Dungeons & Dragons is one of the most well-known tabletop RPGs, growing in popularity in recent years thanks to shows like Stranger Things and Critical Role campaigns. While there are some who have been playing the game since its release in the '70s, and who have been involved in multiple campaigns, there are many people new to the game who can be easily overwhelmed by the difficult point of entry. Whether one is a new player wondering where to start, or a veteran looking to try something new, it's important to consider a few things before selecting a character class.
First, it's imperative to think about how Dungeons & Dragons players want to engage in gameplay, whether it's combat or grabbing an ale at the tavern. When faced with an enemy, do they want to rush in, sneak for a stealth attack, or cast a deadly spell from a safe distance? When trying to get information from the barkeep, do they want to flirt, bribe, or intimidate? It's important, especially for first-time players, to build a character that embodies the desired gameplay style.
Once a preferred gameplay style is identified, party should think about what kind of character they want to play and decided on the necessary D&D classes and feats. If they are a fighter, rushing headlong into battle, do they go straight for the kill, spare the enemy, or take them prisoner to torture or question? While character crafting, backstories and alignments can allow players to bend traditional uses of each class, it's helpful to start with a class that best aligns with how someone wants to play Dungeons & Dragons.
Dungeons & Dragons' Strength (Fighting) Classes
Barbarians are fierce, strong warriors who function as the tank in a party. They hit hard and can withstand a lot of damage. Additionally, barbarians can enter a rage state in D&D, during which they have advantage on strength, bonus damage dealt, and resistance to damage taken. As this class levels up, it gains even more skills to make players as fearsome in battle as possible. Outside of combat, barbarians are not likely to sway others with their charm, preferring to punch first and ask questions later.
Fighters are much more versatile in combat than barbarians, with an option to focus on either melee or archery skills. This is considered the most diverse class in Dungeons & Dragons 5e according to the Player's Handbook, allowing for multiple background opportunities - fighters can be knights, overlords, mercenaries, and more. This offers an easy build for new players who want to play a class skilled in combat.
Paladins in Dungeons & Dragons are holy knights, bound by an oath to stand against the forces of evil. Paladins train for years in combat and martial arts, making them fearsome warriors. They also have the ability to heal and cast spells during battle, making them well-rounded combat companions. Paladins are ideal for players who want a character of a good alignment, as this class primarily acts as purveyors of charity and justice.
Dungeons & Dragons' Dexterity (Stealth) Classes
Monks study for years to hone fighting skills centered around how magical energy flows through the body, a concept called Ki. This class harnesses Ki to channel uncanny speed and strength into their own attacks or hinder opponents' Ki. Monks are a fantastic choice for new players who prefer to jump into a fray using hand-to-hand combat.
Ranger is an ideal class for Dungeons & Dragons players who enjoy watching for danger and engaging in combat from afar. Rangers are independent characters, loners skirting on the edge of society. Their skills reflect their nomadic existence, specializing in speed and stealth while harnessing the power of nature. Rangers also come equipped with excellent survival skills, a boon for any party stranded in the wilderness.
Rogues are perhaps best known for stealth attacks, both in and out of combat. These characters rely on stealth, and typically rely on their cunning to exploit their enemies' weaknesses. They are deadly in combat, choosing to focus on one precise strike than multiple brute force hits. Rogues are ideal for players who want to embody a character with a nebulous moral com but a versatile range of skills.
Dungeons & Dragons' Intelligence (Academic) Classes
Wizards are the only intelligence class in Dungeons & Dragons, as well as one of the most talented magic s. They are students of mystical powers, using their knowledge of the arcane to become deadly casters. A wizard's motivation is driven entirely by the need to perfect their spells, as well as learn and create new ones. They are fearsome in battle, and a good choice for players interested in the lore of a given campaign.
Dungeons & Dragons' Wisdom (Mage) Classes
Clerics in Dungeons & Dragons are priests imbued with divine magic, serving as an intermediary between the mortal world and the godly planes. Similar to the paladin, they are motivated by serving their god. Players can choose which divine domain they derive their power from, and each domain gives clerics a unique spell, as well as other features as characters level up. This is an ideal class for players who want to dominate in battle using magic.
Druids are mages fueled by love of nature. They have access to the power of elemental forces and can shapeshift into any animal in the Dungeons & Dragons world. They see themselves as an extension of nature's will. Most of a Druid's spells are centered around nature and animals, and their ability to shapeshift is useful in combat and exploration alike.
Dungeons & Dragons' Charisma (Innate) Classes
The Bard class in Dungeons & Dragons is one all on its own, best suited for the most theatrical players who want to lean into the role-playing aspect of the game. They are not particularly useful in battle, but their words and charm carry such power as to inspire allies, demoralize enemies, manipulate minds - even heal wounds. The most important thing to a bard is experiencing a story, and turning it into a song or epic poem.
Sorcerers are unique in the Dungeons & Dragons universe, carrying a magical birthright. Their magic cannot be learned, as the power chooses the sorcerer. These characters are beings of pure magic, and often are unable to point to the origin of their power, giving them unexplainable abilities. Players who choose the sorcerer class should beware, as their magic has a tendency to lash out unexpectedly if unused.
D&D, seeking the hidden knowledge of the universe. This class is unique because of its pact with an otherworldly being, which gives warlocks magical abilities. However, the pact also places obligations on warlocks in return, and makes the character's quest for knowledge impossible to sate. Players with a lust for secrets and penchant for magical combat would do well to choose a warlock class when playing Dungeons & Dragons.
Source: Dungeons & Dragons Players Handbook
