Summary
Backgrounds are a great way to make your character inDungeons & Dragonsfeel unique. However, in-game, some backgrounds are more practical than others. Beyond that, it’s easy to imagine that, if you had one of these backgrounds as part of your personal backstory IRL, some might prove more useful than others in the real world.
After all, in modern day, how useful is an acolyte really going to be, or even a hermit? We’ve taken it upon ourselves to rank the most useful DND backgrounds for use in everyday life. Here are the most useful Dungeons & Dragons backgrounds IRL.
10Farmer
Useful When The World Inevitably Ends
I’m a bit of a pessimist when it comes to the state of the world, so frankly, I’m always looking to befriend people with practical skills so that, when the world comes to an end, I’m covered. I don’t have a lot of useful skills myself, but any friend with the farmer background is sure to come in handy.
Being able to grow and cultivate food and other plants is an extremely practical skill. Plus, farmers are good with animal handling, which will prove useful when nature starts to reclaim society. Again, sorry, I’m a pessimist in this regard.
9Sailor
Just A Downright Practical Skill
I’m a sucker for maritime skillsets and any ability that has a distinct feeling of yesteryear. I’ve always wanted to learn to sail, and frankly, knowing how to navigate oceans is extremely practical. However, some things make this background not so relevant these days.
Namely, the fact that most of us don’t travel by ship anymore. However, I’m a steadfast believer that knowing how to navigate sans navigation apps is always helpful, so sailor still earns a small spot on this list.
8Merchant
Small Business Owners Unite
No matter where you go, unfortunately, business is going to be a big part of the world. That’s why becoming a merchant is typically going to be a good idea, and having a strong head for business is definitely going to prove useful.
Merchants also have proficiency with Persuasion, which is always a valuable skill to have in the real world. If you can convince someone to buy something you’re trying to pawn off, you can basically conquer the world.
7Scribe
Reading Is The Gift Of Knowledge
Is the scribe basically the academic of the Dungeons & Dragons world? Yes. Are academics in the real world often considered disposable? Also, yes. But, I don’t consider academics disposable, and so adding scribe to this list is the hill I’m choosing to die on.
Reading, writing, and studying are the hallmarks of a civilized society. Are you going to be the most employable? Maybe not. But, do you have a skillset that never goes out of style if you’re a scribe? In my opinion, yes. Plus, it’s still better than something like sage background.
6Charlatan
Cunning And Crafty
As much as I wish we lived in a utopian society, we simply don’t. People who can use their wiles to their advantage, sometimes at the expense of others, are always going to be able to come out on top. In this way, the charlatan background is going to prove downright useful.
Some of the most influential people in the world definitely have charlatan backgrounds. And, even if their success or notoriety is short-lived, it’s undeniable that their influence was felt regardless. While I don’t necessarily condone this background, I have to admit that it’s got its perks.
5Criminal
Time To Get Real
Similar to the charlatan background, it’s a little bit undeniable in my mind that having a criminal background would prove useful in real life. Being sneaky and stealthy, and being able to use tons of different resources to your advantage, could guarantee that you catapult yourself right to the top of whatever field you’re in.
Of course, with this background in tow, you might have to get used to using a more gray moral compass. But, I can’t deny that having aset of Thieves' Toolsmight prove useful to me in my everyday life.
4Artisan
Basically Etsy
Moving out of the criminal underbelly of the real world, I think having an artisan background could also prove immensely useful IRL. Every day, we see more people making a living from unique crafts. Cosplayers make a name for themselves thanks to their unique skills, and who can deny that these people aren’t artisans of the highest order?
Ultimately, what makes this background so useful is how flexible it is. you may use this skillset andits crafter featto make a living off of any number of wares. This background is honestly probably one of the most useful and practical in the Dungeons & Dragons universe writ large.
3Entertainer
Celebrate Celebrity
There’s no denying it. Being famous just has its perks. Does it have its drawbacks? Of course. But, at the end of the day, the social clout that comes with being famous is just too useful to pass up. If you’re famous IRL, you may wield considerable influence and wealth.
If I could snap my fingers and try out being famous, even just for a day, I would. And yes, I know there’s basically a plethora of songs, movies, and TV shows all claiming that fame is a monster that consumes everything in its path, but I simply refuse to listen.
2Wayfarer
Street Smarts
Street smarts are always going to be more valuable than book smarts. Being able to make it on your ownin a big cityor a strange new place is always going to prove useful. If you can start from nothing and work your way to the top, well, frankly, that’s a skill that’s really worth having.
Also, wayfarers are typically defined by being slightly cast off by society. In my opinion, being a bit of an outcast can build character, at least in terms of Dungeons & Dragons characters. So, there’s no reason this principle can’t apply to the real world, too! Plus, having proficiency in Insight is definitely useful to have for the real world.
1Noble
Basically The Dream
Is this a bit of a cop-out? Definitely, yes. Does it make my assessment any less accurate? Surely no. Being a noble from birth, or even by circumstance, is useful in Dungeons & Dragons just as much as it is in real life. Money talks, and sadly, having a lot of it speaks volumes.
Do I wish I could make an argument that being a humble artisan would be the most practical? Of course. But, I want to level with you. So, that leaves nobles at the top of this list. I don’t make the rules.
