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Level-Based DCs

RULE

Core Rulebook > Chapter 10: Game Mastering > Difficulty Classes

When you’re determining a skill DC based on something that has a level, use Table 10–5 to set the DC. Find the level of the subject, and assign the corresponding DC. Since spells use a 1–10 scale, use the Spell Level column for them.

Use these DCs when a PC needs to Identify a Spell or Recall Knowledge about a creature, attempts to Earn Income by performing a task of a certain level, and so on. You can also use the level-based DCs for obstacles instead of assigning a simple DC. For example, you might determine that a wall in a high-level dungeon was constructed of smooth metal and is hard to climb. You could simply say only someone with master proficiency could climb it, and use the simple DC of 30. Or you might decide that the 15th-level villain who created the dungeon crafted the wall, and use the 15th-level DC of 34. Either approach is reasonable!

Note that PCs who invest in a skill become more likely to succeed at a DC of their level as they increase in level, and the listed DCs eventually become very easy for them.

TABLE 10–5: DCS BY LEVEL
LevelDCLevelDC
0141331
1151432
2161534
3181635
4191736
5201838
6221939
7232040
8242142
9262244
10272346
11282448
12302550
Spell Level*DC
1st15
2nd18
3rd20
4th23
5th26
6th28
7th31
8th34
9th36
10th39
* If a spell is uncommon or rare, its difficulty should be adjusted accordingly.