Backgrounds are great for roleplaying, but they can also have a significant effect on a character's usefulness while outside of combat.
There are plenty of major decisions to make when it comes creating a character in Dungeons & Dragons. Choosing the right class is key to an enjoyable campaign, and D&D options such as feats, spells, and race can further customize a player's experience. Among all of these decisions, the choice of background might seem inconsequential for a player. While backgrounds don't change much about a character's combat abilities, the features and proficiencies they provide can still have an impact on the adventure.
Backgrounds in D&D give a character proficiency in two skills, and those skills are one of the most important considerations a player needs to make. Since classes are limited to choosing specific skills, backgrounds are often the only way for certain characters to access additional proficiencies. Backgrounds also include a "feature," which is a unique perk that can help the player outside of combat. They also provide tool and language proficiencies, as well as determine a characters starting gold and equipment.
One of the best backgrounds in Dungeons & Dragons is Noble. Nobles tend to come from wealthy and influential families, and have a feature which allows them to more easily to interact with powerful individuals. Nobles receive proficiency in History and Persuasion, both of which come in handy during roleplay. Potentially the strongest part of the Noble background, however, is the variant feature "Retainers." Retainers allows a character to have three servants accompany them during their adventure. If a character plays as a Knight, they can even have a squire as one of their retainers. Although these characters will not fight, they can be useful for carrying items, acquiring supplies, and performing whatever other tasks a party may need completed.
For Dungeons & Dragons campaigns that take place primarily in the wild, there is no better background than Outlander. Outlanders gain proficiency in both Athletics & Survival, allowing them to navigate rough terrain with ease. Outlanders also have the feature "Wanderer," which allows the character to locate food and water for their party daily. Some Dungeon Masters enjoy challenging characters to survive in harsh environments, and having a Outlander gather supplies with ease can be invaluable to a party in that circumstance.
Sailor includes two of the most useful skill proficiencies in D&D, those being Athletics & Perception. Perception is an especially valuable skill to have, since it will prevent a character from being surprised or missing out on secrets. The background also includes the variant Pirate, which allows for the feature "Bad Reputation." Bad Reputation allows a character to avoid the consequences of minor crimes, which is ideal for Dungeons & Dragons parties who regularly find themselves regularly getting in trouble with the law
Although backgrounds aren't the most impactful choice a player makes in D&D, they still provide some helpful perks. Since players have the option to switch around the proficiencies included with their background, they should feel free to choose whichever best fits with their character's story. If players have a character with a well-developed backstory, they are more likely to stay engaged, and their Dungeons & Dragons group will be able to stay motivated for an entire campaign.
