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Who doesn’t like swinging a sword for big damage?
And few classes deal martial damage as well as a fighter.
Want to know what it takes to play a bard?
Artwork by Hocheol Ryu, Néstor Ossandón Leal, and Katerina Ladon
Either way, being a popular choice and knowing how to build a fighter are two separate things.
This guide will go over what fighters do and how to create one you’re excited to play.
They also canwithstand much more damagethan, say, a wizard or sorcerer.
Fighter by Nestor Ossandon Leal.
Plus, with their Second Wind, you’ll be able to stay in the fight even longer.
This isnot your player level.
Those who played with the 2014 Player’s Handbook will recognize all but one, the psi warrior.
Fighter by Nestor Ossandon Leal.
This fighter subclass was, instead,introduced through Xanather’s Guide To Everything.
Battle Master
Battle masters arefor the players whowant to synergize with their teamabove all else.
They are known for the long list of Maneuvers that they can learn,20 of them in all.
Art by Craig J Spearing
You also gain something calledSuperiority Dice, which is what you’ll burn through to use your Maneuvers.
Champion
With this subclass, you become a Remarkable Athlete.
But that phrase rings true to just abouteverything a Champion can do.
Black Dragon by Campbell White
Eldritch Knight
Eldritch knightsare for the fighterswho don’t want to be completely without magic.
However, you canpick from the wizard’s spell list, giving you a great deal of variety.
Instead of casting a number of spells, you have a few abilities that usePsionic Energy Dice.
Artwork by Ignatius Budi
This allows you to aid allies and yourself,strike opponents, or evenmove friends or obstacleswith your mind.
You eventually learn to evenshield your mind from psychic damage.
And, once you hit level 18 with this subclass, you dogain one spell, Telekinesis.
Artwork by Katerina Ladon
As for yuan-ti, they can help you out with yournon-physical saving throws.
Those arewhat fighter subclassyou want to pursue andwhat kind of fighter you’d like to be.
These two skills both have their impressive pros.
Artwork by Hocheol Ryu
you could have all of the Dexterity in the world but can struggle to push a heavy door.
Subclass
Stat Placement
Why?
Your Constitution score impactsyour maximum hit points, so you’ll want this to be high.
Artwork by Javier Charro
Dexterity will still help withFinesse weapons and your Acrobaticsskill.
If youplan to be an archer,swap Strength and Dexterity.
All of the same reasons listed above.
And Constitution will determinehow many hit points you have.
But there will also be someconstant spells you’ll want to consider keeping on your personat all times.
These can eitherbolster teamwork or aid you and your abilitiesas a fighter.
A Fierce Warrior by Denman Rooke
They can alsoaid allies who need extra helpkeeping up or escaping from situations.
The first of the threefocuses on Strength.
The second combination of gearis focused on Dexterity.
Monsters and Wild Beasts Mysteriously Appear to Menace the People of Yeonido by Vicki Pangestu
The third option is all aboutgetting gold pieces instead of equipment.
If youprioritized your Strengthor have a very low Dexterity score, picka heavy armor option.
If youprioritized Dexterity, then pickthe medium armor of your choice.
Artwork by Martin Mottet
However, someshine above the rest, getting picked time and time again because of their usefulness.
Here are some ofthe best options for fighters.
Grappler
Not only canyou grapple foes, but you haveadvantage on hits against them.
They’ll have tobeat your Strengthto get out, which will usually be your highest stat.
The same really applies to backgrounds.
you could pickany of them and just go with it.
World-traveling explorers by Dmitry Burmak.
But, naturally,some work betterwith a fighter.
Background Name
Why This Background?
Farmer
Helps withStrength and Constitution.
The Godborn by Tyler Jacobson
Guard
With a focus onStrength and Intelligence, you’re free to bolster yourAthletics and Perception.
Nobel
This works wellfor eldritch knights and psi warriorsas it will aid with bothStrength and Intelligence.
Plus, you’ll get theSkilled feat.
Art of the Solider background in Dungeons and Dragons, by Fabiá Sans.
Sailor
This helps you with theDexterity side of things, alsogranting Acrobatics.
Soldier
This helps you with all of yourthree physical ability scoresand also gives youSavage Attacker.
You also get a decentarray of weaponswhen you choose this background.
Artwork by Ignatius Budi
Multiclass Options
Who Should Pick These?
Barbarian
The fighter who wants to be in the heart of the action.
Cleric or Paladin
Someone who wants to run triage.
Rogue
Assassins at heart.
Looking to build a Cleric with Dungeons & Dragons' 2024 Player’s Handbook?
Hold on to your Holy Symbol and consult this guide.
