D&D 5E (2014) Minimum ability scores for a PC

[overgeeked]

If the modifiers average at least +0, then it’s a playable character.

 

[Mad_Jack]

I like the 3rd edition ruling. Your character's ability scores are considered too low if your combined modifiers are +0 or less, or your highest score is a 13 or less.

That's sort of how I see it as well.


One method I usually offer to players is to take the standard array and arrange them as wanted, then they can pick up to three of the six abilities and roll 4d6-drop-lowest to see if they can get a better score than the point buy.

Small chance of getting higher than a decent score, slightly larger chance of bettering an average score, decent chance of taking care of a low score.
There is a consideration, however...

Regardless of how many scores they chose to roll for, only one score can take the higher of the roll or the score from the array, and any others must take the result of the roll.