Who doesn't like swinging a sword for big damage? It's a satisfying feeling to have that damage stack up higher and higher as you grow as an adventurer in Dungeons & Dragons. And few classes deal martial damage as well as a fighter.
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Posts By Marissa FioreFighters are often the first pick of many D&D players as they are a bit more straightforward when compared to the classes that have complex spell lists, though you don't have to leave spells completely behind. 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.
Fighter Highlights
Fighter by Nestor Ossandon Leal.Fighters are powerhouses of the physical stats in Dungeons & Dragons: Strength, Dexterity, and Constitution. That's, of course, not to say they can't have good stats in every area of a character sheet, but those stats should, and usually do, take priority.
Unlike some other classes with more complicated features or traits, fighters really boil down to a handful of key combat-driven strengths. They also can withstand much more damage than, say, a wizard or sorcerer. Plus, with their Second Wind, you'll be able to stay in the fight even longer.
If your favorite part of D&D is combat or ensuring you have one of the best survival rates in combat, then you'll enjoy crafting a fighter to set out on adventures with.
Differences In The 2024 Player's Handbook
Art by Craig J SpearingUnlike some classes that have seen the majority of what they do change, fighters keep a number of their features unchanged or keep a feature but tweak and adjust portions of it. In addition to that, new features were added that didn't appear at all in the 2014 Player's Handbook.
Feat Name
New To 2024 PHB
Feat Description
Fighting Style
No
- You choose a fighting style that strengthens an area of your combat powers.
Second Wind
Yes
- Not new to fighters, but increases how often you can use it.
- Allows you to regain health as a bonus action.
- The amount of times you can use it increases as you level up.
Weapon Mastery
Yes
- Allows you to utilize a weapons mastery trait.
Action Surge
No
- Allows you to take a second action, so long as it's not a magic action.
Tactical Mind
Yes
- Allows you to use your Second Wind to add a d10 to a failed ability check.
Extra Attack
No
- Allows you to attack twice during your attack action.
- This increases again at level 11 and 20.
Tactical Shift
Yes
- Anytime you use Second Wind, you can move up to half your movement speed.
- This doesn't provoke opportunity attacks.
Indomitable
Yes
- Not new to fighters, but changes how it works.
- If you fail a saving throw, you can roll again and add your fighter level to the roll as a bonus.
- You gain more uses of this as you level up.
Tactical Master
Yes
- You can replace a weapon mastery property.
- Your choices are Push, Sap, and Slow.
Studied Attacks
Yes
- If you miss an attack roll on a creature, during your next round, your attack will be with advantage.
Epic Boon
Yes
- Choose an Epic Boon or Feat.
These changes are positive, especially getting more uses of Second Wind per short and long rests. Its value remains high no matter how long your campaign goes on for, especially now that you have multiple things you can do with it as, with the 2014 ruleset, it was gaining health back and nothing else.
Epic Boon is new for every class, but you have to reach level 19 with a class to be able to choose one. This is not your player level.
Subclass Highlights
Black Dragon by Campbell WhiteThere are four subclasses for fighters: battle master, champion, eldritch knight, and psi warrior. Those who played with the 2014 Player's Handbook will recognize all but one, the psi warrior. This fighter subclass was, instead, introduced through Xanather's Guide To Everything.
Battle Master
Artwork by Ignatius BudiBattle masters are for the players who want to synergize with their team above all else. They are known for the long list of Maneuvers that they can learn, 20 of them in all. You'll pick three to start, and you'll be able to learn as many as nine once you've hit fighter level 15. You also gain something called Superiority Dice, which is what you'll burn through to use your Maneuvers.
While these Maneuvers make it so that you can do a lot with your turns besides just attacking, another powerful feat is Know Your Enemy, which lets you pick up on your foes' weaknesses and strengths so that not only do you know but can communicate with your team, how to best take down an enemy.
Champion
Artwork by Katerina LadonWith this subclass, you become a Remarkable Athlete. No really, that's one of the feats you get, which gives you advantage on initiative rolls and Athletics checks. But that phrase rings true to just about everything a Champion can do.
Your critical hits are improved, you gain a second fighting style, and you can even give yourself Heroic Inspiration just from the sheer excitement of combat. This subclass is for those looking to play a fighter for the first time or are looking more forward to combat than anything else in your D&D sessions.
Eldritch Knight
Artwork by Hocheol RyuEldritch knights are for the fighters who don't want to be completely without magic. Being primarily a martial class, the number of spells you can learn is much less than that of the purely spell-based classes, and the highest level spell you can learn is fourth level.
However, you can pick from the wizard's spell list, giving you a great deal of variety. Magic is also weaved throughout your kit, allowing you to use one of your attacks to cast a cantrip. You can magically bond with some of your weapons so they can't be knocked away or wrestled from your grip.
Psi Warrior
Artwork by Javier CharroThis subclass is for the player who may still feel intimidated by a spell list but wants to dabble with abilities that go a bit beyond the pure martial might of battle masters and champions. Instead of casting a number of spells, you have a few abilities that use Psionic Energy Dice.
This allows you to aid allies and yourself, strike opponents, or even move friends or obstacles with your mind. You eventually learn to even shield your mind from psychic damage. And, once you hit level 18 with this subclass, you do gain one spell, Telekinesis.
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Posts By Jim ZieglerBest Species Options
A Fierce Warrior by Denman RookeWhen it comes to fighters and the many ways you can build them out, there isn't really a wrong species, especially with the new structure of the 2024 Player's Handbook, which wants you to pick your species after you pick your class.
With that said, there are quite a few species from the 2024 rules that work well with donning the armor and weapons of a fighter. Goliaths and Orcs, both of which are physically powerful species, make for frightfully good fighters.
If you'd like to play a species that isn't included in the 2024 Player's Handbook but is part of Fifth Edition D&D, you can also consider yuan-ti and bugbears. In fact, the ten-foot reach of bugbears makes it so that you don't even need to be right next to enemies to hurt them with your martial powers.
As for yuan-ti, they can help you out with your non-physical saving throws. This aids you when going up against spellcasters who would otherwise assume that because you value Strength and Constitution more, things like Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma fall to the wayside.
Best Stat Placements
Monsters and Wild Beasts Mysteriously Appear to Menace the People of Yeonido by Vicki PangestuWhere you want to place each of your stats will come down to two factors. Those are what fighter subclass you want to pursue and what kind of fighter you'd like to be. These aren't the same things as you can be a fighter that builds into your Strength or into your Dexterity.
These two skills both have their impressive pros. You can have all of the Dexterity in the world but can struggle to push a heavy door. Whereas you can have the Strength to push that door, but not the Dexterity to avoid the traps on the other side.
In most party structures, you'll probably want to build into Strength, as beyond barbarians and some paladins, none of the classes prioritize Strength as one of their top skills.
Subclass
Stat Placement
Why?
Battle Master
- Strength
- Constitution
- Dexterity
Your Constitution score impacts your maximum hit points, so you'll want this to be high. Dexterity will still help with Finesse weapons and your Acrobatics skill. If you plan to be an archer, swap Strength and Dexterity.
Champion
- Strength
- Constitution
- Dexterity
All of the same reasons listed above.
Eldritch Knight
- Strength or Dexterity
- Intelligence
- Constitution
Intelligence is your spellcasting modifier and your spell save DC, which is the number enemies have to beat to get out of your spell effects. And Constitution will determine how many hit points you have.
Psi Warrior
- Strength or Dexterity
- Constitution
- Intelligence
While you don't have spells to use, a number of your features will use your Intelligence score, so while it doesn't need to be as high as an eldritch knight, you do still want it high enough for those feats.
Best Spells For Eldritch Knights
Artwork by Martin MottetEven when casting spells as an eldritch knight, you'll want to ensure you can deal a lot of damage if you choose to cast over swinging that thang, whatever weapon of choice that is for your character. But there will also be some constant spells you'll want to consider keeping on your person at all times. These can either bolster teamwork or aid you and your abilities as a fighter.
Spell Type
Spell Name
Spell Level
Description
Damaging
Fire Bolt
Cantrip
These spells are all ranged spells that will allow you to strike for big damage even when your foes are purposefully staying outside your reach. Many of them can also be used in close quarters, giving you plenty of options for how you'd like to use your action.
Poison Spray
Cantrip
Ice Knife
Level One
Magic Missile
Level One
Cloud Of Daggers
Level Two
Melf's Acid Arrow
Level Two
Fireball
Level Three
Constant
Message
Cantrip
These spells will help you keep the fight going even when the odds or terrain are stacked against you. They can also aid allies who need extra help keeping up or escaping from situations.
Jump
Level One
Longstrider
Level One
Shield
Level One
Alter Self
Level Two
Blur
Level Two
Fly
Level Three
Haste
Level Three
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Posts By Mason QuahBest Starting Equipment
World-traveling explorers by Dmitry Burmak.Fighters are one of the only classes that have three options when it comes to your starting equipment, as most others only present two. The first of the three focuses on Strength. The second combination of gear is focused on Dexterity. The third option is all about getting gold pieces instead of equipment.
Just as stated above, if you want to be a fighter that focuses on Strength or Dexterity, then picking the matching set of loot is perfectly fine. If you want to pick your own gear or ask your Dungeon Master (DM) if you can swap some things around, you have all non-magical armor and weapons open to you.
If you're looking for the greatest damage output, you'll want to look at the great axe, greatsword, and maul. If you want to keep a hand free or wield a shield, then look at versatile options like the war pick and warhammer.
The Godborn by Tyler JacobsonWhen it comes to armor, all of the heavy options will give you disadvantage on Stealth checks, and some of the choices might be closed off to you if you don't meet a certain Strength criteria, like plate armor requires you to have a Strength score of 15 or higher. But, if you have a low Dexterity score, then none of the medium armor options will give you as high an Armor Class (AC).
If you prioritized your Strength or have a very low Dexterity score, pick a heavy armor option. If you prioritized Dexterity, then pick the medium armor of your choice.
Best Feats And Backgrounds
Art of the Solider background in Dungeons and Dragons, by Fabiá Sans.Plenty of feats will help every kind of character out, even if they are in a circumstantial situation. However, some shine above the rest, getting picked time and time again because of their usefulness. Here are some of the best options for fighters.
Feat Name
Why This Feat?
Athlete
This helps you get into and out of the fray quickly, as well as adapt to changes on or off the battlefield.
Dual Wielder
You will be able to hit with two weapons in a single attack action, letting you deal more damage early on in the campaign.
Durable
This gives you advantage on saving throws, giving healers a chance to get you back up without the complete looming threat of death.
Grappler
Not only can you grapple foes, but you have advantage on hits against them. They'll have to beat your Strength to get out, which will usually be your highest stat.
Mage Slayer
Not only can you target down the powerful spellcasters on the field, breaking their concentration, but you can also more likely succeed your Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma saving throws.
Skill Expert
If you find any of your ability checks lacking, you can not only give yourself a skill proficiency but also expertise.
The same really applies to backgrounds. You can pick any of them and just go with it. But, naturally, some work better with a fighter.
Background Name
Why This Background?
Criminal
This works best with a Dexterity-based eldritch knight or psi warrior as it has a focus not only on Dexterity, but Intelligence too.
Entertainer
As strange as it might sound, if you're building a Dexterity-based fighter, this will help you with both Dexterity and Strength, as well as with your Acrobatics checks.
Farmer
Helps with Strength and Constitution.
Guard
With a focus on Strength and Intelligence, you can bolster your Athletics and Perception.
Nobel
This works well for eldritch knights and psi warriors as it will aid with both Strength and Intelligence. Plus, you'll get the Skilled feat.
Sailor
This helps you with the Dexterity side of things, also granting Acrobatics.
Soldier
This helps you with all of your three physical ability scores and also gives you Savage Attacker. You also get a decent array of weapons when you choose this background.
Best Multiclassing Options
Artwork by Ignatius BudiYou'd be hard-pressed to find one class that didn't work well with a fighter. But, depending on how you've placed your stats, some of the class options will be much more valuable to you than others.
Multiclass Options
Who Should Pick These?
Why These Classes?
Barbarian
The fighter who wants to be in the heart of the action.
- Rage will halve the damage you take from the three most common damage types: bludgeoning, slashing, and piercing.
- They are already geared toward strong characters.
Cleric or Paladin
Someone who wants to run triage.
- You can use your fighter abilities to quickly get to and protect party members before healing them.
- You can focus on healing yourself when you're in a tough spot.
- Both of these classes benefit Strength and Dexterity fighters.
- You get access to cleric and paladin spells, including Eldritch Blast.
Rogue
Assassins at heart.
- Deal sneak attack damage on top of Extra Attacks, Action Surge, and heavier weapons.
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Posts By Marissa Fiore
