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

[DEFCON 1]

I don't care at all either way. They could have said 18, 20, 22, no cap, or 14 for that matter. There are so many different ways to modify a d20 roll that the ability score is merely one part of a larger pool of bonuses and thus what those specific numbers could be are pretty uninteresting to me.

A max of +4 (18) versus +5 (20)? When you then throw in adding in proficiency bonus, bonuses from spells, magic items, Advantage/Disadvantage and everything else on top of the eventual roll... that extra +1 from a 20 vs 18 is not something I would ever lose sleep over.

 

[DND_Reborn]

that extra +1 from a 20 vs 18 is not something I would ever lose sleep over.

I cannot tell you how many nights I have laid awake because of this...

 

[TwoSix]

I cannot tell you how many nights I have laid awake because of this...

 

[DND_Reborn]

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NO COMMENT!

 

[UngeheuerLich]

VERY debatable.

Even if WotC does away with them as the standard, I could see them appear as a variant option (like Encumbrance for Strength) in future editions.

You can debate as long as you want, but the giff boost to strength ability checks does a (mathematically) far better job at increasing strength than a meak +2 boost.

 

[DND_Reborn]

You can debate as long as you want

Personally, I don't debate it. I used fixed ASIs and always will. No floating.

but the giff boost to strength ability checks does a (mathematically) far better job at increasing strength than a meak +2 boost.

What is that?

Type-o? Was it supposed to be "gift"? Or is it something I am unfamiliar with?

Anyway, assuming a type-o, I don't need the STR +2 to be far better at increasing strength. It does what it was meant to do, make the PC better at utilizing their strength.

Now, if WotC goes the way of removing ASI completely (no floaters) and instead gives races distinct features to represent their racial differences, I would be all for that. In that respect, I prefer features like Powerful Build and Keen Senses to STR +2 or WIS +1.

 

[TwoSix]

What is that?

Type-o? Was it supposed to be "gift"? Or is it something I am unfamiliar with?

No, literally the "giff" boost, as in the race of hippopotamid humanoids from Spelljammer recently previewed on D&D Beyond.

In lieu of +2 Str, they have advantage on Strength checks and (I think) saves.

 

[Umbran]

I like the idea of capping ability scores, rather than the endless chase from 3E & 4E. However, I can't fathom why they chose 20, instead of the dice maximum of 18 (which was the non-magical maximum in AD&D and earlier). It might have made sense back when racial ASI could take a rolled ability score over the cap, but since the game is moving away from fixed ASI, this really doesn't hold up anymore.

Whether the ASI is fixed or not isn't the issue. If there's a hard cap at 18, and I roll an 18, then I cannot take my ASI in the stat that gets that 18. Having the cap higher guarantees that you can take your ASIs wherever you want at character generation.

 

[Oofta]

VERY debatable.

Even if WotC does away with them as the standard, I could see them appear as a variant option (like Encumbrance for Strength) in future editions.

I suspect the other way around. Default is to maintain the existing while the variant is build-a-race options and floating ASIs. But time will tell.

 

[Umbran]

In lieu of +2 Str, they have advantage on Strength checks and (I think) saves.

From the UA:

"Hippo Build. You have advantage on Strength-based ability checks and Strength saving throws. In addition, you count as one size larger when determining your carrying capacity and the weight you can push, drag, or lift."