How to determine default initiative dnd

In the Dungeons & Dragons (DND) combat system, initiative determines who acts first and who attacks last, often directly impacting the pace and outcome of a battle.

However, in actual tabletop role-playing games, the DM (Dungeon Master) and players don't always have time to roll the dice completely and arrange the actions sequentially for every battle. Especially in scenarios involving sudden battles, numerous NPCs, and rapid engagements, "default initiative" becomes a very practical solution.

First Strike Basic Rules

Before understanding the default first strike, we need to review the official DND first strike rules. According to the official rules, the first strike order is determined as follows:

First Strike = 1D20 Dice Roll Result + Dexterity Modifier

The steps are as follows:

1. The player or NPC (played by the DM) rolls a D20 die.
2. The character's Dexterity Modifier is added to the dice roll result.
3. The results are ranked from highest to lowest, with the higher value acting first.
4. If the values are the same, the DM determines the order or a new roll is made.

This is the official first-strike rule recommended by DND (Dungeon Fighter Online), and currently the fairest and most randomized method of determining first strike, applicable to most regular combat scenarios. From a rule design perspective, first strike represents more than just "who goes first"; it reflects a character's reaction speed, combat readiness, and keen awareness of danger—a comprehensive manifestation of dexterity and alertness.

However, the rules themselves do not mandate a complete dice roll and reordering of first strike in every battle. Without compromising overall fairness, DND can simplify the process based on the pace of combat and the actual situation. This is precisely the space where Default Initiative exists and is widely used.

What is Default Initiative DND?

Default Initiative DND isn't an officially named rule, but rather a common "quick-fix" method used by DMs (Demonstrator).

Simply put, it refers to assigning a default attack order or value to all characters or NPCs involved in the battle without rolling dice or simplifying the process.

Default initiative usually uses a fixed value or a simple calculation formula instead of rolling dice, allowing the battle to proceed smoothly.

The core purpose of default initiative is singular: to get the battle started faster, rather than getting bogged down in dice rolling and ordering.

In what situations should Default Initiative DND be used?

• Sudden Combat：When players suddenly launch an attack or are ambushed, stopping everyone to roll D20 dice would significantly disrupt the tension and rhythm of the battle. In this case, DMs typically use a default initiative to quickly determine the action order. For example, they can directly determine who moves first based on their agility value, or assign a uniform default initiative value to players and NPCs, allowing the battle to begin immediately while maintaining a degree of fairness. For small-scale sudden encounters, this method is both quick and simple, making the battle more coherent.
• Large Groups of NPCs or Monsters：When a large number of enemies appear on the battlefield, such as a group of goblins, multiple soldiers, or hordes of summoned creatures, rolling dice individually to determine the first move is not only time-consuming but also easily disrupts the battle order. DMs commonly assign a uniform default initiative value to such groups, or sort them by faction (e.g., monsters are always after players), and within the group, a fixed agility value or randomized order can be used.
• Tutorials or New Player Tabletop RPGs：For new players, especially groups new to DND, many are unfamiliar with Dexterity modifiers and the initiative process. Requiring everyone to roll dice and calculate modifiers before combat increases confusion and waiting time, impacting the gaming experience. In this case, the DM can use a default initiative, allowing each character to act according to simple rules or faction order, while verbally explaining the basic concept of initiative during combat to help newcomers gradually understand the rules. This not only ensures the game's pace but also allows new players to quickly get into combat.

The Most Common Default Initiative DND Calculation Methods

Method 1: 10 + Dexterity Modifier (Closest to Official Rules)

This is the most common and intuitive method. It retains the effects of agility without requiring dice rolling, making it ideal for NPCs or groups of mobs.

Calculation formula：Default Initiative = 10 + Dexterity modifier

Why choose 10? Because the average value of a D20 die is approximately 10.5, using 10 as a baseline is both reasonable and simple.

Features and Applicable Scenarios:

• Retains the effect of Agility, making it easier for high-Agility characters to act first.
• No dice roll required, quick decision-making.
• Perfect for NPCs or mob groups.

DM can apply this rule only to NPCs, allowing players to roll dice normally, balancing randomness and efficiency.

Character	Agility Adjustment Value	Default Initiative
Player A	+3	13
Player B	+1	11
Little Monster 1	+0	10
Little Monster 2	-1	9

High-Agility characters act first, low-Agility or no-Agility creatures act second, simple and fair.

Method 2: Directly Using Dexterity Attribute or Dexterity Modifier Values

In tabletop RPGs with lighter rules or faster combat, some DMs opt for a simpler method: directly sorting by Dexterity modifier value, with higher values acting first, or sorting by raw Dexterity attribute value.

Advantages:

• Extremely fast decision-making, saving time.
• Very beginner-friendly or tutorial-friendly.

Disadvantages:

• Completely loses randomness.
• Fixed combat rhythm, lacking surprises.

Example: A Dex 18 character always moves before a Dex 12 character, allowing players to quickly determine the turn order.

Method 3: Unified First Strike by Faction or Front

This method is highly effective in large-scale enemy battles or epic battles: Group combat units (e.g., players in one group, enemies in another, or ranged/melee groups), have the first faction act as a whole, then the other faction acts, with units within each faction ordered by agility or a fixed value.

Advantages:

• Extremely smooth combat
• Clear combat rhythm
• Saves DM sorting and dice-rolling time

Suitable Scenarios:

• Group monster encounters
• Large-scale faction battles or story-driven battles

Method 4: Fixed Initiative Value

For a large number of NPCs or monsters, the DM can directly assign a uniform initiative value to the group:

For example, monsters' default initiative = +1 or +2 (based on agility or level)

Player initiative maintains the original rules or uses a fixed agility value

Arranged by value

Features:

• Saves dice rolling time
• Simple and intuitive
• Suitable for large numbers of small monsters or fast battles

Method 5: Grouping by Agility Level Range

Some Dungeon Masters (DMs) group creatures by Agility adjustment value ranges, for example:

• High Agility: +3 or higher → Go First
• Medium Agility: +1 ~ +2 → Go in the middle
• Low Agility: 0 or negative → Go Last

This method requires no precise calculations, suitable for novice DMs or fast-paced battles, while maintaining a certain level of strategy.

Does the official rule support the Default Initiative?

Strictly speaking, the official rule does not prohibit the use of default initiative. The *Dungeon Master Guide (DMG)* clearly states:

1. DMs can adjust the rules for game pace and enjoyment.
2. As long as players are aware of the rules, the approach is consistent, and there is no bias towards either side,
3. Default Initiative is perfectly reasonable and usable.

Therefore, the choice of which method to use depends entirely on your tabletop role-playing style and combat pace.

How to Quickly Prepare for the Default Initiative

In actual tabletop role-playing games, DMs can do some pre-emptive preparation to make the use of the default initiative more efficient:

• Pre-record NPC or Monster Dexterity Values：Before the battle begins, organize the NPCs or monsters that may appear by agility value for easy sorting or grouping.
• Prepare a fixed initiative value table：For commonly used groups of monsters, you can pre-set default initiative values, for example, uniformly +1 for goblins and uniformly 0 for small summoned creatures. This way, you don't need to recalculate in case of unexpected encounters; you can apply the values directly.
• Establish a faction order：Pre-set the player and enemy faction order, and sort within each faction by agility value or a fixed value, which can greatly speed up the battle pace.
• Have a backup dice tool：Even when using the default initiative, it is recommended to prepare some D20 dice for quickly checking the order or handling tiebreakers when needed.

Default Initiative Tips for Actual Tabletop RPGs

• Quickly Handling Ties: When default initiative values are the same, the DM can decide the order by faction order or simple draw, avoiding slowing down the battle pace.
• Hybrid Approach: Players can roll the dice normally, while using the default initiative against a large number of small monsters, balancing fairness and efficiency.
• Tutorial Guidance: New players can first use the default initiative to understand the battle flow, and then gradually transition to the complete dice rolling rules.
• Emotional Control: Using the default initiative in unexpected encounters or tense situations can maintain the tension of the battle and prevent the dice rolling process from interrupting the game experience.
• Flexible Adjustments: If a monster or player's special action requires priority, the value can be fine-tuned based on the default initiative to make the battle more reasonable and interesting.

FAQ about Initiative Values

Summary

Default Initiative is a very useful tool for DMs and players in fast-paced battles, group encounters, or beginner tabletop role-playing games. You can maintain a certain level of strategy and fairness while ensuring smooth combat.

For novice DMs, it's recommended to start practicing with fixed values and faction sorting; for experienced DMs, different methods can be flexibly mixed and adjusted according to the scale of the battle and the needs of the story.