Top 5 Bard Builds For D&D 5e

Bards are charismatic artists and storytellers in the D&D world, using their magic and talents to influence events. Their adaptability enables them to heal, cast spells, inspire allies, and hinder foes with equal finesse. This article will delve into five unique bard builds that embrace different aspects of the bardic arts.

The Supportive Maestro

Imagine this: a character who wields a magical melody, lifting the spirits of allies, mending wounds, and orchestrating the battlefield like a conductor leading an enchanted ensemble. The Supportive Maestro focuses on inspiring and aiding allies, utilizing bardic inspiration, healing spells, and crowd control abilities.

This build thrives in strategic roles, providing timely inspiration dice and well-timed healing spells. It excels in positions that require reactive decision-making.

What The Supportive Maestro Excels In:

• Consistently buffing allies
• Healing and sustaining the party in battles
• Managing the battlefield with crowd control

Full Build Details:

• Race: Half-Elf
• +2 Charisma, +1 to two other ability scores
• Skill Versatility: Gain proficiency in two skills of your choice
• Background: Sage
• Proficiency in Arcana and History
• Researcher: You know how to find information and have a knack for recalling relevant facts

Ability Scores (Point Buy)

• Charisma: 16
• Dexterity: 14
• Constitution: 12
• Intelligence: 10
• Wisdom: 10
• Strength: 8

 

Level 1: Bard 1

• Hit Points: 8 + Con mod
• Proficiencies: Light armor, simple weapons, hand crossbows, longswords, rapiers, shortswords, three musical instruments of your choice, and skills from the Bard list.

Features:

• Bardic Inspiration
• Spellcasting: Mage Hand, Vicious Mockery, Healing Word, Sleep

Level 2: Bard 2

Features:

• Jack of All Trades
• Song of Rest
• Learn two more spells from the Bard spell list.

Level 3: Bard 3

Features:

• Bard College Feature - Cutting Words
• Learn two more spells from the Bard spell list.

Level 4: Bard 4

• ASI: +2 Charisma (Charisma 18)
• Learn two more spells from the Bard spell list.

Level 5: Bard 5

Features:

• Font of Inspiration
• Learn two more spells from the Bard spell list.

Level 6: Bard 6

Features:

• Countercharm
• Learn two more spells from the Bard spell list.

Level 7: Bard 7

• Features:
• Bard College Feature - Additional Magical Secrets: Counterspell, Revivify
• Learn two more spells from the Bard spell list.

Level 8: Bard 8

• ASI: +2 Charisma (Charisma 20)
• Learn two more spells from the Bard spell list.

Level 9: Bard 9

Features:

• Song of Rest Improvement
• Learn two more spells from the Bard spell list.

Level 10: Bard 10

Features:

• Bard College Feature - Peerless Skill
• Learn two more spells from the Bard spell list.

Level 11: Bard 11

• ASI: Resilient (Constitution) - +1 Constitution, proficiency in Constitution saving throws
• Learn two more spells from the Bard spell list.

Level 12: Bard 12

• ASI: +2 Dexterity (Dexterity 16)
• Learn two more spells from the Bard spell list.

Level 13: Bard 13

Features:

• Song of Rest Improvement
• Learn two more spells from the Bard spell list.

Level 14: Bard 14

Features:

• Magical Secrets: Find Greater Steed, Bigby's Hand

Level 15: Bard 15

Features:

• Bard College Feature - Peerless Skill Improvement
• Learn two more spells from the Bard spell list.

Level 16: Bard 16

• ASI: War Caster - Advantage on concentration saves, opportunity attacks with spells
• Learn two more spells from the Bard spell list.

Level 17: Bard 17

Features:

• Song of Rest Improvement
• Learn two more spells from the Bard spell list.

Level 18: Bard 18

Features:

• Magical Secrets: Meteor Swarm, True Resurrection

Level 19: Bard 19

• ASI: +2 Constitution (Constitution 14)
• Learn two more spells from the Bard spell list.

Level 20: Bard 20

Features:

• Superior Inspiration

The Charismatic Enchanter

Enter the scene with the Charismatic Enchanter, a master of weaving spells that bend minds and reshape reality itself. Imagine this: a character who wields the power of enchantment and illusion, turning every encounter into a canvas for their magical artistry.

This build's strength lies in bending reality with illusions and charming adversaries. It shines in roles requiring manipulation and creative solutions.

What The Charismatic Enchanter Excels In:

• Enchanting and charming NPCs and enemies
• Deceiving and confusing foes with illusions
• Creative role-playing and problem-solving

Full Build Details:

• Race: Tiefling
• Infernal Legacy: Thaumaturgy cantrip, Hellish Rebuke (1st level), Darkness (2nd level)
• Background: Charlatan
• Proficiency in Deception and Sleight of Hand
• False Identity feature

Ability Scores (Point Buy)

• Charisma: 18
• Dexterity: 14
• Constitution: 14
• Intelligence: 10
• Wisdom: 10
• Strength: 8

 

Level 1: Bard 1

• Cantrips: Vicious Mockery, Mage Hand
• Spells: Charm Person, Dissonant Whispers

Level 2: Bard 2

Features:

• Jack of All Trades
• Song of Rest
• Spells: Tasha's Hideous Laughter, Healing Word

Level 3: Bard 3

Features:

• Bard College Feature - Hypnotic Gaze
• Spells: Suggestion, Hold Person

Level 4: Bard 4

• ASI: +2 Charisma (Charisma 18)
• Spells: Invisibility, Counterspell

Level 5: Bard 5

Features:

• Font of Inspiration
• Spells: Fear, Hypnotic Pattern

Level 6: Bard 6

Features:

• Countercharm
• Spells: Mass Suggestion, Otto's Irresistible Dance

Level 7: Bard 7

Features:

• Bard College Feature - Beguiling Twist
• Spells: Dominate Person, Project Image

Level 8: Bard 8

• ASI: +2 Charisma (Charisma 20)
• Spells: Feeblemind, Modify Memory

Level 9: Bard 9

Features:

• Song of Rest Improvement
• Spells: Power Word Stun, Dominate Monster

Level 10: Bard 10

Features:

• Bard College Feature - Alter Memories
• Spells: Feeblemind, Modify Memory

Level 11: Bard 11

• ASI: Resilient (Constitution) - +1 Constitution, proficiency in Constitution saving throws
• Spells: Power Word Kill, True Polymorph

Level 12: Bard 12

• ASI: War Caster - Advantage on concentration saves, opportunity attacks with spells
• Spells: Glibness, Otto's Irresistible Dance

Level 13: Bard 13

Features:

• Song of Rest Improvement
• Spells: Feeblemind, Wish

Level 14: Bard 14

Features:

• Bard College Feature - Unsettling Words
• Spells: Modify Memory, Mass Suggestion

Level 15: Bard 15

• Spells: Dominate Monster, Psychic Scream

Level 16: Bard 16

Features:

• Master Enchanter
• Spells: True Polymorph, Power Word Kill

Level 17: Sorcerer 1

• Spells: Shield, Mage Armor

Level 18: Sorcerer 2

• Spells: Misty Step, Mirror Image

Level 19: Sorcerer 3

• Sorcerous Origin Feature: Dragon Wings (Draconic Bloodline)
• Spells: Counterspell, Haste

Level 20: Sorcerer 4

• ASI: +2 Charisma (Charisma 22)
• Spells: Dimension Door, Greater Invisibility

 

The Dueling Bardblade

The Dueling Bardblade excels in melee combat, blending swordplay with spellcasting, making it ideal for players who want to engage in close combat while maintaining bardic versatility.

This build adapts swiftly to combat with a mix of swordplay and spellcasting. It's effective in front-line roles, dealing damage and supporting allies.

What The Dueling Bardblade Excels In:

• Dealing melee damage while casting spells
• Engaging in close combat without sacrificing versatility
• Protecting allies through crowd control and buffs

Build:

• Race: Variant Human
• Feat: Dual Wielder - Gain a +1 bonus to AC while dual-wielding, use non-light weapons for two-weapon fighting, and draw/stow two weapons at once.
• Background: Soldier
• Proficiency in Athletics and Intimidation
• Military Rank feature

Ability Scores (Point Buy)

• Strength: 16
• Dexterity: 16
• Constitution: 14
• Intelligence: 10
• Wisdom: 12
• Charisma: 10

 

Level 1: Bard 1

• Cantrips: Vicious Mockery, Mage Hand
• Spells: Healing Word, Faerie Fire

Level 2: Bard 2

Features:

• Song of Rest
• Spells: Mirror Image, Invisibility

Level 3: Bard 3

Features:

• Bard College Feature - Blade Flourish
• Spells: Counterspell, Haste

Level 4: Bard 4

• ASI: +2 Strength (Strength 18)
• Spells: Dimension Door, Freedom of Movement

Level 5: Bard 5

Features:

• Font of Inspiration
• Spells: Synaptic Static, Modify Memory

Level 6: Bard 6

Features:

• Countercharm
• Spells: Otto's Irresistible Dance, True Seeing

Level 7: Bard 7

Features:

• Bard College Feature - Extra Attack
• Spells: Project Image, Power Word Stun

Level 8: Bard 8

• ASI: +2 Dexterity (Dexterity 18)
• Spells: Power Word Kill, Time Stop

Level 9: Bard 9

Features:

• Song of Rest Improvement
• Spells: True Polymorph, Power Word Heal

Level 10: Bard 10

Features:

• Bard College Feature - Master's Flourish
• Spells: Wish

Level 11: Bard 11

• ASI: Resilient (Constitution) - +1 Constitution, proficiency in Constitution saving throws
• Spells: Psychic Scream

Level 12: Bard 12

• ASI: War Caster - Advantage on concentration saves, opportunity attacks with spells
• Spells: Time Stop

Level 13: Bard 13

Features:

• Song of Rest Improvement
• Spells: Foresight

Level 14: Bard 14

Features:

• Magical Secrets: Meteor Swarm, True Resurrection

Level 15: Bard 15

• Spells: Mass Heal, Shapechange

Level 16: Bard 16

Features:

• Master's Flourish Improvement
• Spells: Wish

Level 17: Fighter 1 (Battle Master)

• Maneuvers: Commander's Strike, Precision Attack
• Second Wind feature

Level 18: Fighter 2 (Battle Master)

• Action Surge feature
• Maneuvers: Trip Attack, Disarming Attack

Level 19: Fighter 3 (Battle Master)

• Combat Superiority dice increase to d10
• Maneuvers: Riposte, Evasive Footwork

Level 20: Fighter 4 (Battle Master)

• ASI: +2 Strength (Strength 20)
• Combat Superiority dice increase to d12
• Maneuvers: Menacing Attack, Lunging Attack

 

The Magical Skald

Meet the Magical Skald, a bard whose words are more than just stories – they're the keys that unlock the secrets of the world. The Magical Skald is a lore-focused bard who uncovers secrets and weaves tales through spells and knowledge. This build excels as a repository of wisdom and magic.

This build's broad range of knowledge and spells allows it to adapt to various situations. It excels in uncovering hidden truths and supporting the party through knowledge and magic.

 

What The Magical Skald Excels In:

• Uncovering lore, deciphering codes, and identifying weaknesses
• Utilizing divination spells and support magic
• Enhancing role-playing through knowledge and storytelling

Full Build Details:

• Race: High Elf
• +2 Dexterity, +1 Intelligence
• Proficiency in the Perception skill
• Cantrip: Minor Illusion
• Background: Sage
• Proficiency in Arcana and History
• Researcher feature

Ability Scores (Point Buy)

• Dexterity: 16
• Intelligence: 16
• Constitution: 14
• Wisdom: 12
• Charisma: 10
• Strength: 8

 

Level 1: Bard 1

• Cantrips: Vicious Mockery, Mage Hand
• Spells: Healing Word, Faerie Fire

Level 2: Bard 2

Features:

• Jack of All Trades
• Song of Rest
• Spells: Invisibility, Counterspell

Level 3: Bard 3

Features:

• Bard College Feature - Cutting Words
• Spells: Dispel Magic, Hypnotic Pattern

Level 4: Bard 4

• ASI: +2 Dexterity (Dexterity 18)
• Spells: Dimension Door, Freedom of Movement

Level 5: Bard 5

Features:

• Font of Inspiration
• Spells: Synaptic Static, Modify Memory

Level 6: Bard 6

Features:

• Countercharm
• Spells: Otto's Irresistible Dance, True Seeing

Level 7: Bard 7

Features:

• Bard College Feature - Additional Magical Secrets: Find Greater Steed, Bigby's Hand
• Spells: Project Image, Power Word Stun

Level 8: Bard 8

• ASI: +2 Dexterity (Dexterity 20)
• Spells: Glibness, Otto's Irresistible Dance

Level 9: Bard 9

Features:

• Song of Rest Improvement
• Spells: Foresight, Power Word Heal

Level 10: Bard 10

Features:

• Bard College Feature - Peerless Skill
• Spells: True Polymorph, Power Word Kill

Level 11: Bard 11

• ASI: Resilient (Constitution) - +1 Constitution, proficiency in Constitution saving throws
• Spells: Psychic Scream

Level 12: Bard 12

• ASI: War Caster - Advantage on concentration saves, opportunity attacks with spells
• Spells: Time Stop

Level 13: Bard 13

Features:

• Song of Rest Improvement
• Spells: Wish

Level 14: Bard 14

Features:

• Magical Secrets: Meteor Swarm, True Resurrection

Level 15: Bard 15

Features:

• Bard College Feature - Peerless Skill Improvement
• Spells: Mass Heal, Shapechange

Level 16: Bard 16

Features:

• Superior Inspiration
• Spells: True Polymorph, Power Word Kill

Level 17: Bard 17

Features:

• Song of Rest Improvement
• Spells: Wish

Level 18: Wizard 1 (Divination)

• Spells: Shield, Mage Armor

Level 19: Wizard 2 (Divination)

• Portent feature
• Spells: Misty Step, Mirror Image

Level 20: Wizard 3 (Divination)

• ASI: +2 Intelligence (Intelligence 18)
• Expert Divination feature
• Spells: Counterspell, Haste

 

The Cunning Jester

Step into the spotlight and meet the Cunning Jester, the bard who wields laughter as both a weapon and a shield. The Cunning Jester uses humor, trickery, and unpredictable magic to confound enemies and entertain allies, bringing a whimsical yet strategic element to the party.

This build thrives in chaotic situations, disrupting enemy strategies with pranks and tricks. It adds an element of humor and unpredictability to the campaign.

What The Cunning Jester Excels In:

• Disrupting enemy strategies and plans
• Utilizing pranks and tricks in combat and social scenarios
• Infusing the campaign with humor and spontaneity

Full Build Details:

• Race: Half-Elf
• +2 Charisma, +1 to two other ability scores
• Skill Versatility: Gain proficiency in two skills of your choice
• Background: Charlatan
• Proficiency in Deception and Sleight of Hand
• False Identity feature

Ability Scores (Point Buy)

• Charisma: 18
• Dexterity: 16
• Constitution: 14
• Intelligence: 10
• Wisdom: 12
• Strength: 8

Level 1: Bard 1

• Cantrips: Vicious Mockery, Mage Hand
• Spells: Healing Word, Faerie Fire

Level 2: Bard 2

Features:

• Jack of All Trades
• Song of Rest
• Spells: Suggestion, Invisibility

Level 3: Bard 3

Features:

• Bard College Feature - Silver Tongue
• Spells: Counterspell, Hypnotic Pattern

Level 4: Bard 4

• ASI: +2 Charisma (Charisma 20)
• Spells: Dimension Door, Freedom of Movement

Level 5: Bard 5

Features:

• Font of Inspiration
• Spells: Synaptic Static, Modify Memory

Level 6: Bard 6

Features:

• Countercharm
• Spells: Otto's Irresistible Dance, True Seeing

Level 7: Bard 7

Features:

• Bard College Feature - Unsettling Words
• Spells: Project Image, Power Word Stun

Level 8: Bard 8

• Spells: Glibness, Otto's Irresistible Dance

Level 9: Bard 9

Features:

• Song of Rest Improvement
• Spells: Foresight, Power Word Heal

Level 10: Bard 10

Features:

• Bard College Feature - Universal Speech Improvement
• Spells: True Polymorph, Power Word Kill

Level 11: Bard 11

• ASI: Resilient (Constitution) - +1 Constitution, proficiency in Constitution saving throws
• Spells: Psychic Scream

Level 12: Bard 12

• ASI: War Caster - Advantage on concentration saves, opportunity attacks with spells
• Spells: Time Stop

Level 13: Bard 13

Features:

• Song of Rest Improvement
• Spells: Wish

Level 14: Bard 14

Features:

• Unfailing Inspiration
• Spells: Meteor Swarm, True Resurrection

Level 15: Rogue 1 (Trickster)

• Proficiencies: Light armor, simple weapons, hand crossbows, longswords, rapiers, shortswords, thieves' tools, and skills from the Rogue list.
• Sneak Attack feature

Level 16: Rogue 2 (Trickster)

• Cunning Action feature

Level 17: Rogue 3 (Trickster)

• Roguish Archetype - Trickster feature
• Spells: Mage Hand, Minor Illusion, Mirror Image

Level 18: Rogue 4 (Trickster)

• ASI: +2 Dexterity (Dexterity 18)

Spells: Misty Step, Blur

Level 19: Rogue 5 (Trickster)

• Uncanny Dodge feature
• Spells: Invisibility, Major Image

Level 20: Rogue 6 (Trickster)

• ASI: +2 Dexterity (Dexterity 20)
• Evasion feature
• Spells: Dimension Door, Seeming

D&D 5e bard's offer a tapestry of talents and possibilities. The five bard builds explored here provide a glimpse into the potential these versatile characters hold. Whether you seek healing, charm, dueling, enchantment, or chaos, there's a bard build suited for your campaign.