Fighter Guide for Beginners: Mastering the Fighter in D&D 5e

The Fighter is the backbone of any adventuring party in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (D&D 5e). Known for their martial prowess, Fighters are versatile combatants who can excel in offense, defense, or a mix of both. This class is perfect for players who want a straightforward but highly customizable approach to combat.

Why Play a Fighter?

• Straightforward Mechanics: Easy to learn, making Fighters perfect for beginners.
• Combat Mastery: Fighters are unmatched in their ability to deal consistent damage and control the battlefield.
• Flexibility: With multiple fighting styles and subclasses, Fighters can adapt to any role.

Core Features

Key Mechanics and Abilities

1. Fighting Style: Choose from options like Archery, Defense, or Great Weapon Fighting to customize your combat approach.
2. Second Wind: Heal yourself as a bonus action, adding survivability.
3. Action Surge: Gain an extra action in combat, allowing for devastating combos.
4. Extra Attack: Fighters gain more attacks than any other class, making them incredibly reliable damage dealers.
5. Indomitable: Reroll failed saving throws, keeping you in the fight longer.

Suggested Ability Scores

• Strength or Dexterity (Primary): Determines your attack and damage rolls, depending on your weapon choice.
• Constitution (Secondary): Increases hit points and ensures durability.
• Wisdom or Intelligence: Useful for certain subclasses, like Eldritch Knight or Psi Warrior.

Recommended Races

• Human (Variant): Gain a free feat at level 1, allowing for greater customization.
• Half-Orc: Ideal for melee Fighters with bonuses to Strength and extra critical hit damage.
• Mountain Dwarf: Bonuses to Strength and Constitution, plus extra proficiencies.
• Elf (Wood or High): Dexterity bonuses and added mobility or spellcasting synergy.

Playing as a Fighter

Role in a Party

Fighters are versatile combatants who can fill various roles, from frontline tank to long-range striker. Their consistent damage output and survivability make them a reliable choice in any party.

Tips for New Players

• Choose the Right Fighting Style: Match your fighting style to your preferred role (e.g., Archery for ranged, Defense for tanking).
• Use Action Surge Strategically: Save it for key moments to maximize its impact.
• Adapt to Your Subclass: Each Fighter subclass has unique mechanics—learn to leverage them effectively.

Roleplay Suggestions

• Seasoned Veteran: A battle-hardened warrior with scars from countless conflicts.
• Aspiring Hero: A young and ambitious fighter seeking to make a name for themselves.
• Mercenary: A practical combatant driven by gold and survival.

Subclasses Overview

Fighters have a wide range of subclasses, known as Martial Archetypes, that define their combat focus. Here’s a summary of the most popular:

• Champion Fighter Handbook: The simplest and most straightforward subclass, focused on critical hits and improved athletic ability.
• Battle Master Fighter Handbook: A tactical subclass with access to Combat Maneuvers that enhance both offense and defense.
• Eldritch Knight Fighter Handbook: Combines martial prowess with arcane spellcasting for a versatile playstyle.
• Echo Knight Fighter Handbook: A unique subclass that creates shadowy duplicates to extend your reach and control the battlefield.
• Samurai Fighter Handbook: A disciplined warrior with a focus on increased accuracy and resilience in combat.
• Rune Knight Fighter Handbook: Infuses giant-themed runes into their gear, offering magical enhancements and defensive options.
• Arcane Archer Fighter: A ranged specialist who imbues arrows with magical effects.
• Psi Warrior Fighter Handbook: Harnesses psionic power to augment physical attacks and protect allies.
• Cavalier Fighter Handbook: A mounted combatant who excels at defending allies and controlling the battlefield.
• Purple Dragon Knight Fighter Handbook: A support-focused subclass with abilities that inspire and protect allies.

Each Martial Archetype offers unique abilities and flavor, allowing Fighters to excel in specific combat roles. Check out the dedicated blog posts for detailed insights into each subclass.

Gear and Dice Recommendations

Suggested Equipment

• Weapons: Depending on your build, start with a greatsword, longbow, or sword and shield.
• Armor: Heavy armor, like plate or chain mail, is ideal for melee Fighters, while medium armor suits Dexterity builds.
• Shield: Adds to AC for better defense in close combat.

Dice Recommendations from Runic Dice

Enhance your Fighter's persona with these thematic dice sets:

• Champion Fighter: For a simple yet powerful design, consider the Blood Red Zircon Glass DND Dice Set. These dice feature a bold red hue with clean, sharp edges, embodying the straightforward strength of a Champion.
• Battle Master Fighter: Embrace tactical precision with theBlack Inked Lightning Cracked Glass DND Dice Set. The intricate cracked glass design symbolizes the strategic complexity and calculated maneuvers of a Battle Master.
• Eldritch Knight Fighter: Channel arcane energies with the Purple Gemstone Amethyst DND Dice Set. Crafted from genuine amethyst, these dice exude a mystical aura, reflecting the fusion of martial prowess and magical prowess characteristic of an Eldritch Knight.
• Rune Knight Fighter: Invoke ancient powers with the Gemstone Raised Dichroic Glass DND Dice Set. Featuring raised dichroic glass finish, this set captures the essence of rune-engraved weaponry and armor.
• General Fighter: Experience the heft of battle with the Gemstone Black Night Raised Obsidian DND Dice Set. Hand-carved from obsidian, these dice offer a substantial feel and a sleek, metallic appearance, perfect for any Fighter archetype.

Advanced Tips and Tricks

Optimization Strategies

• Feats: Consider Great Weapon Master for high damage or Sentinel for battlefield control.
• Multiclassing: Pair with Barbarian for increased damage resistance or Rogue for extra utility and Sneak Attack.
• Action Surge Combos: Combine with powerful spells (Eldritch Knight) or multiple attacks for devastating turns.

Advanced Builds

• Tank Fighter: Focus on Defense Fighting Style, heavy armor, and protection-based feats.
• Ranged Fighter: Use Archery Fighting Style and feats like Sharpshooter for consistent ranged damage.
• Duelist Fighter: Choose Dueling Fighting Style and maximize single-target damage with one-handed weapons.