When you make an attack, your attack roll determines whether the attack hits or misses. To make an attack roll, roll a d20 and add the appropriate modifiers. If the total of the roll plus modifiers equals or exceeds the target’s [[Armor Class]] (AC), the attack hits. The AC of a character is determined at character creation, whereas the AC of a monster is in its stat block. #### Modifiers to the Roll When a character makes an attack roll, the two most common modifiers to the roll are an ability modifier and the character’s [[Proficiency Bonus]]. When a monster makes an attack roll, it uses whatever modifier is provided in its stat block. **_Ability Modifier._** The ability modifier used for a melee weapon attack is Strength, and the ability modifier used for a ranged weapon attack is Dexterity. Weapons that have the [[Finesse]] or [[Thrown]] property break this rule. Some spells also require an [[Attack Roll]]. The ability modifier used for a spell attack depends on the [[Spellcasting Ability]] of the spellcaster. **_Proficiency Bonus._** You add your [[Proficiency Bonus]] to your [[Attack Roll]] when you attack using a [[Weapon Proficiency Overhaul|Weapon]] with which you have [[Proficiency]], as well as when you attack with a spell. #### Rolling 1 or 20 Sometimes fate blesses or curses a combatant, causing the novice to hit and the veteran to miss. If the d20 roll for an attack is a 20, the attack hits regardless of any modifiers or the target’s AC. This is called a critical hit, which is explained later in [[Critical Hits]]. If the d20 roll for an attack is a 1, the attack misses regardless of any modifiers or the target’s AC.