Creating characters in DnD is one of the most important things required to play and classes play a really large role in character creation. There are thirteen different DnD 5e classes, and every single one is meant to serve a different purpose. It’s imperative to understand all the classes to determine the one that best suits your way of playing.
In this DnD classes guide, we will walk you through all the major DnD 5e classes, then discuss their specialties to help you choose the best one.
1. Artificer
Artificer is an official class new to DnD 5e that specializes in infusing tools and equipment with magic. Artificers may use their ability to create magical items you may not otherwise be able to obtain on your quest. Artificers make an excellent support class because they can gift their infused items to party members. They also have a broad array of utility spells to gain an advantage in combat and non-combat encounters.
Their key ability is Artificer Infusions which can produce strong magical effects, giving power to the ordinary goods, which can be highly beneficial for parties. Even Artificer’s subclasses are mostly object-centered. To clarify, they are incredibly effective in manufacturing portions, animating protective golems to fight, or creating powerful weapons and armor for themselves.
Despite having so many exciting features and capabilities, Artificers lack abilities in some places as well. One of the major concerns with the Artificer compared to other magic users is the scarcity of spell slots.
Features:
| Saving Throws | Constitution, Intelligence |
| Skill Options | Arcana, History, Investigation, Medicine, Nature, Perception, Sleight of Hand |
| Spellcasting | Intelligence, Half-Caster |
| Our Favorite Subclasses | Armorer, Artillerist |
| Roles | Support, Healer, Damage |
| Downfalls | The value of magical items varies from game to game. |
2. Barbarian
Barbarians are one of the most powerful classes in DnD 5e when it comes to combat. However, when it comes to non-combat encounters, they are extremely limited. They have the D12 hit die, which typically gives them the highest health in any party.
Barbarians’ Rage and Unarmored Defense give them exceptional defensive abilities, especially since, unlike the Monk’s Unarmored Defense, you can still use a shield to add to your AC. In addition, they can enter a Rage, which grants them an increase in damage output and a decrease in damage intake.
However, some more experienced players may consider Barbarians too simple for their taste. Though they are powerful in combat, their abilities are strong but surprisingly basic. Out of combat, their options are even more limited. For instance, they are not very skilled when it comes to playing mind games. Barbarians can easily be charmed or manipulated with magic, and sometimes even without it.
Features:
| Saving Throws | Strength, Consitution |
| Skill Options | Animal Handling, Athletics, Intimidation, Nature, Perception, Survival |
| Spellcasting | None (except with specialized subclasses) |
| Our Favorite Subclasses | Path of the Totem Warrior, Ancestral Guardian, Zealot |
| Roles | Damage, Tank |
| Downfalls | Very limited choices in and out of combat. |
3. Bard
Bard is one of the most popular character classes because they have the ability to fill almost any role. While Bards are typically used to fill Support or Social roles, they are adaptable to any situation. And, some players consider it to be one of the most powerful among all DnD 5e classes. You should definitely choose this class if you want your character to be humorous, intelligent, and powerful all at the same time.
They are one of the most used classes because of their wide range of skills. While most classes only get 2 skills from a limited list, Bards can choose any 3 they want. On top of that, Bards learn Jack of All Trades, which provides a boost to skills you aren’t proficient in and Expertise to further improve their skills. Bardic skill versatility makes them a powerhouse in non-combat encounters.
Their key feature is Bardic Inspiration, which allows them to fuel their abilities and boost party members. Bards are Charisma casters which means their spellcasting ability is tied to the same stat as social encounters. In addition, Bards get a good selection of crowd control, and utility spells to choose from to aid in combat, but damage abilities may be left wanting without certain subclass benefits.
Above all, a Bard’s versatility is their greatest strength, as well as their greatest downfall. Bards fill many roles but without doubt, almost any role (aside from being a skill monkey) can be done better by a more specialized class. Bards who try to fill too many roles will find themselves in the shadow of others. However, a well-balanced Bard can accomplish a series of tasks no other class would dream of and become one of the most beneficial members of your team… Bards rule… Pick Bard.
Features:
| Saving Throws | Dexterity, Charisma |
| Skill Options | Choose any 3! |
| Spellcasting | Charisma, Full-Caster |
| Our Favorite Subclasses | College of Lore, Eloquence |
| Roles | Social, Support, Utility, Any |
| Downfalls | Bards may be spread too thin if they try to fill too many roles at once |
4. Cleric
Clerics are the embodiment of faiths or divine values. These warriors are a powerful class that can benefit the party both out of combat and at the frontline of the fight. Clerics have a wide array of specializations, or Domains, to choose from and impressive spell lists. They are the natural adversaries of the undead and are the only class with access to several powerful healing spells. Clerics gain the Channel Divinity ability which can repel or even destroy undead. Each domain subclass gets its own themed use of Channel Divinity, apart from turn undead, as well as individual domain spells.
While Clerics are often, unfortunately, stereotyped and forced into the role of healer, they are extraordinarily flexible. Clerics can choose from a versatile list of spells for any situation and, depending on their Domain, learn additional thematic spells usually reserved for other classes. Moreover, although they specialize in magic, they are proficient with shields and armor, so they are especially durable for a full caster. Armor proficiency will come in hand for this next part.
Clerics’ primary challenge is an overabundance of concentration spells in their spell repertoire. How is that a problem? Unfortunately, Clerics lack proficiency with Constitution saving throws which is necessary for maintaining concentration. This means there is a high risk of squandering spell slots. Nothing a few feats can’t fix though.
Features:
| Saving Throws | Wisdom, Charisma |
| Skill Options | History, Insight, Medicine, Persuasion, Religion |
| Spellcasting | Wisdom, Full-Caster |
| Our Favorite Subclasses | Forge, Life, Twilight |
| Roles | Healer, Tank, Control |
| Downfalls | Spell slots are valuable, easily wasted, and only return on a long rest. |
5. Druid
Druids embody the forces of nature, using them to create powerful spells and transform into wild creatures. They are an extremely versatile support class in DnD 5e. Like Clerics, Druids do not need to acquire spells, they simply choose which spells to prepare at the end of a long rest. A druid’s spell list contains potent damage, control, healing, and survival utility spells.
Druids’ health pools, though, are on the squishier side, they use a d8 hit die. However, their Wild Shape ability enables them to transform from a backline caster to a frontline tank. In their Wild Shape forms, Druids take on the health pool, AC, special traits, and physical stats (Strength, Dexterity, and Consitution) of a beast listed in the Monster Manual. Druids cannot cast spells while in Wild Shape but can maintain concentration on a spell cast before adopting the form.
Although they have various dynamic features, their versatility can remain limited if you fail to manage the resources properly, both in and out of the game. Druids do not gain spell slots back except on a long rest, so they will need to conserve properly. They have a large selection of spells to choose from but must have them prepared to use. Finally, Druids have the option to take the form of or summon about 100 different beasts. New players can easily be overwhelmed by the choices of spells while also keeping track of all of your beast forms and summoned creatures.
Features:
| Saving Throws | Intelligence, Wisdom |
| Skill Options | Arcana, Animal Handling, Insight, Medicine, Nature, Perception, Religion, Survival |
| Spellcasting | Wisdom, Full-Caster |
| Our Favorite Subclasses | Circle of Stars, Spores, and Moon |
| Roles | Tank, Healer, Control, Survival Utility |
| Downfalls | Multiple forms/companions can be a hassle for players and GMs. |
6. Fighter
As the name suggests, their extensive ability to fight makes them one of the strongest combat classes in the game. All fighters automatically gain proficiency with all weapons; such as armor, and shields and a specialized fighting style of their choice.
Fighters are intended to be among the most effective damage dealers and soakers among all the DnD 5e classes. Not to mention, anytime a battle is rolled out, Fighters will be one of the most valued party members. Key features for Fighters are their Action Surge, which lets them take a second action, and Second Wind to refresh your health and stay in the fight.
Fighter archetypes focus on specialized fighting styles or weapons and many are inspired by real-life warriors like Samurai and Cavaliers. Above all, Fighters show what can be accomplished without magic. The Battle Master subclass is considered one of the most versatile subclasses compared to others. Battle Masters gain superiority die which can be used to deal extra damage and impose status effects. In other words, Fighters are one of the best multiclass options for any other class because of their absolute combat prowess and survivability.
While Fighters are masters of combat, this class often lacks some adaptability in non-combat situations. Fighters handle most critical situations by using weapons and armor. In general, if they can’t punch the problem in the face, someone else should take the reigns. Furthermore, Fighter abilities focus on their physical stats (Strength, Dexterity, and Constitution) which means their mental stats, (Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma) and therefore their utility skills, fall by the wayside.
Features:
| Saving Throws | Strength, Constitution |
| Skill Options | Acrobatics, Animal Handling, Athletics, History, Insight, Intimidation, Perception, Survival |
| Spellcasting | None (except with specialized subclasses) |
| Our Favorite Subclasses | Battle Master, Samurai, Eldritch Knight |
| Roles | Damage, Tank |
| Downfalls | Low utility outside of combat |
7. Monk
Monks represent the world of martial arts in D&D. Monks can use weapons and armor but do not require them the way that other melee classes might. Certain monk abilities in fact do not apply unless you are unarmed or unarmored. Though they only receive a d8 hit die, they are fantastic at deflecting damage and subduing enemies all while pumping out attacks. In other words, Monks, to some, appear weak at first, but as they level up and gain abilities, become one of the more powerful classes.
Monks’ abilities are fueled by Ki, a mystic inner force related to their Wisdom. Ki can be used to empower your attacks, defense, or movement. It may also be used, depending on your subclass, to produce amazing spell-like abilities. While these abilities function very much like magic and may even use spell blocks to describe abilities, they are not technically magic. Furthermore, there isn’t a huge difference in beginner or low-level games; however, once anti-magic effects start coming into play, it is sure to cause some confusion.
In general, Monks do not offer a lot of utility outside of combat, though their need for Wisdom can make them useful in some skill or social encounters. Also, their Ki is required for many of their abilities and can be used up very quickly if not rationed. Luckily, Ki recharges after a short or long rest.
Features:
| Saving Throws | Strength, Dexterity |
| Skill Options | Acrobatics, Athletics, History, Insight, Religion, Stealth |
| Spellcasting | Ki (Spell-like abilities but not technically magic) |
| Our Favorite Subclasses | Way of Mercy, Way of the Long Death |
| Roles | Control, Damage, Support |
| Downfalls | Low HP for a melee class, weak starting out |
8. Paladin
The Paladin class, similar to Clerics, are divine warriors. In the old days, Paladins were required to be Lawful Good servants of a deity. However, now, Paladins gain their powers by embodying the divine tenants of their Oaths. Paladins combine the fighting styles and proficiencies of a Fighter, with the channel divinity and spellcasting of a Cleric. Their casting ability is Charisma, which also makes them viable as the face of the party.
One of Paladins’ greatest signature abilities is their Divine Smite, allowing them to channel divine energy into the damage of a melee weapon attack. They can also channel this energy to help allies with Lay on Hands. This provides them with a pool of hit points that may be utilized to heal or cure illness and poison. Paladins also let of Auras that empower allies and diminish their foes.
However, like other classes that fill many roles, Paladins can often be outmatched by more specialized classes. Another restriction on Paladins is their Oaths. Keep in mind, since Paladins are beholden to their Oaths, they may find themselves locked into certain roleplay choices to maintain that Oath. In conclusion, when it comes to spells and spell slots, they are highly restricted compared to other DnD 5e classes.
Features:
| Saving Throws | Wisdom, Charisma |
| Skill Options | Athletics, Insight, Intimidation, Medicine, Persuasion, Religion |
| Spellcasting | Charisma, Half-Caster |
| Our Favorite Subclasses | Oath of Vengence, Oath of Conquest, Oathbreaker |
| Roles | Support, Tank, Healer, Damage, Social |
| Downfalls | Restrictive roleplay |
9. Ranger
Rangers are masters of hunting, tracking, and all aspects of wilderness survival. Classic players know how useful a Ranger can be in traversing the wilds. This is why many were disappointed in the Ranger class initially released of DnD 5e. That Ranger was considered one of the worst classes. This is because many of their abilities were so situational they were only practical in the exact right scenario. However, Wizards of the Coast has put a great amount of effort into updating and fixing the class with optional features to replace the more lackluster abilities.
Rangers gain a host of useful survival utility abilities as well as focused combat tactics. They are useful both in and out of battle. Rangers gain fighting styles like other martial classes and have limited access to spells. They gain abilities that let them blend into the wilderness for the purpose of surviving as naturally as the wild creatures they live amongst. Their build primarily focuses on utility for their party in survival situations.
In addition, each Ranger subclass, or conclave, handles the challenges of the wilds in a unique way. Beast Master and Drakewarden Rangers are famous for their animal companions who hunt alongside them. Other rangers specialize in tactics required in certain wild environments like stealth or Fey magic. Many of the subclasses also gain additional spells as they level that fits their theme.
Unfortunately, for many games, the tools a Ranger brings to the table might not be used. Some abilities will not be as useful in a city-based campaign like Waterdeep: Dragonheist. However, those same abilities shine in a wilderness or dungeon-based campaign like Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage.
Features:
| Saving Throws | Strength, Dexterity |
| Skill Options | Animal Handling, Athletics, Insight, Investigation, Nature, Perception, Stealth, Survival |
| Spellcasting | Wisdom, Half-Caster |
| Our Favorite Subclasses | Beast Master, Gloom Stalker |
| Roles | Exploration/Survival Utility, Damage, Stealth |
| Downfalls | Situational abilities that may be more useful in some games than others |
10. Rogue
Rogues are natural utility knives in DnD 5e. They come with a great selection of skills and useful abilities as well as high damage output. These characters specialize in Dexterity and Intelligence making them excellent scouts and infiltrators. While not as flexible as Bards, Rogues can still cover many roles. Rogues are typically portrayed as thieves and assassins but can also make excellent lawful characters like investigators.
Sneak Attack is one of the Rogues key abilities. To clarify, this ability makes attacks deal extra damage if they are attacking with advantage or fighting with an ally. In addition, their Cunning Action is a reliable tool that allows for unique maneuvers on the battlefield using a bonus action. Many subclasses have additional ways to use your Cunning action or apply Sneak Attack damage.
However, their lack of hit points is a considerable downside for melee-centered Rogues. But they do gain considerable damage reduction abilities and have ranged options if needed. Rogues also do not gain access to an Extra Attack. This means when they attack, they have one chance to deal massive damage or bust.
Lastly, a clever Rogue, given enough time, could probably complete most missions on their own. This may not sound like a downfall, but this is basically a game about multiple people and each of their choices. Rogues’ solo abilities can limit other players’ agency, but also may lose effectiveness if not given consideration by the party. This can be a challenging aspect for a group to balance.
Features:
| Saving Throws | Dexterity, Intelligence |
| Skill Options | Acrobatics, Athletics, Deception, Insight, Intimidation, Investigation, Perception, Performance, Persuasion, Sleight of Hand, Stealth |
| Spellcasting | None (except with specialized subclasses) |
| Our Favorite Subclasses | Arcane Trickster, Assassin, Swashbuckler |
| Roles | Damage, Stealth, Utility |
| Downfalls | No Extra Attack, encourages a solo playstyle |
11. Sorcerer
Sorcerers are a powerful DnD 5e class with the natural ability to manipulate magic. Sorcerers are Charisma Casters, which means they can also be useful in social situations as the face of the party. Since their power comes from their innate magical heritage many of the subclasses are highly thematic, granting impressive magical abilities.
Sorcerers fuel their abilities using a pool of Sorcery Points. One of the best Sorcerer features is their Meta Magic which allows them to manipulate spells in a way that no other caster can. Also, each Sorcerer learns a limited number of meta magic options that can empower spells in a variety of ways. Subclasses come with new ways to use sorcery points. Sorcerers also each gain proficiency in Constitution saving throws, allowing them to maintain concentration in battle.
Unfortunately, Sorcerers have no proficiency with armor and are tied for the lowest hp in the game. Sorcerers also cannot learn new spells except through leveling and only gain a few meta magic options. This, combined with their especially thematic subclasses, creates very limited options for what seems like a very versatile class. Resource management is equally important. Without spell slots or meta magic, they are only armed with their charm.
Features:
| Saving Throws | Constitution, Charisma |
| Skill Options | Arcana, Deception, Insight, Intimidation, Persuasion, Religion |
| Spellcasting | Charisma, Full-Caster, Metamagic |
| Our Favorite Subclasses | Aberrand Mind, Divine Soul, Shadow Magic |
| Roles | Damage, Control, Social |
| Downfalls | Low hp, limited spells known, heavily reliant on magic |
12. Warlock
Warlocks gain their abilities from deals with powerful otherworldly entities. They are fantastic characters for role players because the class requires a relationship with your Patron. All in all, Warlocks are easy to write a backstory for. Determine your Patron, which you get at level 1, and think about what your character would have to do for that Patron in exchange for their powers. They are also Charisma casters, so their social skills allow them to explore that story, but they are still capable fighters on the battlefield.
Warlocks use a unique form of spellcasting called Pact Magic. With this ability, each spell cast is at the highest spell level available for the Warlock. They have limited spell slots but gain them all back on only a short rest. However, even without spell slots, they are plenty capable on the battlefield. Moreover, Warlocks gain access to one of the best offensive cantrips in the game, Eldritch Blast.
Unlike many classes’ features, two of their key features, Eldritch Invocations and Pact Boons, grant access variety of upgrades. This way, each Warlock is unique and interesting instead of gaining the same class abilities as every other Warlock.
In addition, many Eldritch Invocations have prerequisites, which limits this- otherwise very versatile- ability. Also, due to their limited spell slots, Warlocks may find themselves not using them to conserve just in case, when a short rest and recharge is right around the corner. In fact, Warlocks open many interesting doors for roleplay, your relationship with your Patron is heavily dependent on your DM. While this can be a great tool for storytelling with good DMs but may also be a tool for malicious DMs.
Features:
| Saving Throws | Wisdom, Charisma |
| Skill Options | Arcana, Deception, History, Intimidation, Investigation, Nature, and Religion |
| Spellcasting | Charisma, Pact Magic |
| Our Favorite Subclasses | Hexblade, Fiend, Genie |
| Roles | Damage, Support, Social |
| Downfalls | Limited spell slots can lead to wasted spell slots |
13. Wizard
Wizard are masters of spellcasting, unlike other spell casters, who may have lucked into their powers, wizardry takes hard work and intense study. Wizards are often recognized as one of the best dnd 5e classes but can be a lot to take in for beginners.
Wizards are extremely flexible spellcasters. Unlike other classes, they have the ability to add new spells to their spellbook. They have the largest and most diverse spell selection of any caster. Thus, this variety in casting options makes them highly adaptable casters with an arsenal of options at their fingertips on any given day. Assuming they can find the spells in the hope that they can afford to copy them into their spellbook. Wizard subclasses primarily focus on specific schools of magic. For this reason, versatility in Wizards comes from the type of spells they choose to specialize in.
Because Wizards are so magically powerful, they do not gain much in the way of non-magical skills or survivability. Similar to Sorcerers, they have the lowest hp in the game and no armor proficiencies. Their mastery of the arcane is impressive, but can easily be completely thwarted by a few counterspells or an anti-magic field, but this is true for all casters. Wizards however are also reliant on their spellbook. Without this, they do not have any spells to cast.
Features:
| Saving Throws | Intelligence, Wisdom |
| Skill Options | Arcana, History, Insight, Investigation, Medicine, Religion |
| Spellcasting | Intelligence, Full-Caster |
| Our Favorite Subclasses | Divination, Bladesinging, War Magic |
| Roles | Damage, Control, Support, Utility |
| Downfalls | Low Hp, Heavily reliant on magic, Must not lose their spellbook |
DnD 5e Classes: Definition & Choosing Technique
DnD 5e classes are the foundation of your character. Classes help define what role your character will fill and what challenges they specialize in tackling. Use your DnD class to serve as an outline or guide for your character backstory and evolution throughout the game. However, a character’s class only really determines what abilities you gain as you level. The stereotypes and typical depictions of your class especially do not have to define your character. Speak with your DM about flavoring skills or abilities to fit your character concept when needed. If flavor isn’t enough, there’s always the option of creating DnD homebrew classes when you want something out of the box.
You should know how to choose DnD class if you want to succeed in the game. Before you choose your DnD 5e classes, consider the role you need to fill and how it can aid your party. And never worry, if it turns out you don’t care for your character class or build, you can always change it or create a new character.
