D&D 5E Why do ability scores cap at 20 instead of 18?

[Micah Sweet]

To the original question, I think there are two reasons: it looks better and a rolled 18 +2 racial mod = 20.

But I'd play in a game where the cap was 18. It would mean getting to feats or secondary abilities earlier in the campaign.

Just separate feats from ASIs, such that they don't compete for the same slot.

 

[CleverNickName]

20 is higher than 18, therefore it is more fun.

The numbers go up until I win!

 

[Remathilis]

Why stop at 18? Point buy caps at 15, so why not cap it at 16?

 

[CleverNickName]

We could cap all ability scores at 40, then reset the bonuses at +1 every five points instead of two.

Score: Bonus
==========
40: +5
35-39: +4
30-34: +3
25-29: +2
20-24: +1
15-19: +0
10-14: -1
5-9: -2
0-4: -3

I'm kidding, of course. But just imagine the look on your players' faces.

DM: "In my games, all ability scores are capped at forty!"
Players:
DM: "And here's the chart!"
Players:

 

[UngeheuerLich]

Why should I? The whole point of floating bonuses is that you can put them where you want.

Not if the rules disallow it. But right now, the rules allow it: so do as you please!
We were speaking about a hypothetical cap of 18.

 

[UngeheuerLich]

It is not outdated. Tasha's way is just different and new. Not objectively better. I really dislike the term outdated as some assumed pejorative where new is always better.

Newer IS always better. This is my oldest rule.

 

[UngeheuerLich]

One could argue that hitting something with greater force should increase the damage, but the giff version of increased strength doesn't do that.

Yes. Perfectly. As you can stab someone only as hard in the heart. So anything more is overkill. And I'd wager, precision does a better job.

 

[UngeheuerLich]

So can you. As people have insisted on reminding me, floating ability bonuses are technically optional.

Yes. I can. And I do. And I let you do as you please. I just say: the PHB is 10 years old and not representing the current state of the game as proven by the current releases and unearthed arcana.

 

[Micah Sweet]

Newer IS always better. This is my oldest rule.

Congratulations. We have reached peak disagreement.

 

[UngeheuerLich]

Congratulations. We have reached peak disagreement.

Did I forget to hold up my irony sign?