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The Fighter is one of the oldest classes in RPG history, and they first appeared in the earlyDungeons & Dragonsbooks in the 1970s. They’re also present in other games, even if referred to by different names like Warrior or Soldier, but the template of a physical damage class is generally the same.
Fighters can take ranged or melee roles, and there are options to give them magical abilities with Feats and subclasses, aside from the choices a player gets from multiclassing. There are some funoverpoweredD&DFighter buildsthat can make a simple class more unique. Keep in mind that Fighters have the opportunity to increase their ability scores seven times during the progression process, and whether they choose Strength, Dexterity, or Constitution depends on the build.
Hardened Defender
Make The Tank A Force Of Nature
The Defender is a basic, everyday build that is great for beginners and experienced players alike, but don’t be complacentabout the character thattakes such an essential role. Focus on improving Strength and Constitution as opposed to Dexterity.
Races
Any species that gets a bonus for Strength or Constitution is ideal. The following choices are all from The Player’s Handbook.
Martial Archetype
These are the subclasses that usually make the best Defenders, but creative players can also follow their own path.
Feats
There are several other Feats the Fighter will be able to choose from, but these are the most crucial for this specific build.
Fighting Style - Defense
Fighters using this style get a +1 bonus to their AC, making them more effective defenders. A decent second choice would be Protection, which gives the Fighter with a shield the ability to defend an ally.
Finesse Weapon Master
Elegant And Deadly
Dexterity and Constitution are more important than Strength to this build,which focuses onlighter weapons anyway. This build takes a melee DPS role and often assists the defender on the battlefield.
It’s not just about being light on their feet. This type of Fighter also needs to be highly skilled with their weapon of choice.
This build is more about strategic advantage and finesse as opposed to other fighting builds that are simply hack, slash, and destroy.
When choosing Feats for this build, focus on anything that improves movement and Initiative.
Fighting Style - Dueling
This is the best choice for any Fighter who uses a weapon that doesn’t require a shield. It gives this Fighter a +2 to all of their damage rolls.
An Impressive Eldritch Knight
Casting Prowess Without Multiclassing
Dexterity is important to this build becauseit helps with the castingand choice of lighter, possibly ranged weapons. The main spellcasting modifier is still Intelligence, so it’s best to make sure this is 13 or higher. This Fighter build can use melee or ranged weapons, giving this build yet another variation.
Given how versatile this build is, there are plenty of good choices, and these are just a few examples.
It used to be that a spellcasting Fighter wasn’t really an option outside multiclassing, but some newer subclasses have changed that.
For the most part, these choices are about augmenting the spellcasting abilities of the Fighter, but players should also think about Feats when it comes to the weapons and armor included in the build.
Fighting Style - Superior Technique, Precision Attack
This is a style that’s borrowed fromthe Battle Master Archetype, and it’s one of the few parts of this build that isn’t dedicated to spellcasting. It allows the Fighter to add a superiority dice to their attacks before or after their actual attack roll.
Ranged Sniper Build
Precision Damage And High DPS
Dexterity is the stat that often applies to ranged weapons, making this an obvious choice, but spellcasting is also important for this build. Constitution is also important for a build that often wears lighter armor and needs to move throughout the battlefield.
Anything that boosts Archery, mobility, or ranged physical damage abilities is ideal for the Fighter Archer. Here are a few examples.
Focus on anything that contributes to ranged damage, which can include thrown weapons along with bows.
Choose anything to improve mobility, ranged weapon proficiencies, and ranged weapon damage.
Fighting Style - Arcane Archer
The obvious choice, Arcane Archer gives the Fighter the ability to cast either the Prestidigitation or Druidcraft and the ability of Arcane Shot, which can vary depending on the level. Magic Arrow and Curvng Shot give this archery build supernatural powers to use magical damage and disregard line-of-sight.
Secret Agent
Lay Waste With This Artificer Multiclass
Dexterity and Strength are the most important skills in this multiclass build, which includes a Fighter that makes or augments their own weapons. Go as far as 3rdlevel with the Artificer, a class that focuses on Intelligence, to choose a Specialist category and progress the Fighter from there.
This type of Fighter uses stealth and strategy to get in position before a devastating strike. For those who want to go in guns blazing, Battle Master is also a decent option.
Ready, aim, and roll for Initiative, so this Fighter can clear the field without even setting foot on it.
Fighting Style - Blind Fighting
Blind Fighting is ideal for a Fighter build that mixes a variety of AoE abilities with melee weapon skills. It allows this Fighter to see everything within a range of 10 feet even if obscured by spells like Darkness or Stinking Cloud. That includes figures obscured in the area unless they succeed in hiding.
