Level-Based DCs

When you're determining a skill DC based on something that has a level, use the tables below 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 Rank table 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 the walls of a space station were constructed of smooth metal and are hard to climb. You could simply say only someone with master proficiency could climb them and use the simple DC of 30. Or you might decide that the 15th-level mechanic villain who built the station 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 pose very little challenge for them.