Experience and Leveling
XP thresholds for levels 1-20, milestone leveling as an alternative, and the step-by-step level-up process including ASIs and new features.
Characters advance in level by accumulating experience points (XP) or by reaching story milestones, depending on the DM's chosen system.
XP Thresholds
| Level | XP Required | Proficiency Bonus |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0 | +2 |
| 2 | 300 | +2 |
| 3 | 900 | +2 |
| 4 | 2,700 | +2 |
| 5 | 6,500 | +3 |
| 6 | 14,000 | +3 |
| 7 | 23,000 | +3 |
| 8 | 34,000 | +3 |
| 9 | 48,000 | +4 |
| 10 | 64,000 | +4 |
| 11 | 85,000 | +4 |
| 12 | 100,000 | +4 |
| 13 | 120,000 | +5 |
| 14 | 140,000 | +5 |
| 15 | 165,000 | +5 |
| 16 | 195,000 | +5 |
| 17 | 225,000 | +6 |
| 18 | 265,000 | +6 |
| 19 | 305,000 | +6 |
| 20 | 355,000 | +6 |
XP from defeated monsters is divided equally among all party members who participated.
Milestone Leveling
Instead of tracking XP, the DM awards level-ups when the party achieves significant story goals: completing a quest, clearing a dungeon, defeating a major villain, or reaching a narrative turning point. This approach keeps progression tied to the story rather than combat encounters and is increasingly popular.
Level-Up Process
When a character gains a level:
- Increase your hit point maximum by rolling your hit die (or taking the average) + CON modifier.
- Check for new class features at the new level.
- If the new level grants an Ability Score Improvement (typically levels 4, 8, 12, 16, 19), increase one ability score by 2 or two scores by 1, or take a feat if the DM allows feats.
- Update proficiency bonus if it changes at the new level.
- Spellcasters may learn or prepare new spells and gain new spell slots.
This work includes material from the System Reference Document 5.2.1 ("SRD 5.2.1") by Wizards of the Coast LLC, available at https://www.dndbeyond.com/srd. The SRD 5.2.1 is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, available at https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode.