In the 2014 rules, you get feats by replacing an Ability Score Improvement (ASI) with a feat when your class grants you an ASI. That happens at 4th, 8th, 12th, 16th, and 19th level for most classes. Under 2014 rules, feats are optional, so you can only use them if your table allows it. In the 2024 revision, every character gains an Origin feat at level 1 through their background, then continues to earn feats by trading ASIs at higher levels.
Do You Get Feats at Level 1 in 5e?
Under the 2014 rules, most characters do not get a feat at level 1. The only way to start with one is through specific character-creation options like Variant Human, which grants a feat at creation. In the 2024 revision, every character receives an Origin feat at level 1 through the background system. This makes first-level feats universal rather than race-dependent. It’s the single biggest change between editions: 2024 guarantees a feat for everyone from the start, while 2014 requires either Variant Human or homebrew to achieve the same result.
How Often Do You Get Feats in D&D 5e?
Most classes gain ASI opportunities at 4th, 8th, 12th, 16th, and 19th level. Fighters get extra ASIs at 6th and 14th level, allowing them to take up to seven feats over their career. Rogues gain an additional ASI at 10th level, giving them six total opportunities. In both 2014 and 2024 rules, you choose between a +2 ability score boost (or two +1 boosts) and a feat each time you reach an ASI level. The 2024 rules also introduce Epic Boons at level 19 as a high-level customization option beyond traditional feats, but the core ASI schedule remains unchanged.
| Class | ASI/Feat Levels | Total Opportunities |
|---|---|---|
| Most Classes | 4, 8, 12, 16, 19 | 5 |
| Fighter | 4, 6, 8, 12, 14, 16, 19 | 7 |
| Rogue | 4, 8, 10, 12, 16, 19 | 6 |
What Are the Requirements for Feats in D&D?
You can only take a feat if you meet its prerequisites. These may include a minimum ability score, specific class features, or other conditions stated in the feat description. Some feats require a Strength or Dexterity score of 13 or higher, for example. If a character later stops meeting a feat’s prerequisite (through ability score damage or a curse), they can’t use the feat until they meet the requirement again. Under 2014 rules, you can take each feat only once, unless the feat explicitly says otherwise.
2014 vs 2024: Side-by-Side Feat Access
The 2014 rules treat feats as optional. The main way to get feats is to replace an ASI with a feat at an ASI-granting level. Only Variant Human and similar options provide a feat at character creation. The 2024 revision integrates feats more directly into character creation: your background grants an Origin feat at level 1, making feats a standard part of every character rather than an optional rule. Both versions still allow you to trade ASIs for feats at higher levels. Both maintain the same ASI schedule for most classes. The 2024 rules also introduce Epic Boons at level 19, expanding high-level customization beyond traditional feats.
| Rule Set | Level 1 Feat | ASI Replacement | Optional or Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Variant Human only | Yes (4, 8, 12, 16, 19) | Optional |
| 2024 | All characters (via background) | Yes (same levels) | Standard (built-in) |
My Table’s Ruling
At my table, I do not think Origin feats made anyone feel overpowered. If anything, it made level 1 characters feel a little more complete, especially for players who were not trying to optimize around Variant Human. The only thing I would watch is stacking too many early build-defining options on top of homebrew or older character-creation rules. If we are using 2024 backgrounds, I would just let everyone have the Origin feat and move on, because it feels cleaner than making one player feel like they picked the “wrong” race just to keep up.
Practical Feat Planning for Character Builds
When planning a character, decide early whether you’ll prioritize ability score increases or feats. Spellcasters often need high primary ability scores (Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma) to maximize spell save DCs and attack bonuses. They may delay feats until after reaching 18 or 20 in their casting stat. Martial characters can afford to take feats earlier, especially combat-focused options like Great Weapon Master or Sharpshooter. Fighters and rogues have more flexibility thanks to their extra ASIs. This allows them to max their primary stat and take multiple feats. If you’re using the 2024 rules, your Origin feat at level 1 gives you a head start, which can make early ability score investment easier to balance with later feat choices. For more on character-building tools, see D&D Beyond’s new Quickbuilder and the upcoming D&D Beyond platform overhaul.
Common Feat Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
One common mistake is taking a feat without meeting its prerequisites, which renders the feat unusable. Always double-check ability score requirements and class features before committing. Another error is assuming you can take the same feat multiple times. Unless the feat text explicitly allows it, you’re limited to one instance. Some players also forget that feats are optional in 2014 rules. If your table isn’t using the optional feats rule, you can’t take them at all. Don’t overlook the trade-off: every feat you take delays your ability score progression. This can hurt spellcasters and skill-focused characters. Weigh the immediate benefit of a feat against the long-term value of higher ability scores, especially if your campaign is likely to reach high levels.