D&D 5E Why go Strength over Dexterity?

[PinkRose]

Without focusing on min/maxing, what are the benefits to making a strength-based character over a dexterity-based one?
Every time I make a character, I end up going more dex than str because it just seems to make more sense.
Besides the quality of armour being worn, and encumbrance, is there any other reason for Strength being higher than Dexterity?

 

[not-so-newguy]

They're arguing about this subject on another forum here:
http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?402194-Dexterity-is-NOT-Superior-to-Strength

You'll probably find useful info there.

Personally, I prefer dex based fighters.

 

[Manchu]

Because you want to play a character who can lift benches full of wenches and smash down reinforced doors?

 

[Tormyr]

Because once you are grappled you need strength to escape? Every group could use one strong guy.

 

[FormerlyHemlock]

Because once you are grappled you need strength to escape? Every group could use one strong guy.

My memory tells me that you can escape a grapple with Dexterity (Acrobatics). Do I misrecall?

 

[Dausuul]

If you want the best AC and the highest melee damage output at higher levels*, Strength is better than Dexterity. You can use two-handed weapons, and full plate is better than 20 Dex + studded leather. Moreover, some classes don't give you a lot of choice. Barbarians have to use Strength weapons if they want the benefits of rage, and the only Dex-based option for a paladin is sword and board.

Also, it's handy to have somebody who's good at climbing, swimming, and jumping.

[SIZE=-2]*I'm assuming you aren't using dual hand crossbow cheese, either because your DM has disallowed it or because you have enough self-respect not to. Also note the "at higher levels" caveat.[/SIZE]

 

[DMZ2112]

I'm not sure what you mean, "Without focusing on min/maxing." I'm not sure how else we're supposed to have this discussion. The best reason to go Strength instead of Dexterity is obviously because you want to play a strong character, but you know that.

I guess maybe I'd rather have a strong dungeoneer than an agile dungeoneer, what with all the climbing and jumping. Then of course there's the tried and true opening doors, bending bars, and lifting gates. These things don't come up in contemporary D&D as much, but there's no good reason for that.

Dexterity is good for getting you out of a bind, but Strength is better for getting you into one.

 

[amerigoV]

Some people like to play the Mountain and some like to play the Viper.

 

[Riley37]

When playing the Battlestar Galactica TRPG, I prefer to *pilot* the Viper.

 

[Tormyr]

My memory tells me that you can escape a grapple with Dexterity (Acrobatics). Do I misrecall?

No, you are right. For some reason I had thought that you could use Strength (Athletics) or Dexterity (Acrobatics) for avoiding a grapple but escaping the grapple required Strength (Athletics). However either may be used to escape a grapple.