2024, there are 10 Origin Feats, each associated with a specific background:

• Alert: Add your proficiency bonus when rolling initiative. You can trade initiative with a willing ally in the same combat.
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• Craftsman: Gain proficiency with three sets of Artisan’s Tools. 20% discount on non-magical items. Can craft an item using a quick crafting table.
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• Healer: When using a healer’s kit, a creature can spend one hit die to heal itself. Add your proficiency bonus when rolling hit points.
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• Lucky you: After a long rest, gain luck points equal to your proficiency bonus. Spend a point to gain advantage on a d20 roll or impose disadvantage on an enemy.
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• Magic Initiate: Gain two cantrips and one 1st-level spell from the Cleric, Druid, or Wizard spell lists. You can replace the spells as you gain levels.
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• Musician: Gain proficiency with three musical instruments. After a short or long rest, play the instrument to grant Heroic Inspiration to allies.
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• Wild Attacker: Once per turn, when you hit with an attack, you can reroll the damage dice and use the higher result.
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• Skilled: Gain proficiency in any combination of three skills or tools. May be selected more than once.
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• Tavern Brawler: On a successful unarmed strike, deal 1d4 + Strength modifier damage. Proficient with improvised weapons. Can push a target 5 feet when landing an unarmed strike.
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• Resistant: Increase maximum hit points by twice the character’s level when you gain this feat. Thereafter, increase hit points by 2 with each level.

New Backgrounds in Dungeons & Dragons 2024

There are 16 backgrounds in the new 2024 rules. Some already existed in 2014, such as Acolyte, Charlatan, Criminal and Artist.

Others are completely new, such as Farmer, Guard, Merchant, and Traveler.

Are Old 2014 Backgrounds Still Compatible?

Nearly 100 backgrounds have appeared in previously released DnD 5e books.

While only a fraction appear in the new 2024 Player’s Handbook, Wizards of the Coast claims they are all compatible.

When using an old antecedent, make two adjustments:

1. Add Ability Score Modifiers: Select skill scores to add to the 3 total points.
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2. Determine Origin Deeds: If the ancient background doesn’t provide a comparable feature, choose a Origin Feat.

Final Thoughts on the New DnD Backgrounds

The changes to backgrounds are one of the biggest changes in the new 2024 DnD 5e rules.

They now influence ability scores and include new Origin Feats that provide more tangible in-game benefits.

This change reflects modern sensibilities and offers more flexibility in mechanics.

Find the complete rules for the new backgrounds in the 2024 Player’s Handbook, available for pre-order on D&D Beyond and Amazon.

Below, check out a video from the official Dungeons & Dragons YouTube channel featuring lead designer Jeremy Crawford detailing the changes to backgrounds and species.