D&D Best Subclasses For New Players

2024 saw the release of an updated Player’s Handbook for Dungeons & Dragons, significantly modifying the majority of subclasses that were originally in the 2014 edition. This overhaul has made several subclasses much friendlier and accessible for novice players.

In 2024, a significant modification was introduced to the standard 5e rules: all classes now choose their subclass at level 3. This means that new players can familiarize themselves with the basic aspects of their class if they start from level 1. By level 3, they will have gained enough understanding about their character to make a well-informed decision regarding their subclass.

Some classes and subclasses can be complex to manage, like the Circle of the Moon Druid, for instance. It offers numerous Wild Shape choices and boasts an extensive spell roster, making it essential for players to stay organized and remember quite a few details.

Fortunately, certain subclasses are recommended for beginners as they’re user-friendly and allow newcomers to understand the rules more effectively without overwhelming them with complex mechanics.

10. Champion Fighter

More Critical Hits For Everyone

Class Subclasses Available
Fighter Battle Master, Champion, Eldritch Knight, Psi Warrior

In earlier versions of Dungeons & Dragons, the Fighter character was typically straightforward to manage due to its combat-focused nature, which is clearly reflected in the game design itself.

5th edition Dungeons & Dragons provides Fighter characters with intricate build possibilities, including the Battle Master and its array of unique abilities.

If you’re looking for the easiest-to-grasp subclass when playing D&D 5e in 2024, I recommend choosing the Champion Fighter. Its skills are relatively straightforward, including the ability to critically hit on rolls of 19 and 20.

In a game context, seemingly minor advantages such as having an edge in Initiative rolls and the ability to move following a critical hit without triggering Attacks of Opportunity may appear insignificant, but they are surprisingly beneficial and effortless to recall.

9. Path Of The Berserker Barbarian

Their Love For Foes Is Like A Truck

Class Subclasses Available
Barbarian Berserker, Wild Heart, World Tree, Zealot

Similar to a Fighter, the primary objective of the Barbarian character often revolves around dealing damage. An effective method for enhancing this trait could be by upgrading one of their current skills or abilities.

For a Barbarian, the Berserker subclass enables them to add an extra dice roll (a D6) to their Rage Damage, with each side of the dice contributing to the damage based on their Rage Damage modifier, whenever they opt for Reckless Attack.

In simpler terms, this rule implies that when they opt for a Reckless Attack, they’ll deal an additional 2d6 damage until they reach level 9. This feature is both simple to recall and serves as a beneficial boost for a class primarily designed for striking opponents with brute force.

8. Life Domain Cleric

The Living Healing Potion

Class Subclasses Available
Cleric Life Domain, Light Domain, Trickery Domain, War Domain

There are numerous ways to help a Cleric deviate from the traditional healer role. A beginner might prefer to follow established strategies, particularly as they get accustomed to using the mechanics of a full spellcasting class.

Through the Life Domain, a Cleric’s healing responsibilities are effortlessly managed. This domain ensures that basic healing spells appropriate for lower levels are always at the ready. Moreover, each of these healing spells provides an extra boost, restoring an additional two hit points for every level of the spell.

In a critical situation where the party has sustained severe wounds, leaving them Bloodied, the Life Domain Cleric possesses the ability to employ Preserve Life, offering a collective healing effect that could potentially save an unskilled party from imminent destruction.

7. Hunter Ranger

Hit The Weak Point For Massive Damage

Class Subclasses Available
Ranger Beast Master, Fey Wanderer, Gloom Stalker, Hunter

Seasoned Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) players become well-versed in the abilities and vulnerabilities of game creatures, providing them with a significant upper hand against novice players.

In simpler terms, when a Ranger’s Hunter subclass uses the Hunter’s Mark spell, they can discern the immunities, resistances, and weaknesses of the targeted enemy, thanks to their ability called Hunter’s Lore.

Furthermore, their character skills are primarily battle-oriented and simple to recall. The Hunter’s Prey ability allows them to transition from attacking a single target to engaging multiple enemies during rest periods, making it useful for parties who know the types of foes they may encounter ahead.

6. Thief Rogue

Grab Everything Not Nailed Down

Class Subclasses Available
Rogue Arcane Trickster, Assassin, Soulknife, Thief

In a more straightforward manner, we could say that the Thief subclass enhances the Rogue’s abilities, making them exceptionally skilled at performing stealthy moves in combat, as was the case with the Thief class in Advanced Dungeons & Dragons (AD&D).

As a cunning thief, I’ve got an arsenal of tricks up my sleeve that make me a force to be reckoned with in combat. Not only can I deftly use magic items and objects on the fly using a Bonus Action, but I can also slip items from pockets or disarm traps when the situation calls for it. This versatility means I don’t always have to resort to stabbing enemies to get things done – variety is the spice of life, after all!

In simpler terms, due to the enhanced speed and jump capacity of their Second-Story Work, thieves find it considerably less risky to navigate around the perils typically found in dungeons.

5. Warrior Of The Open Hand Monk

Knockdown Master

Class Subclasses Available
Monk Mercy, Shadows, The Elements, The Open Hand

Among the four Monk subclasses, three offer unique enhancements to the basic class features: The Mercy Warrior focuses on providing healing capabilities, the Shadow Warrior excels in stealth, while the Elemental Warrior gains access to magical spells.

In the fourth grouping, known as the Open-Hand Warrior, the emphasis lies in mastery of combat skills. The Open-Hand Technique enhances the Monk’s Flurry of Blows talent, providing them with a versatile ability that remains effective throughout their adventure.

Among various open hand techniques, Topple could be the most beneficial one. In this technique, if the opponent fails a Dexterity Saving Throw, they will fall Prone. This situation offers an advantage to any melee allies who can then make attacks with an added bonus on their roll, which is particularly helpful for Rogues.

4. Oath Of Devotion Paladin

Making Holy Weapons For Free

Class Subclasses Available
Paladin Devotion, Glory, The Ancients, Vengeance

In essence, the Paladin class in D&D is often identified as the embodiment of noble knights upholding goodness and justice, striking down evil with a fierce sense of righteousness.

As a dedicated gamer, if you’re looking to embrace the classic trope in the 2024 Player’s Handbook, I’d recommend checking out the Oath of Devotion Paladin. This character excels at eradicating wickedness from the game world.

As a Paladin sworn to the Oath of Devotion, they possess the Sacred Weapon skill. This allows them to boost their attack rolls with their Charisma score and transform their damage into radiant for a period of ten minutes each time they utilize their Channel Divinity ability.

Using this divine tool instantly, the Paladin gains an immediate advantage on attack rolls, making their strikes more swift and comprehensible, and it’s highly probable that they will inflict additional harm to malevolent entities like fiends and undead. This power doesn’t require exhausting any spell slots.

3. Circle Of The Sea Druid

Druid Uses Surf

Class Subclasses Available
Druid Land, Moon, Sea, Stars

mastering the Druid class can be quite challenging, given its extensive spellcasting abilities and the skill to transform into various animal forms through Wild Shape.

Among the druid subclasses, the Sea Circle stands out for its simplicity, as its Wrath of the Sea ability primarily focuses on establishing a damaging barrier against adversaries.

Compared to the varying spells from Circle of the Land, the multiple animal transformations in Circle of the Moon, and the three distinct forms within Circle of the Stars, the Circle of the Sea possesses a straightforward ability that remains relatively consistent throughout a campaign.

2. College of Valor Bard

This Is Fight Music

Class Subclasses Available
Bard Dance, Glamour, Lore, Valor

Mastering the Bard requires understanding their unique set of skills, including enchanting allies with spells and maintaining their well-being.

A player seeking a streamlined approach might opt for a College of Valor Bard, wielding the blade instead. This choice not only grants them additional combat competencies, but over time, they’ll gain an extra strike, similar to warrior classes.

Essentially, the Combat Inspiration centers around enabling your allies to select their own battle boosts. This empowers you to engage in combat together more effectively, offering aid with healing whenever it’s required.

1. Fiend Patron Warlock

Running With The Devil

Class Subclasses Available
Warlock Archfey Patron, Celestial Patron, Fiend Patron, Great Old One Patron

As a keen enthusiast, I’d caution a novice player that mastering any of the arcane spellcaster roles won’t be a walk in the park. The key to their performance lies in managing an intricate list of spells, which significantly influences the outcome of both combat and social encounters – making them either effortless or grueling.

The Warlock is more straightforward to handle because they receive fewer spells and primarily concentrate on the Hex and Eldritch Blast combination. Selecting an appropriate species can also provide additional spells.

For a straightforward option when it comes to Warlock subclasses, consider the Fiend Patron. This choice offers additional combat spells, plus the Dark One’s Blessing ability that awards temporary hit points upon defeating an opponent. As such, Fiend Patron is an excellent pick for those seeking a battle-focused caster with a simple playstyle.

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2025-01-07 18:39