Dungeons & Dragons: Encumbrance Explained

Dungeons & Dragons: Mastering Encumbrance and Carrying Capacity in 5e

D&D's optional Encumbrance rule adds realism by limiting what characters can carry. This guide covers the 2024 Player's Handbook rules and variant options.

Carrying Capacity: How Much Can You Lift?

Carrying Capacity determines how much weight a character can lift. It's calculated easily using the character's Strength score and size:

Strength × 15 lb.Strength × 30 lb.LargeStrength × 30 lb.Strength × 60 lb.HugeStrength × 60 lb.Strength × 120 lb.GargantuanStrength × 120 lb.Strength × 240 lb.

Creature Size	Carry Capacity	Drag/Lift/Push Capacity
Tiny	Strength × 7.5 lb.	Strength × 15 lb.
Small/

Medium

Note: Some creatures, like bugbears, can lift double their carrying capacity. The amount you can carry also depends on whether you are carrying, dragging, lifting, or pushing.

Encumbrance: The Penalties of Overburden

Exceeding your carrying capacity, as per the 2024 PHB, reduces your speed to 5 feet. Many tables use variant encumbrance rules:

• Encumbered: Carrying weight exceeding five times your Strength score reduces movement speed by 10 feet.
• Heavily Encumbered: Carrying weight between ten and fifteen times your Strength score reduces movement speed by 20 feet and imposes disadvantage on Strength, Dexterity, and Constitution ability checks, attack rolls, and saving throws.
• Extremely Heavily Encumbered (Variant Rule): Carrying weight exceeding fifteen times your Strength score reduces speed to 0 and automatically fails Strength, Dexterity, and Constitution ability checks, attack rolls, and saving throws.

Subverting Encumbrance: Strategies and Solutions

Managing encumbrance is crucial. Here are ways to mitigate its effects:

Non-Magical Solutions:

• Pack Animals: Employ steeds or pack animals to carry heavier items.

Magical Solutions:

• Tenser's Floating Disk: A wizard's (or Ritual Caster's) invaluable tool for carrying up to 500 pounds.
• Find Steed (Paladin): Provides a mount to carry gear. (Casting time: 10 minutes)
• Magic Items: Items like Gauntlets of Ogre Power, Belt of Giant Strength, and the ever-popular Bag of Holding (holds 500 pounds, weighs only 15 pounds) significantly reduce encumbrance issues.

Remember to discuss encumbrance rules with your DM before your campaign to ensure a fair and enjoyable experience.

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