Most Fun Classes To Play In Dungeons & Dragons, Ranked

Summary

Bards are versatile spellcasters ideal for extroverted players with influence and roleplay potential.
Rogues excel at stealth, deceit, and combat, making them perfect for solitary players with backup.
Monks are versatile fighters with unique abilities, ideal for virtuous players who enjoy hand-to-hand combat.

As a seasoned RPG enthusiast with over two decades of gaming under my belt, I must say that each of these character classes offers unique and exciting opportunities for adventure.

For all those trying to initiate themselves into the world of D&D, a recurrent issue could stop them from having fun: picking the best class to play. But fear not, this list reaches far and wide, in a quest to bring players the best advice on how to pick the most fun classes to play in Dungeons & Dragons.

Here’s a more conversational way to present the information:

8. Bard

“You Cannot Sing Your Way Out Of Trouble!” (Challenge Accepted)

It can buff the entire party, cast spells, and influence the world through the use of wits and artistic performance.
Second to none in roleplay potential.
Ideal for extrovert players.

In Dungeons & Dragons, Bards are renowned for their versatility due to their ability to motivate their companions, summon spells spontaneously through their eloquence, and attack foes with a variety of sound-based attacks such as Vicious Mockery or force adversaries to act contrary to their wishes using Geas. Based on the College they belong to, Bards can also engage in combat effectively wielding daggers, swords, and other basic weapons.

However, what makes the Bard particularly entertaining isn’t just his talent for performance or persuasion, but rather his knack for being both charismatically cunning and able to navigate tricky scenarios with ease. Players frequently find themselves outwitting devious nobles, inciting rebellion through song, or charming the court with their enchanting voices to spare a friend from execution. In the event of conflict, Bards can inspire their companions for optimal performance or heal their wounds with spells. They are indeed versatile masters of their voice and skill.

7. Rogue

“Now You See Me (Rolls The Dice) Now You Don’t”

Magnificent scouts, infiltrators, and assassins
Can deceive, steal, spy, disarm traps, and pick locks
Ideal for players who prefer solitary work, but still know they have a backup plan (other party members).

Skilled thieves are exceptionally nimble and formidable fighters who possess an arsenal that puts them ahead in all covert operations. Although they cannot genuinely vanish (only with magical aid, potions, or unique items), they can blend seamlessly into combat situations, escaping notice, or slip into the shadows or blend with their surroundings to penetrate the enemy stronghold undetected.

Some specializations of the Rogue, like the Soulblade or the Arcane Trickster, also complement his skills with intrinsic magic abilities, turning them into a true menace and something really fun to play with. Other subclasses like the Assassin, prefer to work alone, coating their weapons in poison and delivering powerful critical blows to unaware targets. In certain circumstances, a good Rogue player can wipe an entire lair of enemies without the party having to intervene or eliminate a priority target like a dangerous evil wizard while he sleeps. But the most important thing about this class is its access to Sleight of Hand, which is used to disarm traps, open locks, plant dangerous evidence of corruption in the pocket of a pesky town guard, or even discretely poison a fellow party member.

6. Monk

“I Don’t Need A Weapon To Break You”

Versatile Fighters that do not need too much equipment
Specializations called ‘Ways’ grant them incredible abilities
Ideal for virtuous players who do not like the Paladins’ way

Monks adhere to specific principles and guidelines in their conduct, often choosing a peaceful path. However, they won’t passively endure mistreatment from wrongdoers or others for no justified reason. In life, monks strive for virtue and can attract followers of all moral compasses. During combat, they demonstrate exceptional mastery over hand-to-hand fighting techniques, favoring their fists and legs as weapons. Monks channel a powerful energy known as Chi, which flows through everything, allowing them to heal or inflict harm, depending on the situation.

Unmatched in their acrobatic skills, Monks can also excel at stealthy maneuvers, particularly when they adopt the Shadow Way, akin to ninja training within the D&D universe. Other paths favor weapons such as Quarterstaffs or Swords, allowing them to incapacitate, immobilize, stun, or subdue opponents with a peaceful strategy if chosen. These characters are enjoyable to play, and players who appreciate roleplaying their ideals will discover in this class an engaging avenue for exploration.

5. Warlock

“He Is Not My Magical Sugar Daddy, He’s My Patron!”

Versatile Spellcasters that never run out of options.
Bound to a higher entity through a mutual agreement contract (sometimes).
They have lots of roleplay potential as they need to obey their patron’s demands.

In the realm of Dungeons & Dragons, warlocks are often overlooked and shunned as a spellcaster class. However, their power should never be underestimated. Through a pact with an otherworldly entity, they gain abilities tailored to their chosen patron and the nature of their agreement. For instance, a Pact of the Fiend Warlock wields demonic powers, while a Pact of the Archfey Warlock taps into the whimsical and enchanting qualities of the Fae they’re bound to (except for the Pale Prince, who is devoid of charm).

One distinctive feature that sets Warlocks apart from other characters is their exceptional Eldritch Blast Cantrip, considered the strongest among all Cantrips. This potent magical blast can be augmented if a Warlock selects the Pact of the Grimoire, and when skillfully utilized, it can become a formidable weapon of immense power. What’s more, Warlocks never have to worry about running out of spell slots, which often leaves other casters feeling envious and irritated. However, players opting for Warlocks need not fret about the jealousy of wizards and sorcerers; they are merely there to enjoy the game.

4. Barbarian

“I Enter Rage And Hit The Dragon’s Tail” (Famous Last Words)

Resilient and brutal combatant that can use a wide array of weapons
Uses the power of his primal fury to turn into a killing machine
Ideal for players that just want to break things

Barbarians are vessels of raw fury, biding their time before they erupt onto the scene. Gamers might find this class appealing if they relish in combat that leaves them drenched in blood from tip to toe. The gameplay for the Barbarian class is relatively simple, and certain subclasses introduce unique aspects to their fundamental mechanics, such as the Totem Warrior Path or the Berserker Path, but overall it’s a straightforward and accessible choice for players.

Engaging battle enkindles the primal prowess within these fierce combatants, granting them numerous advantages such as heightened health, reduced damage received, and amplified attack power while actively fighting. Barbarians are ideal for players who thrive in combat scenarios, though they may struggle in social settings due to their lack of Charisma. However, this doesn’t deter some players from portraying cunning barbarians, capable of discerning when to unleash their wrath and when to maintain composure. Ultimately, there are players who appreciate adding unique traits to their barbarian characters, such as curses or exotic races that make gameplay an exhilarating (yet potentially perilous) adventure.

3. Paladin

“I Will Not Condone His Heinous Acts” (The Bard Wanted To Adopt A Demi-Lich)

A natural leader can tank, heal, and wield divine magic to smite his foes
A little restricted by their oaths
Ideal for players who want to play justice bringers, or fallen knights

Among all the “primary” classes, the Paladin stands out as the most renowned and adaptable, catering to players who prefer a divine warrior experience. Their powers originate from faith, specifically the vows they swear and honor during their journeys. Each vow has its principles, adhering to them is the path to play a Paladin, deviating from these could lead to becoming Oathbreakers – fallen knights who face a fate of transformation into distorted reflections of their former selves.

But no matter how players choose to roleplay this class, it has a lot of intriguing possibilities, especially since the Oaths bring a lot of powerful moral dilemmas and an extra layer of difficulty. Paladin players need to skillfully maneuver every choice to make sure it doesn’t break their oaths, and that’s a great source for roleplay material. On the other hand, those who enjoy doing evil even when they have a naturally righteous class have certain Oaths that adjust to their moral compass, preventing them from losing their powers. Or they can pre-arrange serving a Lawful Evil God, and uphold the ideals of tyranny, purity, and rule with an iron fist over the common folk. Really fun to play.

2. Druid

“So, You Say That Squirrel Is Spying On Us? Don’t Be Ridiculous!”

Their potential for chaos is nearly unlimited
Advanced spellcaster class with shape-shifting abilities
Ideal for players who want to enjoy the company of animals instead of people

Druids possess an extraordinary ability to bond deeply with nature, often perceived as protectors of all that is lush and teeming with life, including the creatures great and small. They converse with the elements, wildlife, and even the smallest of insects, some even communicating with fungi and growing mushrooms within themselves. Druids are seldom seen, yet their power commands awe from all semi-intelligent beings in the realms. They’re versatile magic users with a wide range of potent spells at their disposal, such as Thorn Whip, Shape Water, Heat Metal, Shillelagh, and a popular choice among fans: Conjure animals. If players are considering unleashing a horde of agitated bees on their adversaries, they might want to consider choosing this class.

In this game, characters who take on the role of Druids serve as guardians and defenders, yet they possess an added ability to act as stealthy spies. With their power to transform into insects such as roaches, flies, and moths, or small animals like squirrels, cats, and mice, they can sneak into the enemy’s stronghold unnoticed, gather vital information, and report back to the group about the location of critical items or the layout of the area. Ultimately, players are free to decide how they wish to play their Druid character; however, it is recommended to consult a guide to understand the unique skills associated with this class before choosing a Circle that will influence these abilities.

1. Sorcerer

“So, Your Grandpa Is A Dragon. How Does That Work?”

Has some of the best subclasses in the game
Able to bend magic to their will
Ideal for players who want a powerful spellcaster without having to study

Sorcerers are individuals who possess an inherent ability to wield the arcane, as opposed to learning it or receiving it from a higher power. This magical prowess stems from their bloodline, which has been tinged with the essence of transcendental beings, dragons, or even demi-gods like Lurue at some point in their ancestry. Whether they’re descendants of dragons, have Feywild blood coursing through their veins, or are the children of deities, these sorcerers can trace their magical lineage back to a time when an otherworldly being or shape-shifted dragon intertwined with their ancestors, granting them a hereditary gift for magic.

Sorcerers often stir jealousy and resentment among many wizards and warlocks due to their seemingly effortless abilities, which are perceived as unfair (wizards must study diligently while warlocks make soul-bartering deals). However, this is just another aspect of their allure. When it comes to charm, sorcerers excel in this area, making them suitable for leadership roles and the public face of a group, adding depth to their already potent abilities. Depending on their lineage, they gain unique powers: dragon heirs might manifest wings and breath acid, fire, or ice; demi-god/archfey descendants like Lurue possess natural charm and mind-boggling abilities. The Wild Magic subclass, known for its unpredictable, chaotic nature, is the most entertaining to play but requires careful handling to avoid unfavorable outcomes based on player luck.

2024-12-25 04:36