For TSR/OSR D&D I like a few different options.
3D6 straight down then optionally swap two stats (gives some ability to choose a particular stat to be good at).
3D6 twice choose the better roll straight down the line (gives somewhat better stats but still has randomness as to which stats are good for any given character).
3D6 straight down the line but ability to lower some scores to raise others, Basic D&D style.

For other games with random generation of stats it will depend, but usually the standard given option.

For one-off throwaway games that I run periodically I tend to use 4d6 drop the lowest straight down the list with the option to swap any two generated rolls once all six are finished. For these types of games, I also tend to have each player roll two characters so that they have an "instant backup" to keep the game from grinding to a halt when somebody dies mid-game so we can keep the game rolling in less than 10 minutes of interruption as we work on creating a halfway believable reason for some new adventurer to join the party, even if it does stretch the boundaries of suspension of disbelief a tad bit.

For actual campaigns and games where I have a story to tell though, I absolutely never roll stats at all regardless of the system as I find it to be one of the few sacred cows that are inherently worth less to the playability and fun of a game than the various iterative stat generation systems that have arisen in the last few decades.

Quote from: Ratman_tf on December 08, 2021, 11:57:17 PM
4D6, retain top 3 dice, 6 times arrange to taste.

Yes, that's how I've done it with AD&D characters ever since the DMG was first published in 1979.

I use various methods, but I like roll in order and then swap any two. It gives players control over the ability they feel is most important, but everything else is random. I find that creates more organic characters than point buy or arranging scores as desired.

4d6, discard the lowest, and arrange by player choice has been my favored method over the years.

In the past year, I've been playing in a 2E campaign where the DM does it 3d6 straight down the line, and the devil may care. I have to admit that it's growing on me, but it does severely limit character choices to almost random chance. Unless you want to play a fighter with 11 strength and 15 wisdom, or something like that. Also, I think that method reduces your chances of naturally rolling a Paladin to something like 1 in 10,000- might as well do away with the class entirely, in that case.

3d6 in order. 

And then if it's your first time a light slap on the cheek as confirmation end to the onetrueway's catechism.  Go forth and sin no more. 

(Of course I tolerate other options dependent on the campaign... but deep down I am judging you. You and your crutch to the badwrongfun.  For shame!  )

I've found that arranging avoids the "scrap character and start over' syndrome.
People don't seem to actually want to stretch their character when the stats don't match their preconceived image.

3d6 in order, except if the campaign or a player demands a certain archetype, then we might do some swaps.

I don't find attributes to be all that important honestly. Our characters tend to live and die on their decisions. Yeah, sure, sometimes you miss a roll by 1 or 2 and end up dead, but remember there was a calculated sequence of decisions that got you there in the first place. Looking back from the grave, ask yourself if you would have made the same dumb choices if your modifier was a +2 instead of 0? Really, you would have put it all on the line the same stupid way if you had an extra +2?

Also, you're just one member of a party. How many times has something like this happened?

Player #1: OK, so I'm going to shove my sword between the door and the frame and [really elaborate and creative plan about how to fuck with a door].
GM: Sure that sounds good, but it's going to need a STR test.
Player #1: Oh, shit my STR is only 8. Hey big oaf PC #2, how about you come here and do what I just said?

Low attribute characters mean you gotta role play better and work more as a team with your fellow party members.

I have players roll straight down the line.

In my current campaign, players have the option to roll up to four characters, choosing the "best" one to play. The others, if they rolled any, are older siblings that live in the world. That brother with a 5 constitution? He is going to need medicine made from rare herbs obtained in some dangerous location. Your sister with a 16 charisma and a 7 wisdom might need to be rescued from a relationship with a terrible villain. Your brother with an intelligence of 8 might get swindled by a powerful lord or merchant. Who's going to set things right? Family isn't all-bad, though. Those flawed siblings can still come to your aid at times, or open their door to provide a place to hide and heal when you need it.

Yes, straight down the line for me. Otherwise how would I know whether my character would make a better wizard or fighter? But my group prefer to do it back asswards. They'd rather come up with their character first and try to roll stats to fit. I find the result is always disappointment.

Roll 3d6 in order, and by in order I mean Str, Int, Wis, Dex, Con, Chr. You can always make a new character if you're not having fun with the one you've got.

Quote from: Jam The MF on December 08, 2021, 11:45:07 PM
When you Roll your Stats, do you insist upon Straight Down the Line; or Arrange?

Straight Down the Line.

I like the system found in both ACKS and Hackmaster:

3d6 in order, roll five sets. Two sets are discarded, the remaining three are for your initial character and first two backups. If you burn through the starting sets, roll another set of five and go around again.

I use the method from the Bluehack, because the game I'm running is also roll-under.
You go 3d6 down the line, but if you roll a 15 or higher your next roll is made with 2d6+2.
You can swap two stats, and if you have nothing at 14 or higher, replace one stat with 14.

In a regular game, it's just 3d6 down the line and swap two if you like.

I like the old O and BX D&D method. 3d6 in order and then shuffle points within certain limits.

But AD&D's primary method of r4h3 and assign is pretty good as you have both some random and some choice.

for 5e I prefer array or point buy after trying most others.