The answer below is from a power level perspective, not a fun perspective. Play what's fun for you, and that'll likely become your "best class" ----------------------------- I think it depends on multiple factors as a whole... Most DMs ban/adjust the Conjure Animals/Conjure Minor Elementals/Conjure Woodland Beings/Giant Insect spells, or the table makes unspoken/spoken agreements about those spells to limit/soft-ban them. If those spells are allowed, then Druid is by far the most powerful class in the game just due to how busted those spells are. No way 8 attacks per round, with a massive wall of meat shields at level 5 is even remotely balanced. While these spells are fun for the caster, they slow down the game for the rest of the table, make the DM go through the 7 stages of grief, and make other players feel invalidated by throwaway summons. I'd highly recommend tables ban/adjust these spells significantly
With those broken spells aside, the best class depends still on if the DM runs the Adventuring Day (multiple encounters per long rest with short rests in-between. D&D's classes are balanced around the Adventuring Day)
If the DM is running 1 fight/long rest, then the best class is really any spellcaster (except Warlock) since they can spam their best spells constantly. Paladins are solid in this type of environment, but not as good as spellcasters. A lot of the "infamous OP builds" are only powerful if the game is run with 1 fight/long rest. Excluding broken summoning spells, in this type of environment I'd give wizards the title of best class, with druid and cleric right behind
If the Adventuring day is being run, then it becomes a lot more balanced as a whole and there's no clearly defined "best class". I'd still give the "best class" titles to spellcasters, but martials can somewhat compete (with a lot of legwork still) if their builds can patch up the issue of not having many options, or if they significantly double down on damage through some feats, granting them by far the best damage. I'd give the "best class" in this type of environment narrowly to Cleric, but it's narrow. Clerics have some great concentration spells, and they can expend channel divinities (which recharge on a short rest) to regain spell slots if they really need to.
I think this is highly dependent on build and playstyle for like 70% of the classes. Like, mechanically I like being out front with a shield or healing, but flavor wise I love circle of spores.
So I'd say my "best" class is Paladin, followed by Druid.
You know what, I'ma rank em!
1. Paladin. 25 ac healer go brrr! Love the tanking and the flavor.
2. Druid. Spores is just right up my alley on flavor and the mechanics are pretty fun too.
3. Cleric \ Warlock. Forge and GoO\Undead are fun concepts and interesting to play.
4. Wizard \ Bard. College of Lore\Spirits and Necromancy have good flavor and acceptable mechanics.
5. Fighter (with Shield). I like to tank but no heal is rough.
6. Sorcerer \ Thief Rogue. Basically a necromancer with shadow magic, which I like, and if I have to play Dex I might as well double down on the stealth\stealing.
7. Barbarian \ Alchemist Artificer. Basically I might play these in a one-shot, but I'd get bored.
8. Blood Hunter \ Ranger \ Monk \ Other Rogues. They just don't interest me that much. I guess I'm just not a big dex guy.
"best" is a subjective concept without defined metrics to delineate and describe what constitutes degrees of lesser status (better, worst, worse, etc), and so becomes a matter of perspective and perception based on variable measures that may or may not have any universal value.
Which is true, but yes, I acknowledge that what you are likely looking for is "what class do you like the most".
I can't answer that one, either, lol.
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Only a DM since 1980 (2000+ Sessions) / PhD, MS, MA
No class is “best,” they all have pros and cons, and they each appeal to different players with different playstyles. However, my favorite classes are Artificer, Bard, and Warlock.
DM mostly, Player occasionally | Session 0 form| Doctor/Published Scholar/Science and Healthcare Advocate/Critter/Trekkie/Gandalf with a Glock | He/Him/They/Them
Everyone keeps saying "There isn't a best class, it depends on the player." AspenTheHappyBard is asking for our opinion, not quizzing us on which one is the best officially. Just making sure everyone understands.
As for me, I like Wizards the best. They're so adaptable and can play basically any role.
Barbarians are good early game. Wizards are good late game, sorcerers I feel are just not as good cause they get not as good spells and there are ENOUGH charisma casters. Druids are always good; I mean strong spells and wild shapes?!!!?!?!?! I also think rangers, paladins, and fighters are pretty decent. In terms of bad classes I think monks suck (except for the grung monk combo) and rouges are pretty bad, they literally deal terrible damage without flanking!! They just kind of sneak around, but if you like Dex just play a bard of ranger or like a fighter archer thing!
I might be a tad biased here, but when played correctly, it's mechanically almost always the wizard. With the best ritual casting, access to unique spells (not to mention the largest list in 5e), and the potential to learn any number of spells, wizards outshine every other class in the game by late tier 2 gameplay and beyond. Paladins can be incredibly powerful as well, as can clerics and bards, and all three are great throughout all tiers of the game.
All the other classes are pretty balanced out, besides monks, who are just weaker in general.
Honestly, any class can become pretty powerful with the right race, stats, feats, etc;
Opinion-wise (which seemed to be the intention of the poll), I also prefer wizards. Yes, I can have a lot of fun with a martial as well, but in my experience, the sheer versatility and RP potential of the wizard can't be outmatched.
There isn't a best class, most of them are tied with each other. Sorcerer is the best.
Metamagic is the best way to play DND. you can cast a double fireball for a nice 70 average damage, or use subtle spell to do an invisible fire bolt for 1d10 damage. You can be like a bard with the high charisma but sacrifice roleplay for FIRE SPELLS. Double firebolt. clean damage and describing it feels awesome. Now, if you don't want to power game it, you can do spellsniper and just never use it. you can be the sorcerer who can snipe a fly's wings off with a firebolt from 240 feet away. if you play variant human and grab spellsniper you can do 520. will it be needed...no...will you even think to use it... probably not. but it's cool
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The title is pretty self-explanatory, but I would honestly like to know!
I think rangers are pretty cool, but that may just be because I read this series called Ranger's Apprentice by John Flanagan.
I also like bards. They seem like fun people.
What do YOU like?
Answer the poll!
Swiftie, Bard, and more!
"Just breathe, just relax, it'll be okay" -Taylor Swift
There is no best overall it’s just individual taste and experience.
Wisea$$ DM and Player since 1979.
The answer below is from a power level perspective, not a fun perspective. Play what's fun for you, and that'll likely become your "best class"
-----------------------------
I think it depends on multiple factors as a whole...
Most DMs ban/adjust the Conjure Animals/Conjure Minor Elementals/Conjure Woodland Beings/Giant Insect spells, or the table makes unspoken/spoken agreements about those spells to limit/soft-ban them. If those spells are allowed, then Druid is by far the most powerful class in the game just due to how busted those spells are. No way 8 attacks per round, with a massive wall of meat shields at level 5 is even remotely balanced. While these spells are fun for the caster, they slow down the game for the rest of the table, make the DM go through the 7 stages of grief, and make other players feel invalidated by throwaway summons. I'd highly recommend tables ban/adjust these spells significantly
With those broken spells aside, the best class depends still on if the DM runs the Adventuring Day (multiple encounters per long rest with short rests in-between. D&D's classes are balanced around the Adventuring Day)
If the DM is running 1 fight/long rest, then the best class is really any spellcaster (except Warlock) since they can spam their best spells constantly. Paladins are solid in this type of environment, but not as good as spellcasters. A lot of the "infamous OP builds" are only powerful if the game is run with 1 fight/long rest. Excluding broken summoning spells, in this type of environment I'd give wizards the title of best class, with druid and cleric right behind
If the Adventuring day is being run, then it becomes a lot more balanced as a whole and there's no clearly defined "best class". I'd still give the "best class" titles to spellcasters, but martials can somewhat compete (with a lot of legwork still) if their builds can patch up the issue of not having many options, or if they significantly double down on damage through some feats, granting them by far the best damage. I'd give the "best class" in this type of environment narrowly to Cleric, but it's narrow. Clerics have some great concentration spells, and they can expend channel divinities (which recharge on a short rest) to regain spell slots if they really need to.
The best Class, for me, is Bard. It allows me to do the thing I want to do, and that is to help everyone have great fun.
Cum catapultae proscriptae erunt tum soli proscript catapultas habebunt
I have to agree. The Bard has beautiful flexibility to dabble in everything but really comes into their own when they're supporting their teammates.
Didn't previously care for Paladins but I converted a Paladin NPC into a PC for a campaign I'm in and it's really starting to grow on me.
rangers apprentice is the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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True
I think this is highly dependent on build and playstyle for like 70% of the classes. Like, mechanically I like being out front with a shield or healing, but flavor wise I love circle of spores.
So I'd say my "best" class is Paladin, followed by Druid.
You know what, I'ma rank em!
1. Paladin. 25 ac healer go brrr! Love the tanking and the flavor.
2. Druid. Spores is just right up my alley on flavor and the mechanics are pretty fun too.
3. Cleric \ Warlock. Forge and GoO\Undead are fun concepts and interesting to play.
4. Wizard \ Bard. College of Lore\Spirits and Necromancy have good flavor and acceptable mechanics.
5. Fighter (with Shield). I like to tank but no heal is rough.
6. Sorcerer \ Thief Rogue. Basically a necromancer with shadow magic, which I like, and if I have to play Dex I might as well double down on the stealth\stealing.
7. Barbarian \ Alchemist Artificer. Basically I might play these in a one-shot, but I'd get bored.
8. Blood Hunter \ Ranger \ Monk \ Other Rogues. They just don't interest me that much. I guess I'm just not a big dex guy.
Cheers!
druid is the best class
The one you are playing at that moment...
"best" is a subjective concept without defined metrics to delineate and describe what constitutes degrees of lesser status (better, worst, worse, etc), and so becomes a matter of perspective and perception based on variable measures that may or may not have any universal value.
Which is true, but yes, I acknowledge that what you are likely looking for is "what class do you like the most".
I can't answer that one, either, lol.
Only a DM since 1980 (2000+ Sessions) / PhD, MS, MA
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No class is “best,” they all have pros and cons, and they each appeal to different players with different playstyles. However, my favorite classes are Artificer, Bard, and Warlock.
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Like Sposta said - but my favorites are ranger, sorceror and Wizard
Wisea$$ DM and Player since 1979.
The poll is asking for our opinion, not to say what is the official best.
Upvote Ichulla the Unfathomed
"Be the change you wish to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi
Note it says "What do YOU like?"
Everyone keeps saying "There isn't a best class, it depends on the player." AspenTheHappyBard is asking for our opinion, not quizzing us on which one is the best officially. Just making sure everyone understands.
As for me, I like Wizards the best. They're so adaptable and can play basically any role.
Upvote Ichulla the Unfathomed
"Be the change you wish to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi
Side note: but OMG the Ranger's Apprentice is so good.
I am also here.
Am snek.
Barbarians are good early game. Wizards are good late game, sorcerers I feel are just not as good cause they get not as good spells and there are ENOUGH charisma casters. Druids are always good; I mean strong spells and wild shapes?!!!?!?!?! I also think rangers, paladins, and fighters are pretty decent. In terms of bad classes I think monks suck (except for the grung monk combo) and rouges are pretty bad, they literally deal terrible damage without flanking!! They just kind of sneak around, but if you like Dex just play a bard of ranger or like a fighter archer thing!
Yeah, that's my little rant.
A GOBLIN with a big brain. (int 30)
BOOYAGH!!!!
I might be a tad biased here, but when played correctly, it's mechanically almost always the wizard. With the best ritual casting, access to unique spells (not to mention the largest list in 5e), and the potential to learn any number of spells, wizards outshine every other class in the game by late tier 2 gameplay and beyond. Paladins can be incredibly powerful as well, as can clerics and bards, and all three are great throughout all tiers of the game.
All the other classes are pretty balanced out, besides monks, who are just weaker in general.
Honestly, any class can become pretty powerful with the right race, stats, feats, etc;
Opinion-wise (which seemed to be the intention of the poll), I also prefer wizards. Yes, I can have a lot of fun with a martial as well, but in my experience, the sheer versatility and RP potential of the wizard can't be outmatched.
In my experience...
There isn't a best class, most of them are tied with each other. Sorcerer is the best.
Metamagic is the best way to play DND. you can cast a double fireball for a nice 70 average damage, or use subtle spell to do an invisible fire bolt for 1d10 damage. You can be like a bard with the high charisma but sacrifice roleplay for FIRE SPELLS. Double firebolt. clean damage and describing it feels awesome. Now, if you don't want to power game it, you can do spellsniper and just never use it. you can be the sorcerer who can snipe a fly's wings off with a firebolt from 240 feet away. if you play variant human and grab spellsniper you can do 520. will it be needed...no...will you even think to use it... probably not. but it's cool
sorcerer for the win.
Artificers are the best. They can fight, cast spells, heal, and they have firearm proficiency? That's pretty awesome.
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