Fighter 5e⁚ An Overview
The fighter class in D&D 5e is a versatile and iconic martial character, excelling in combat with various styles. Fighters are durable, dangerous, and highly customizable, making them a fantastic addition to any party. They master weapons and tactics, allowing for diverse builds.
What is a Fighter in DnD 5e?
Fighters are masters of combat in D&D 5e, skilled in various forms of warfare. They are one of the most recognizable and popular classes, dedicated to the art of war. Fighters are incredibly diverse, ranging from noble knights and deadly duelists to expert marksmen and arcane warriors blending might with magic. This class is known for its martial prowess, weapon mastery, and tactical flexibility. Fighters can be built in many ways, and they are known as a great example of opt-in complexity in D&D 5e. They can be a simple class for new players to pick up and play, but also has room for complexity when it comes to sub-classes. They are also able to fill different roles in the party, excelling as defenders and strikers, but capable of being a face or even a scout if the build calls for it.
Fighter Class Features
As a fighter, you gain several key class features. You have a d10 hit die per level, providing a good amount of health. Proficiencies include all armor, shields, and weapons, but no tools. You are proficient in Strength and Constitution saving throws. At level 1, you choose a fighting style, and also gain Second Wind for self-healing in combat. Weapon Mastery provides additional options in combat, with fighters having the most mastery slots of all martial classes. At level 2, Action Surge grants an extra action, while Tactical Mind enhances skill checks. Later levels bring Indomitable for save rerolls, Tactical Master for flexible weapon mastery, Extra Attack features, and Studied Attacks for combat consistency, along with a unique ability to utilize tactical shift. The fighter is a well-rounded class with many options for combat.
Optimizing Your Fighter
Optimizing your fighter involves carefully selecting ability scores, race, and background. Weapon mastery is key, and choosing the right feats and subclass greatly impacts performance. By optimizing these choices, you can create a powerful fighter.
Ability Scores
For a fighter, prioritizing Strength or Dexterity is crucial. Strength-based fighters excel in melee combat with heavy weapons, while Dexterity-based fighters favor finesse weapons and ranged attacks. Constitution is essential for all fighters, providing needed hit points and improving saving throws. If you’re playing an Eldritch Knight or Psi Warrior, you’ll also need a good Intelligence score to enhance your spellcasting or psionic abilities. While Strength-based fighters might have limited skill options, Dexterity builds offer more versatility with skills like Stealth and Sleight of Hand. The traditional approach of balancing Strength and Dexterity often leads to unsatisfying results. It is better to focus on either one of them. Consider 13 Strength if you are planning to use a heavy weapon, which will allow you to qualify for Great Weapon Master. Choose your primary ability based on the type of fighter you aim to be. Avoid dumping Constitution as it is a crucial ability for fighters.
Race and Background Selection
When choosing a race for your fighter, consider options that enhance your combat prowess. Races like Goliath and Orc offer additional durability and combat-oriented traits, like Giant Heritage and Adrenaline Surge. Dexterity-based fighters might benefit from races that grant extra skills, allowing them to substitute for a rogue in the party. If you’re playing an Eldritch Knight, selecting a race with innate spellcasting can be advantageous, but be mindful that your Intelligence might not be as high as your Strength or Dexterity. Backgrounds also play a role. Some backgrounds provide additional skills and tool proficiencies that can help you outside combat. Think about backgrounds that suit your desired style. Your race and background choices should complement your preferred playstyle. Consider options that provide additional skill proficiencies, especially if you are not choosing a race that provides those.
Weapon Mastery
Weapon Mastery is a crucial feature for fighters, offering enhanced combat capabilities. Fighters begin with three Weapon Mastery slots, eventually gaining six, which sets them apart from other martial classes. This allows for rapid weapon switching to benefit from different mastery options in quick succession. The ability to draw or stow a weapon with each attack enhances this flexibility. At level 9, Tactical Master further amplifies this by allowing more flexible use of weapon mastery. With this, you can switch weapons quickly. This ability makes weapons with specific masteries less essential. However, magic weapons might be an exception. Consider your mastery options carefully to maximize your effectiveness in combat. Strategic use of different weapon masteries is vital for fighters.
Fighter Subclasses
Fighter subclasses greatly influence combat roles and strategies. These options range from simple to complex, offering unique tactical options. Subclass choices significantly alter a fighter’s capabilities. It is essential to consider these options to tailor a character.
Subclass Breakdown
The fighter’s subclass is a crucial choice, dramatically shaping combat functionality and strategic options. Subclasses vary significantly in complexity and playstyle, offering diverse avenues for character development. The Champion subclass, for instance, offers simplicity and resilience, becoming nearly unstoppable at higher levels. Conversely, the Battle Master introduces substantial tactical complexity, expanding available combat maneuvers. Eldritch Knights combine martial prowess with arcane magic, while the Psi Warrior integrates psionic abilities. Each subclass provides a unique way to experience the fighter class, allowing players to tailor their character to their preferred playstyle. The choice impacts not just combat, but also a fighter’s role within the party. Careful consideration of a subclass’s mechanics and flavour is essential for an optimized fighter.
Additional Fighter Features
Fighters gain powerful abilities beyond their basic combat skills. They get Action Surge, which allows for extra actions. Tactical Mind grants boosts to skill checks. These features greatly enhance their capabilities in and out of combat.
Action Surge and Tactical Mind
Action Surge is a key feature for the fighter, granting an additional action; This can be used for a second Attack action, greatly enhancing combat potential. While two-weapon fighting doesn’t benefit as much, most builds can utilize Action Surge effectively. You get up to three uses per short rest, making it a reliable combat boost. Notably, it can’t be used for magical actions. The Tactical Mind feature helps fighters outside of combat, where they traditionally lack skills. It provides a significant boost to ability checks, compensating for poor modifiers. This is incredibly useful, enabling fighters to contribute beyond battle. These abilities enhance the fighter’s versatility, making them more than just combatants. Action Surge provides tactical flexibility, while Tactical Mind helps overcome skill challenges, showcasing how these features round out the fighter class, making it adaptable to various situations.
Feats
Feats offer a way to customize your fighter further, providing diverse options beyond standard abilities. Fighters, receiving extra ability score improvements, can easily obtain multiple feats. Many feats can enhance combat prowess, such as Great Weapon Master for heavy weapon builds or Sharpshooter for ranged fighters. Some feats improve durability, like Tough, providing extra hit points. Others offer utility, like the Skilled feat for more proficiency. Origin Feats, granted by background, offer unique abilities, further diversifying character builds. When selecting feats, consider your build’s needs, and whether it will improve a specific ability. It is essential to look for synergies between feats and your fighting style. This allows you to fine-tune your fighter, making them more effective and versatile. These enhancements can transform your character from a simple warrior into a specialized and formidable force, making feat selection a crucial part of fighter optimization.
