[Top 5] D&D Best Archer Builds That Are Powerful

Updated: 30 Apr 2024 12:30 pm
D&D Best Archer Builds
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Whether they’re stealthily firing arrows from the shadows or loosing tremendous volleys to control an entire battlefield, archers are one of the most popular archetypes in fantasy media. D&D lets players take that one step further, giving them all the tools they need to truly become a master of ranged combat.

Why Is an Archer Build Powerful?

Archers allow players to remain at a distance from their targets, always avoiding the warrior’s deadly axe and dodging even the most well-placed fireball. Stealthy archers can remain completely undetected, granting them advantage on their attacks and cover from enemies. This gives them high damage potential and great survivability.

What Are the Advantages of Playing an Archer?

One of the biggest benefits of an archer build is its maneuverability. Stealthy archers can run from cover to cover, staying hidden from prying eyes while launching arrows from every direction to surprise their foes. This allows them to take full advantage of the battlefield while staying protected from most attacks.

Archers are also very versatile characters. Some archer builds give you access to spellcasting, while other builds dip into the Rogue class, giving you more skill proficiencies and even expertise.

Below, we outline some of the most powerful archer builds as well as the best level progression to ensure that players reach the most important levels in their build as fast as possible. For most of these builds, we recommend taking the Sharpshooter feat at some point. This means either choosing the Variant Human race or sacrificing an Ability Score Improvement for it.

 

5. Fighter / College of Swords Bard

Sing a merry tune and you skip to and fro around the battlefield.

Want some versatility with your archer build? The Swords Bard with a splash of Fighter is the way to go. This build will have you dancing around the battle, dishing out Bardic Inspiration while raining down arrows with infinite ammunition and more attacks than most builds in the game.

With so many levels in bard, you get access to one of the most powerful spell lists in the game, as well as Magical Secrets, which will let you pick up the Swift Quiver spell. This spell will give you four attacks per turn long before the fighter or any other class can match. A single level of fighter gets you proficiency with the longbow, your weapon of choice, as well as the archery fighting style and second wind.

You will also have a lot of proficiencies and expertise. This class doesn’t benefit much from Charisma other than for the multiclass, so feel free to use your expertise on skills like stealth and perception which archers use frequently.

While powerful, this archer build is also very fun to play. Its emphasis on Dexterity and expertise in stealth make it a great sneaky archer, while still allowing you to jump in the fray if the situation calls for it. The Bard’s spellcasting gives you lots of options both in and out of combat, and Swift Quiver makes you an exceptionally powerful fighter.

So to sum-up, why is Fighter / Swords Bard so good?

  • Extremely versatile spellcasting
  • Excellent stealth archer
  • Lots of high-damage attacks
  • Good support capabilities in a pinch

Build details:

For starters, take 1 level of Bard. This will get you all the proficiencies you need for your first level. Next, take a level of Fighter for martial weapon proficiency and the archery fighting style. The rest of the build will be straight Bard, taking the College of Swords subclass at level 3 and the Swift Quiver spell with your 10th level Magical Secrets.

Race does not matter too much for this, just use Tasha’s optional features to ensure you have high enough ability scores.

Your ability score spread should look like this if you use Point Buy:

STR: 8

DEX: 16

CON: 16

INT: 8

WIS: 12

CHA: 14

For this build, your go-to weapon is the longbow and you will wear light armor, preferably studded leather as soon as you can get your hands on it.

Fighter 1 / Bard (Swords) 20

Fighter Levels:

Level 2 (Fighter 1) - Class Features: Second Wind (Heal a small amount of HP as a bonus action); Fighting Style (Choose archery)

Bard (Swords) Levels:

Level 1 (Bard 1) - Class Features: Spellcasting; Bardic Inspiration (d6)

Level 3 (Bard 2) - Class Features: Jack of All Trades (Gain half-proficiency in all skills you do not already have proficiency in); Song of Rest (Heal your allies by an additional 1d6 when they take a Short Rest)

Level 4 (Bard 3) - Class Features: Bard College (Choose College of Swords); Expertise (Choose 2 skills to gain double proficiency. I recommend Stealth and Perception). College of Swords Features: Bonus Proficiencies (Gain proficiency in Medium Armor and Scimitars. You can also use weapons as a Spellcasting Focus); Fighting Style (Choose a fighting style to gain benefits in combat. This choice does not matter); Blade Flourish (Gain new ways to use your Bardic Inspiration, granting certain benefits in combat)

Level 5 (Bard 4) - Ability Score Improvement (Increase Dexterity by 2)

Level 6 (Bard 5) - Class Features: Bardic Inspiration (d8); Font of Inspiration (Regain Bardic Inspiration on a short or long rest)

Level 7 (Bard 6) - Class Features: Countercharm (Use an action to give creatures within 30 feet advantage on saving throws against being charmed or frightened). College of Swords Features: Extra Attack (Attack twice instead of once when you take the attack action)

Level 8 (Bard 7) - Nothing

Level 9 (Bard 8) - Class Features: Ability Score Improvement (Increase Dexterity by 2)

Level 10 (Bard 9) - Class Features: Song of Rest (d8)

Level 11 (Bard 10) - Class Features: Bardic Inspiration (d10); Expertise (choices do not matter much); Magical Secrets (Learn 2 spells from any spell list of a level you have spell slots for. Choose Swift Quiver for one)

Level 12 (Bard 11) - Nothing

Level 13 (Bard 12) - Ability Score Improvement (Increase Constitution by 2 or choose a feat)

Level 14 (Bard 13) - Class Features: Song of Rest (d10)

Level 15 (Bard 14) - Class Features: Magical Secrets. College of Swords Features: Master’s Flourish (roll 1d6 instead of spending a Bardic Inspiration die when you use Blade Flourish)

Level 16 (Bard 15) - Class Features: Bardic Inspiration (d12)

Level 17 (Bard 16) - Ability Score Improvement (Increase Constitution by 2 or choose a feat)

Level 18 (Bard 17) - Class Features: Song of Rest (d12)

Level 19 (Bard 18) - Class Features: Magical Secrets

Level 20 (Bard 19) - Ability Score Improvement (Increase Constitution by 2 or choose a feat)

 

4. Kensei Monk / Fighter / Any Cleric

Move around combat like a blur, going so fast that no one will be able to even see you.

With a Kensei Monk build, along with a splash of Fighter and Cleric, you will be a mobile powerhouse in battle. No one will be able to catch you as you zoom around your enemies, launching arrows that are almost impossible to avoid.

By making this build, you get 3 longbow attacks per turn, as well as Action Surge and insane mobility. By choosing a longbow as one of your Kensei weapons, you can make 2 ranged attacks per turn using Ki-Fueled Strikes, an optional feature from Tasha’s. Another optional class feature, Focused-Aim, can grant up to +6 to hit as well as the +3 granted by Sharpen the Blade. This, paired with longbow proficiency and the archery fighting style from Fighter as well as Bless from your Cleric dip gives you an average bonus to hit of 22, with a +6 proficiency bonus and 20 dexterity.

Pair this with the Monk’s hit-and-run playstyle, and you have one of the most mobile and accurate archer builds available. This can be an incredibly rewarding playstyle, as it will have you running back and forth between enemies, firing arrows that are almost sure to hit their marks while being incredibly difficult to hit back thanks to Deflect Missiles.

Why is Kensei Monk / Fighter / Cleric so good?

  • One of the highest attack modifiers possible
  • 3 attacks per turn with a high damage-die weapon
  • Really powerful mobility and decent defense

Build details:

To begin with, you’re going to want to take 3 levels of Monk and choose the Way of the Kensei subclass. This will give you your bow and two attacks, as well as many of your most important abilities for the early game. Next, take 1 level of Fighter for the archery fighting style and 1 level of Cleric (any subclass) to get the Bless spell. Take another level of fighter, and then pump the rest of your levels into Monk.

Be sure to take the optional class features Ki-Fuelled Attack and Focused Aim. They are essential to the build.

You need at least 13 Wisdom to multiclass into Cleric, but this build does not use it much other than that. For this reason, your ability score spread should look like this if you use Point Buy (be sure to use Tasha’s optional features to customize racial ability score increases):

STR: 8

DEX: 16

CON: 16

INT: 10

WIS: 14

CHA: 10

Monk (Kensei) 17 / Fighter 2 / Cleric 1

Monk (Kensei) Levels:

Level 1 (Monk 1) - Class Features: Unarmored Defense (AC = 10 + Dex mod + Wis mod when not wearing armor); Martial Arts (Gain certain benefits while fighting unarmed or using Monk weapons)

Level 2 (Monk 2) - Class Features: Ki (Gain Ki points which you can spend for a variety of benefits); Unarmored Movement (Speed increases by 10ft)

Level 3 (Monk 3) - Class Features: Monastic Tradition (Choose Way of the Kensei); Deflect Missiles (Reduce the damage of oncoming ranged attacks); Ki-Fuelled Attack (Spend Ki to make an extra attack as a bonus action). Way of the Kensei Features: Path of the Kensei (Gain additional Monk weapons and new ways to use them)

Level 7 (Monk 4) - Ability Score Improvement (Increase Dexterity by 2); Class Features: Slow Fall (Decrease fall damage by your Monk level times 5)

Level 8 (Monk 5) - Class Features: Extra Attack (Attack twice on your turn); Stunning Strike (Spend a Ki point to stun a creature when you hit them with an attack); Focused Aim (Spend up to 3 Ki points to increase your attack roll by 2 per Ki point when you miss an attack)

Level 9 (Monk 6) - Class Features: Ki-Empowered Strikes (Unarmed strikes are magical to overcome resistance and immunity). Way of the Kensei Features: One with the Blade (Kensei weapons become magical for the purpose of overcoming resistance and immunity, and you can deal extra damage with them using Ki points); Kensei Weapon (Gain an additional Kensei weapon)

Level 10 (Monk 7) - Class Features: Evasion (When an effect subjects you to a dexterity saving throw, you take no damage on a success or half damage on a failure); Stillness of Mind (Use your action to end the charmed or frightened conditions on yourself)

Level 11 (Monk 8) - Ability Score Improvement (Increase Dexterity by 2)

Level 12 (Monk 9) - Class Features: Unarmored Movement Improvement (Walk along vertical surfaces or water without falling)

Level 13 (Monk 10) - Class Features: Unarmored Movement (20ft); Purity of Body (Become immune to disease and poison)

Level 14 (Monk 11) - Way of the Kensei Features: Sharpen the Blade (spend up to 3 Ki points to gain a bonus to your attack rolls equal to the number of Ki points spent); Kensei Weapon

Level 15 (Monk 12) - Ability Score Improvement (Increase Constitution or Wisdom by 2)

Level 16 (Monk 13) - Class Features: Tongue of the Sun and Moon (Understand and speak all languages)

Level 17 (Monk 14) - Class Features: Unarmored Movement (25ft); Diamond Soul (Gain proficiency in all saving throws and spend Ki to reroll them)

Level 18 (Monk 15) - Class Features: Timeless Body (Stop aging)

Level 19 (Monk 16) - Ability Score Improvement (Increase Constitution or Wisdom by 2)

Level 20 (Monk 17) - Way of the Kensei Features: Unerring Accuracy (Once per turn, reroll a missed attack); Kensei Weapon

Fighter Levels:

Level 4 (Fighter 1) - Class Features: Second Wind (Heal a small amount of HP as a bonus action); Fighting Style (Choose archery)

Level 6 (Fighter 2) - Class Features: Action Surge (Once per long rest, gain an additional action on your turn)

Cleric Levels:

Level 5 (Cleric 1) - Class Features: Spellcasting; Divine Domain (Choose any)

 

3. Assassin Rogue / Gloom Stalker Ranger

Strike from the shadows, acting as a stealthy hunter with deadly accuracy.

With this build, you will be the ultimate umbral hunter. Assassinate your foes with dreadful accuracy, and rain down arrows before they even have the chance to react.

This is one of the most powerful archer builds.Taking 5 levels in Ranger grants you Extra Attack, giving you twice as many opportunities to trigger Sneak Attack. The Gloom Stalker’s emphasis on the first turn of combat and granting benefits related to it pairs perfectly with the Assassin, allowing you to dish out absolutely insane single-target damage in a single turn, before your enemies can do anything in return.

Taking levels of Ranger also grants you access to some rudimentary magic, giving you more options in combat and some extra damage.

This build is perfect for anyone who wants to strike down their enemies from afar, often without ever being seen. It lends itself well to ranged weaponry, allowing you to stay safe and out of danger.

Why is Assassin Rogue / Gloomstalker Ranger so good?

  • Some of the best single-target damage potential in the game
  • Added versatility from the Ranger’s spells
  • Low chance of dying, since you will likely be hidden in most combat encounters

Build details:

This build can go in two directions. The one I recommend and what I outline below is to take 5 levels of Ranger, 3 levels of Rogue, and then finish off with 12 more levels of Ranger. This will get you the Ranger’s excellent weapon and armor proficiencies, and speedrun you to getting Extra Attack before dipping into Rogue for Cunning Action, Sneak Attack, and Assassinate.

The other option is to take 5 levels of Ranger and then 15 levels of Rogue. This option will get you more Sneak Attack damage and some extra Expertise options. However, it sacrifices much of the Ranger’s spellcasting ability and durability. Additionally, many of the Assassin’s subclass features are pretty bad, with Assassinate being the only one really worth your while. No matter which option you choose, be sure to use Tasha’s optional class features to replace all of the abysmal class features the Ranger gets in their first 10 or so levels.

With this build, Wisdom and Dexterity are your most important ability scores. Be sure to use Tasha’s optional features to replace your racial ability score increases. If you use Point Buy, your ability score spread should look like this:

STR: 8

CON: 16

DEX: 16

INT: 8

WIS: 16

CHA: 8

Rogue (Assassin) 3 / Ranger (Gloom Stalker) 17

Rogue (Assassin) Levels:

Level 6 (Rogue 1) - Class Features: Expertise (Choose 2 skills to gain double proficiency. I recommend Stealth and Persuasion); Sneak Attack (1d6); Thieves’ Cant

Level 7 (Rogue 2) - Class Feature: Cunning Action (Dash, Disengage, or Hide as Bonus Action)

Level 8 (Rogue 3) - Class Features: Roguish Archetype (Choose Assassin); Sneak Attack (3d6). Assassin Features: Bonus Proficiencies (Gain proficiency with the Disguise Kit and Poisoner’s Kit); Assassinate (Gain advantage on creatures that have not taken their first turn in combat and automatic critical hits against surprised creatures)

Ranger (Gloom Stalker) Levels:

Level 1 (Ranger 1) - Class Features: Deft Explorer (Canny: Gain Expertise in one of your proficiencies and learn 2 more languages); Favored Foe (Mark a foe when you hit it with a weapon attack to deal an extra 1d4 damage against it for 1 minute)

Level 2 (Ranger 2) - Class Features: Spellcasting; Fighting Style (Choose Archery)

Level 3 (Ranger 3) - Class Features: Ranger Archetype (Choose Gloom Stalker); Primal Awareness (Gain extra spells at certain levels that you can cast once per long rest without using a spell slot). Gloom Stalker Features: Gloom Stalker Magic (Gain extra spells at certain levels); Dread Ambusher (Gain an extra 10 feet of movement and an extra attack that deals 1d8 extra damage on the first turn of combat); Umbral Sight (Gain Darkvision and become invisible when in darkness to any creature relying on Darkvision to see you)

Level 4 (Ranger 4) - Class Feature: Ability Score Improvement (Increase Dexterity by 2)

Level 5 (Ranger 5) - Class Feature: Extra Attack (Make 2 attacks on your turn)

Level 9 (Ranger 6) - Class Features: Deft Explorer (Rover: Your walking speed increases by 5 feet and you gain a swimming and climbing speed equal to your walking speed); Favored Foe (1d6)

Level 10 (Ranger 7) - Gloom Stalker Feature: Iron Mind (Gain proficiency in Wisdom Saving Throws)

Level 11 (Ranger 8) - Class Features: Ability Score Improvement (Increase Dexterity by 2); Land’s Stride (Move through difficult terrain without a movement penalty and gain advantage on saving throws against magical plants created to impede movement)

Level 12 (Ranger 9) - Nothing

Level 13 (Ranger 10) - Class Features: Deft Explorer (Tireless: Give yourself a number of temporary hit points equal to 1d8 + your Wisdom modifier and lose 1 exhaustion level after a short rest); Nature’s Veil (Magically become Invisible for 1 minute)

Level 14 (Ranger 11) - Gloom Stalker Feature: Stalker’s Flurry (When you miss with a weapon attack, you can make another as part of the same action)

Level 15 (Ranger 12) - Class Feature: Ability Score Improvement (Increase Wisdom or Constitution by 2)

Level 16 (Ranger 13) - Nothing

Level 17 (Ranger 14) - Class Features: Favored Foe (1d8); Vanish (Use the Hide action as a Bonus Action)

Level 18 (Ranger 15) - Gloom Stalker Feature: Shadowy Dodge (Use your reaction to impose disadvantage on an attack against you)

Level 19 (Ranger 16) - Class Feature: Ability Score Improvement (Increase Wisdom or Constitution (whichever you did not increase last time) by 2)

Level 20 (Ranger 17) - Nothing

 

2. Battlemaster Fighter

Wade into battle unopposed, firing arrows at your foes while they can do little to damage your large health pool.

With this character, you will be the quintessential archer. Fire arrows with deadly accuracy, creating an onslaught that no foe can withstand.

While generally being a pretty basic build, the Battlemaster Fighter is widely regarded as one of the best archer classes in D&D. The archery fighting style mixed with the Sharpshooter feat and Precision Attack make it almost as accurate as the Kensei Monk build we discussed. What sets this character apart, however, is its durability. While that  build had low AC and even lower HP, the fighter gets a d10 hit die. This makes them especially tanky, which can be a force to be reckoned with when paired with their insane number of attacks per turn.

This build is ideal for players who want to have a presence on the battlefield, rather than skulking about in shadows and striking while unseen. It allows you to take hits but still dish them out just as well as other builds, setting it apart from the sneakier, more maneuverable characters we’ve been discussing

Why is Battlemaster Fighter so good?

  • Fighter gets the highest base number of attacks in the game
  • Battlemaster Fighter and Sharpshooter make this build incredibly accurate
  • Tankier than other archers, thanks to the Fighter’s high HP

Build details:

This build is incredibly straightforward. Take the Variant Human race and Sharpshooter feat at level 1, and pump all of your levels into Fighter. Choose the Battlemaster subclass at level 3 and you’re golden.

For this build, the only scores that matter are Dexterity and Constitution. If you use Point Buy, your ability score spread should look like this:

STR: 8

CON: 16

DEX: 16

INT: 10

WIS: 13

CHA: 10

Battlemaster Fighter 20

Fighter (Battlemaster) Levels:

Level 1 (Fighter 1) - Class Features: Second Wind (Heal a small amount of HP as a bonus action); Fighting Style (Choose archery)

Level 2 (Fighter 2) - Class Features: Action Surge (Once per long rest, gain an additional action on your turn)

Level 3 (Fighter 3) - Class Features: Martial Archetype (Choose Battlemaster). Battlemaster Features: Combat Superiority (Learn Maneuvers you can use in combat using Superiority Dice); Student of War (Gain proficiency with one set of Artisan’s tools)

Level 4 (Fighter 4) - Ability Score Improvement (Increase Dexterity by 2)

Level 5 (Fighter 5) - Class Features: Extra Attack (Attack twice on your turn)

Level 6 (Fighter 6) - Ability Score Improvement (Increase Dexterity by 2)

Level 7 (Fighter 7) - Battlemaster Features: Know Your Enemy (Spend 1 minute observing a creature and learn certain information about its abilities)

Level 8 (Fighter 8) - Ability Score Improvement (Increase Constitution by 2)

Level 9 (Fighter 9) - Class Features: Indomitable (Reroll one saving throw per long rest)

Level 10 (Fighter 10) - Battlemaster Features: Superiority Dice (d10)

Level 11 (Fighter 11) - Extra Attack (Make 3 attacks on your turn)

Level 12 (Fighter 12) - Ability Score Improvement (Increase Constitution by 2 or choose a feat)

Level 13 (Fighter 13) - Class Features: Indomitable (two uses)

Level 14 (Fighter 14) - Ability Score Improvement (Increase Constitution by 2 or choose a feat)

Level 15 (Fighter 15) - Battlemaster Features: Relentless (Regain 1 Superiority Die when you roll Initiative and have none remaining)

Level 16 (Fighter 16) - Ability Score Improvement (Increase Constitution by 2 or choose a feat)

Level 17 (Fighter 17) - Action Surge (two uses); Indomitable (three uses)

Level 18 (Fighter 18) - Battlemaster Features: Superiority Dice (d12)

Level 19 (Fighter 19) - Ability Score Improvement (Increase Constitution by 2 or choose a feat)

Level 20 (Fighter 20) - Extra Attack (Make four attacks on your turn)

 

1. Battlemaster Fighter / Gloom Stalker Ranger

Ambush your prey before they can even react, striking them down with incredible accuracy.

Stalking from the shadows, eliminating foes with a single well-placed missile hides the Gloom Stalker Ranger / Battlemaster Fighter build. With this character, you will become the master of ambushes, capable of dealing insane amounts of damage in just a few, highly accurate shots.

Combining the Gloom Stalker’s raw damage output with the Battlemaster’s sheer accuracy gives you, undoubtedly, the strongest archer build in Dungeons & Dragons. With Precision Strike and the archery fighting style, it will be nearly impossible to miss your shots. Combine that with the Gloom Stalker’s extra damage output in the first round of combat gives you a character that can eliminate enemies before the round even starts.

Since the Ranger and Fighter both have d10 hit die, this build is just as capable of tanking attacks in the middle of a battle as any other Fighter. However, the Ranger’s skill proficiencies and expertise also make it incredibly adept at a more stealthy approach. This, combined with the Ranger’s spellcasting, makes this build very versatile and enjoyable to play. 

Why is Gloom Stalker Ranger / Battlemaster Fighter so good?

  • High damage output with multiple attacks and Action Surge
  • Some versatility from the Ranger’s spellcasting
  • High HP
  • Amazing stealth capabilities

Build details:

To begin, take 3 levels of Ranger and the Gloom Stalker subclass. Then, take your 3 Fighter levels and the Battlemaster subclass. Finish off with 14 more levels of Ranger.

This build requires Dexterity, Wisdom, and Constitution to be effective. If you use Point Buy, your ability scores should look like this:

STR: 8

DEX: 16

CON: 16

INT: 10

WIS: 14

CHA: 10

Ranger (Gloom Stalker) 17 / Fighter (Battlemaster) 3

Ranger (Gloom Stalker) Levels:

Level 1 (Ranger 1) - Class Features: Deft Explorer (Canny: Gain Expertise in one of your proficiencies and learn 2 more languages); Favored Foe (Mark a foe when you hit it with a weapon attack to deal an extra 1d4 damage against it for 1 minute)

Level 2 (Ranger 2) - Class Features: Spellcasting; Fighting Style (Choose Archery)

Level 3 (Ranger 3) - Class Features: Ranger Archetype (Choose Gloom Stalker); Primal Awareness (Gain extra spells at certain levels that you can cast once per long rest without using a spell slot). Gloom Stalker Features: Gloom Stalker Magic (Gain extra spells at certain levels); Dread Ambusher (Gain an extra 10 feet of movement and an extra attack that deals 1d8 extra damage on the first turn of combat); Umbral Sight (Gain Darkvision and become invisible when in darkness to any creature relying on Darkvision to see you)

Level 7 (Ranger 4) - Class Feature: Ability Score Improvement (Increase Dexterity by 2)

Level 8 (Ranger 5) - Class Feature: Extra Attack (Make 2 attacks on your turn)

Level 9 (Ranger 6) - Class Features: Deft Explorer (Rover: Your walking speed increases by 5 feet and you gain a swimming and climbing speed equal to your walking speed); Favored Foe (1d6)

Level 10 (Ranger 7) - Gloom Stalker Feature: Iron Mind (Gain proficiency in Wisdom Saving Throws)

Level 11 (Ranger 8) - Class Features: Ability Score Improvement (Increase Dexterity by 2); Land’s Stride (Move through difficult terrain without a movement penalty and gain advantage on saving throws against magical plants created to impede movement)

Level 12 (Ranger 9) - Nothing

Level 13 (Ranger 10) - Class Features: Deft Explorer (Tireless: Give yourself a number of temporary hit points equal to 1d8 + your Wisdom modifier and lose 1 exhaustion level after a short rest); Nature’s Veil (Magically become Invisible for 1 minute)

Level 14 (Ranger 11) - Gloom Stalker Feature: Stalker’s Flurry (When you miss with a weapon attack, you can make another as part of the same action)

Level 15 (Ranger 12) - Class Feature: Ability Score Improvement (Increase Wisdom or Constitution by 2)

Level 16 (Ranger 13) - Nothing

Level 17 (Ranger 14) - Class Features: Favored Foe (1d8); Vanish (Use the Hide action as a Bonus Action)

Level 18 (Ranger 15) - Gloom Stalker Feature: Shadowy Dodge (Use your reaction to impose disadvantage on an attack against you)

Level 19 (Ranger 16) - Class Feature: Ability Score Improvement (Increase Wisdom or Constitution (whichever you did not increase last time) by 2)

Level 20 (Ranger 17) - Nothing

Fighter (Battlemaster) Levels:

Level 1 (Fighter 1) - Class Features: Second Wind (Heal a small amount of HP as a bonus action); Fighting Style (Choose archery)

Level 2 (Fighter 2) - Class Features: Action Surge (Once per long rest, gain an additional action on your turn)

Level 3 (Fighter 3) - Class Features: Martial Archetype (Choose Battlemaster). Battlemaster Features: Combat Superiority (Learn Maneuvers you can use in combat using Superiority Dice); Student of War (Gain proficiency with one set of Artisan’s tools)

 

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Aidan W.
As one of the secluded elves of northern Idaho, Aidan has a natural affinity for nature and animals, receives a permanent buff from lemonade, and has a debilitating weakness to folk and indie music.
Gamer Since: 2011
Favorite Genre: RPG
Currently Playing: Dungeons & Dragons 5e
Top 3 Favorite Games:Baldur's Gate, Rainbow Six Siege, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt


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So many classes, so little time! Multiclassing allows you to combine two classes into one character, taking the best abilities of each. This provides the opportunity to synergize features and stack abilities to make an epic character the world has never seen before! It also allows you to spice up...
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Wizards of the Coast: Urza, Planeswalker by Ryan Pancoast
D&D: How To Become a Good Dungeon Master (15 Great Tips)
The worlds of Dungeons and Dragons are full of heroes, villains, adventure, love, heartbreak. While these stories are created by the players, every story needs a storyteller. The Dungeon/Game Master (DM or GM) is the voice of the world, setting the players up for feats of heroism and knife-twisting...
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[Top 15] D&D Most Powerful Spells
Is your spellcasting getting a little bland? Being a spellcaster in D&D can be an amazing experience - spells give you the power to perform feats that would otherwise be impossible. You can shoot fire from your palms, trick your enemies into seeing things that aren't there, or heal your...
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D&D Best Paladin Subclasses
D&D Best Paladin Subclasses (Ranked Weakest To Strongest)
With nine different Oaths to choose from, building a powerful paladin can feel overwhelming at times. Luckily, I’ve ranked them all for you based on their subclass features, Channel Divinities, and Oath spells. Let’s dive in: 9. Oath of the Crown (Good) Oath of the Crown Paladin by u/...
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D&D Best Ranger Builds
[Top 5] D&D Ranger Multiclass Builds That Are Powerful
Tracking wild beasts through the feral wilderness, the Ranger hides and waits in the shadows as the apex predator of Dungeons & Dragons classes. However, the Ranger’s potential as a ranged powerhouse or up-close whirlwind is often underestimated. When built with the right multiclass...
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D&D Best Warlock Feats
[Top 10] D&D Best Warlock Feats to Summon Ancient Ones With
It’s time to level up your D&D character! But you feel pretty confident in your current stats, so why not try a feat instead? Feats showcase your expertise and additional skills, honed over the course of your adventures and rigorous training. Warlocks are individuals who have formed a pact...
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D&D Best Sorcerer Builds
[Top 5] D&D Best Sorcerer Multiclass Builds That Are Powerful
Channeling magic through their innate power, the Sorcerer stands above all other classes as one of the most powerful mages in Dungeons & Dragons. While they may not wield the versatility of a learned Wizard or the same level of customization as a shadowy Warlock, the Sorcerer is able to warp...
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Explodie magic bois
D&D: Best Sorcerer Spells For Every Level (5e)
Selecting the optimal spells for your Sorcerer can prove challenging, but fear not – you have an expert Dungeon Master to steer you towards the most potent and impactful spells that synergize seamlessly with your metamagic abilities. Best Sorcerer Cantrips Mage Hand Mage...
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[Top 20] D&D Best Sorcerer Items, Armor and Weapons
This guide is like your sorcerer's personal treasure map in the world of Dungeons and Dragons. We've handpicked some seriously cool items to help you out–think conserving spell slots, leveling up your spell attack and DC, and keeping your sorcerer alive and kicking.  Grab a few of these...
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[Top 5] D&D Best Monk Builds That Are Excellent
Builds are a way to customize your characters that fits your personality and game style. Although each character class in DND already has a set amount of features built into them, you still have room for customization through subclasses, multiclassing, and feat selections. Here are five really...
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[Top 10] Best Dungeons and Dragons Podcasts
1. Critical Role https://critrole.com/podcast/ Critical Role commenced its inaugural campaign in 2015, paving the way for an enthralling journey that spanned not just one but three compelling campaigns by 2021. Under the expert guidance of Dungeon Master extraordinaire Matthew Mercer, the...
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Wizards of the Coast: Keeper of the Cadence by Alex Branwyn
[Top 15] D&D Best Subclasses (Ranked Strong To Strongest)
With fourteen total classes (twelve of them found in the general Player’s Handbook), it seems that Dungeons and Dragons has a limited amount of possibilities for character creation. Once you’ve played a bard or a rogue for the first time, isn’t that it? With the same pattern of mechanics and...
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Best D&D barbarian builds
[Top 5] D&D Best Barbarian Builds That Are OP
Which are the 5 most OP D&D barbarian builds? Are you thinking of a new character for your D&D game? If an impulsive bloodthirsty rage is your thing then barbarian is definitely the right choice, also with the perk of being slightly less complicated while still being one of...
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[Top 3] D&D Best Monk Subclasses To Play
Origins There are two types of real-life monks: the Catholic Monk and the Shaolin Monk. We’re going to talk about the latter one. The Monk class started out as an upgrade for the Cleric class back in the original Dungeons and Dragons in the 70’s. Starting around the Third Edition of the game...
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best Weapons in DnD (Legendary Weapons)
The 10 Greatest Weapons in DnD (Legendary Weapons)
What Legendary D&D weapons stand above the rest?  Magical items steeped in lore drive adventurers as they make their place in history. Legendary weapons call to those who would carry them for good or evil. There are scores of magical weapons in the realms, but only fate’s chosen few are...
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What Are The Best D&D Editions to Play
What Are The Best D&D Editions to Play?
Building a successful campaign for an epic set of heroes is what Dungeons and Dragons is all about, but making sense of the best editions of a game over 50 years old is a challenge in and of itself.  Let a veteran Dungeon Master rate the editions of D&D so you can use your time smashing...
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D&D Best Tank Builds
[Top 5] D&D Best Tank Builds That Can Withstand Massive Damage
Do You Know How To Build A Tank? There are 4 major roles in every RPG: The Tank, The Carry, The Crowd Control, and The Support. Right now, we’ll talk about The Tank. The Tank, as its name suggests, plays the role of being a ‘Tank’ in the team. In the military, a tank is a heavily armored...
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The 10 Best D&D Accessories For Dungeon Masters
1. DM Screen Price: $15-600 https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/wyrmwood/the-dm-screen-by-wyrmwood https://a.co/d/idjyk0C A Dungeon Master Screen is a vital tool, providing concealment for your rolls, quick-reference tables, and a discreet space for deadly monster minis. Whether it...
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Best D&D Multiclasses that are Fun to Play
Top 15 Best D&D Multiclasses that are Fun to Play
Classes are a key part of Dungeons and Dragons. But sometimes just one class isn’t enough for you. And this is where multiclassing comes in and opens doors you never thought you could go through when it comes to adding new features to your primary class. It might be a bit confusing to figure out...
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[Top 10] D&D Best Barbarian Feats Revealed
You have decided to play a savage, and you have decided its subclass. Now, you’ve reached Level 4. You are about to increase your Ability Score. Then your DM tells you that you don’t have to if you choose a feat. You ask him what that is. He says it is a way to further customize your character...
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D&D Quest Campaign Ideas
D&D: 15 Epic Quest Ideas For A Fun Campaign
15. The Beastmaster's Challenge Wizards of Coast: Garruk Relentless by Grzegorz Rutkowski Are you brave enough to answer the Beastmaster’s challenge? The Beastmaster’s Challenge is a 3rd-level quest that sees your players meeting with a renowned Beastmaster who resides outside a town/...
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D&D Uncommon Magic Items
[Top 30] D&D Best Uncommon Magic Items Every Campaign Should Have
1. Bag of Holding The ultimate portable storage solution, the Bag of Holding is a magical item that defies the laws of space. With a weight limit of 500 pounds and the ability to hold objects much larger than its outward appearance suggests, it's an essential tool for any adventurer. Turning it...
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[Top 10] D&D Best Monk Feats Revealed
You have chosen Monk as your class. You want to be a badass martial artist in the likes of Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, or Tony Jaa. Then you hit Level 4. You decide to skip increasing your ability scores because you think it’s just flat and boring. You want to be more unique. You want to have more...
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Wizards of the Coast: Flying Crane Technique by Jack Wang
[Top 10] D&D Best Monks Feats That Are Excellent
10. Tough(Player's Handbook) Wizards of the Coast: Shu Yun, The Silent Tempest by David Gaillet  A level a day keeps the cleric away. When a player takes the feat Tough, it immediately increases the hit point maximum of their character by an equal amount to twice their level....
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D&D Best Warlock Items, Armor, and Weapons
[Top 20] D&D Best Warlock Items, Armor, and Weapons
The warlock, my personal favorite class in the world of Dungeons and Dragons. This class allows you to gain the powers of magic through making a pact with a higher entity. This can be an Arch Fey, an eldritch being, a demon overlord, or a number of other powerful creatures. Warlocks tend to get a...
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D&D: The best way to leave your house without leaving your house.
[Top 5] D&D Best Beginner Classes That Are Fun To Play
New to the world of ttrpgs? The most fun classes to play for D&D beginners are just below! New to Dungeons and Dragons? Intimidated by the thickness of the Player’s Handbook? Unsure where to even begin? Never fear! GamersDecide has got your back. Read on to see what the best and most fun...
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D&D Best Monk Archetypes - What Should You Choose?
The Monk is a class of warriors that specializes in unarmed combat. But not only that, they have mastered a form of energy called Ki.  Monks are a staple among RPG games and have appeared in Diablo, Warcraft, and others that are too many to mention. To have some semblance of uniqueness,...
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D&D Most Common Languages
[Top 10] D&D Most Common Languages (Ranked)
It’s that time again. You’re building a new campaign, you’ve picked out your character, you’ve formulated an impeccable background, and now, you’ve come to the dilemma of what languages you speak. While you need to consider what languages it is likely that your character speaks, it is just as...
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D&D Best Simple Weapons
[Top 10] D&D Best Simple Weapons For Killing Foes
I'm not sure why D&D put simple weapons in the game when nobody wants to use it, but it is what it is. Simple weapons. It’s so simple that even a Wizard can effectively use a crossbow to kill a goblin. And you know that crossbows are not that simple to use in real life. No matter....
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[Top 15] D&D Best House Rules to Ensure a Fun Campaign.
Jumping down a crumbling tower to plunge into a dragon’s back. Disrupting the flows of energy woven by the evil Lich to nullify its spells. Spending several days relaxing in town, getting your gear repaired as you practice a trade, or carouse your treasure away. 5th edition Dungeons &...
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D&D Best Classes for Dhampir
[Top 5] D&D Best Classes For Dhampir
Dhampirs are creatures of the undead—vicious beings who are bound by their neverending need to feed. Akin to vampires in their ties to the underworld, dhampirs have increased speed, darkvision, and the ability to drain life with a single bite.  There are many perks to choosing a Dhampir as...
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Best artificer builds for 5th edition DND
[Top 5] D&D Best Artificer Builds That Are Fun To Play
Magic is a mysterious force that suffuses the world. It is exhibited in many forms, including spells and magic items, and is applied in many ways, some of them being grounded in the governing laws of the world: Science. Living on the edge of magic and science, you spent countless hours within...
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[Top 10] D&D Best Rogue Armor And Weapons
The D&D Player’s Handbook states that “Rogues rely on skill, stealth, and their foes’ vulnerabilities to get the upper hand in any situation. They have a knack for finding the solution to just about any problem, demonstrating a resourcefulness and versatility that is the cornerstone of any...
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[Top 10] D&D Best Utility Magic Items That Are Excellent
Magic swords, cursed chalices, and eldritch tome of unbound knowledge are staples of fantasy: Powerful artifacts that empower the heroes (or villains) that carry them through terrible odds. Dungeons & Dragonsares no exception, since the beginning adventurers far and wide have braved the most...
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neverwinter, cloaked ascendancy, dungeons and dragons
Neverwinter: The Cloaked Ascendancy -5 Things We're Excited For
The Choices are Endless The new 11th expansion for Neverwinter was released on February 21st of this year and expectations are high to see what’s in store for adventurers. Let’s take a look at the top draws for the new expansion and see what we have in store for us. ...
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D&D Best Barbarian Items, Armor and Weapons
[Top 20] D&D Best Barbarian Items, Armor and Weapons
Barbarian, the word itself conjures to mind an immense presence on a battlefield, someone willing to be right in the fray swinging their weapon with wild abandon. Barbarians are one of the best front line fighters to have in your party, not only can they hit hard but they can take hits too. Beyond...
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D&D Best Cursed Items
[Top 10] D&D Best Cursed Items
DMs are here to make sure your playing experience is as good as possible. They give you interesting NPCs to bother, exciting battles to win, and cool magical items to make you feel powerful. Sometimes, however, the players require a bit of revenge. For that purpose, here are 10 great cursed items...
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dungeons and dragons, d&d, sorcerer, feats, dnd builds, dnd feats, dnd caster feats
[Top 10] D&D Best Sorcerer Feats That Are Excellent
10. Actor Deceive and destroy. Sorcerers can be played many different ways, but one of them is the face of the party. Handling social encounters, lying and persuading others to do your bidding is a very viable option combined with your high charisma score. Actor, is one of the feats that...
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Best druid circles
D&D Best Druid Circles - How To Choose.
A bark-covered half-orc keeps to the fringe of battle, confounding foes with the power of nature. With a toothy grin, the naked Halfling charges towards the edge of the cliff, transforming into a giant whale at the last second, raising a curtain of water as it sails through the ocean. Amidst...
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D&D Best Weapons That Are Legendary
[Top 25] D&D Best Weapons That Are Legendary
Who doesn’t love a good magical item? The answer is everyone. But the problem with most magical items is that if you have too many, it makes your game feel less special. If you’re the type that “just wants to win” D&D, that may not bother you much, but in games like the ones my friends and I...
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D&D Best Druid Weapons, D&D Best Druid Armor, D&D Best Druid Items
[Top 20] D&D Best Druid Weapons, Armor and Items
Beyond the order of civilization lurks the power of the wilds. These primal forces command the elements that make up the world, its secrets guarded by ascetic servants of nature known as druids. Manipulators of nature and beast speakers, druids are one of 5th edition Dungeons & Dragons' most...
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