D&D Inventory Management: What to Carry

What should your character carry? Here's the essentials and the optional.

Essentials

Weapons

• Your primary (longsword, longbow, etc.).
• A backup if primary breaks or is taken.

Armor

• Your main armor.
• A shield if you use one.

Potions

• 2-3 healing potions (2d4+2 each).
• One greater healing potion for boss fights.

Tools

• Class-relevant tools (Thieves' Tools for Rogue, etc.).

Basic Adventuring Gear

• 50 ft rope.
• Backpack.
• Bedroll.
• Waterskin.
• Rations (5 days).
• Torch or lantern + oil.
• Flint and steel.

Class-Specific

Casters

• Component pouch.
• Spellbook (Wizard).
• Holy symbol (Cleric).
• Druidic focus.

Martial

• Quiver of arrows (if archer).
• Ammunition backup.

Stealth

• Dark clothing.
• Caltrops.
• Disguise kit.

Optional but Useful

• Grappling hook.
• Crowbar.
• Hammer and pitons.
• Thieves' tools (even if not Rogue).
• Mirror (for looking around corners).
• Ball bearings (to trip pursuers).

Magic Items

As you find them:

• Magic weapons (+1, +2, etc.).
• Magic armor.
• Consumables (scrolls, potions).
• Wondrous items (cloaks, rings, etc.).

Encumbrance

Your carrying capacity = Strength score x 15 lbs.

• Under 5x Str lbs: normal.
• 5x-10x Str lbs: encumbered (-10 ft speed).
• 10x-15x Str lbs: heavily encumbered (-20 ft speed, disadvantage on attack rolls and saves).

Don't get encumbered.

What to Leave

• Excessive loot (bring back next trip).
• Gear for classes you're not (e.g., bow for a pure melee Fighter).
• Large quantities of food (5 days rations is enough).

Gold Management

Sell unused items. Buy potions. Upgrade armor when possible.

Don't hoard gold. Spend it on things that help.

In The Endlessness

Our AI Dungeon Master tracks inventory: weight, encumbrance, consumable uses.

For related reads, our character creation guide and getting started guide cover more.

Final Takeaway

Carry essentials. Plus 2-3 healing potions. Don't get encumbered.

Start a character at The Endlessness and equip wisely.