[RPG] Typical Examples of Saving Throws for Player Characters

dnd-5esaving-throw

Say I want to take the Resilient Feat and have more than one option for the ability score to raise:

Resilient

Choose one ability score. You gain the following benefits:

  • Increase the chosen ability score by 1, to a maximum of 20.
  • You gain proficiency in saving throws using the chosen ability.

I'd like to understand the types of scenarios that would typically require a Strength-based saving throw versus an Intelligence-based one, to identify the priority of each for my character.

What are typical examples of a saving throw associated with each attribute?
(e.g. "avoiding a trap is typically a DEX saving throw")

Note: The distribution of saving throws across attributes can be found here.

Best Answer

The Dungeon Masters Guide has a table on p.238 which answers your question directly:

Strength: Opposing a force that would physically move or bind you

Dexterity: Dodging out of harm's way

Constitution: Enduring a disease, poison, or other hazard that saps vitality

Intelligence: Disbelieving certain illusions and resisting mental assaults that can be refuted with logic, sharp memory, or both

Wisdom: Resisting effects that charm, frighten, or otherwise assault your willpower

Charisma: Withstanding effects, such as possession, that would subsume your personality or hurl you to another plane of existence