February 13, 2025

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

The Psi Warrior Fighter is a psychic-infused warrior, blending powerful martial skills with psionic energy to enhance attacks, boost defenses, and manipulate the battlefield. Introduced in Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything, this subclass is perfect for players who want a Fighter with supernatural abilities, using their mind as a weapon alongside their physical prowess.

Unlike other Fighters who rely on brute strength or magical enhancements, Psi Warriors use psionic energy to unleash telekinetic attacks, shield themselves and allies, and even fly across the battlefield. If you love the idea of a warrior with Jedi-like abilities, wielding both blade and mind to dominate combat, this subclass is for you!

Why Play a Psi Warrior Fighter?

Key Benefits

Psionic Energy Enhances Your Combat – Spend Psionic Energy Dice to boost attacks, shields, and telekinetic abilities.
Unique Telekinetic Utility – Lift objects, move enemies, and even fly at higher levels.
Excellent Defense and Survivability – Use psychic shielding to reduce damage and protect allies.
Great for Both Melee and Ranged Combat – Works well with all weapon styles, including ranged attacks.
Excellent Roleplay Potential – Play as a psychic knight, a sci-fi warrior, or an ancient mystic protector.

Compared to other Fighters, Psi Warriors have the best mix of defense, utility, and supernatural abilities, making them one of the most versatile martial subclasses.

Core Features

Key Mechanics and Abilities

Psionic Power (Level 3)

Gain Psionic Energy Dice (starting at d6), which fuel your abilities.
You start with a number of Psionic Energy Dice equal to twice your proficiency bonus.
You regain all Psionic Energy Dice on a long rest and can regain one die per short rest.

Psionic Energy Abilities (Level 3+)

You start with three psionic abilities, all fueled by your Psionic Energy Dice:

Protective Field – When you or an ally within 30 feet takes damage, reduce it by rolling your Psionic Energy Die + Intelligence modifier.
Psionic Strike – When you hit a target, roll your Psionic Energy Die to deal extra force damage (only once per turn).
Telekinetic Movement – Move an object or willing creature 30 feet once per short or long rest.

Example: Block an enemy’s attack with Protective Field, then use Psionic Strike for bonus damage on your turn.

Telekinetic Adept (Level 7)

Gain two new psionic abilities:
- Psi-Powered Leap – As a bonus action, fly up to your speed for one turn without provoking opportunity attacks.
- Telekinetic Thrust – When you hit a creature with Psionic Strike, you can force them to make a Strength saving throw or be pushed 10 feet away or knocked prone.
Example: Leap over the battlefield and shove an enemy off a cliff with a telekinetic blast!

Guarded Mind (Level 10)

Gain resistance to psychic damage.
Use Psionic Energy Dice to end the charmed or frightened condition on yourself.
Example: No longer worry about mind-affecting spells like Fear or Dominate Person.

Bulwark of Force (Level 15)

As a bonus action, choose yourself and up to three allies.
Each target gains half cover (+2 AC and Dexterity saves) for 1 minute.
Usable once per long rest, or by spending a Psionic Energy Die.
Example: Shield your team during a boss fight, making everyone harder to hit.

Telekinetic Master (Level 18)

Learn the Telekinesis spell and can cast it once per long rest without components.
You can also cast it by expending a Psionic Energy Die.
Example: Lift massive objects, throw enemies into walls, or manipulate the battlefield effortlessly.

These abilities make Psi Warriors one of the most versatile Fighters, offering high damage, telekinetic mobility, and powerful defensive options.

Suggested Ability Scores

Primary: Strength or Dexterity – Determines weapon attack rolls and damage.
Secondary: Intelligence – Boosts Psionic Energy abilities and saving throw DCs.
Tertiary: Constitution – Improves HP and concentration saves.

Recommended Races

Since Psi Warriors rely on both martial combat and Intelligence-based abilities, the best races include:

Githyanki – Fits the psychic warrior theme perfectly and grants Misty Step once per day.
High Elf – Bonus Intelligence and free cantrip for added versatility.
Shadar-Kai Elf – Teleportation and resistance to necrotic damage make them incredibly durable.
Warforged – Boosted AC, Constitution, and resistance to conditions make them tanky Psi Warriors.

Playing as a Psi Warrior Fighter

Role in a Party

Damage Dealer – Use Psionic Strike for bonus force damage.
Tactical Controller – Use Telekinetic Thrust to push enemies or knock them prone.
Tank & Support – Protective Field reduces damage taken by you or allies.

Compared to other Fighters, Psi Warriors excel at battlefield control, defense, and supernatural movement, making them highly adaptable to different combat situations.

Tips for New Players

Use Protective Field to save teammates – You can reduce damage even if they get hit across the battlefield.
Pair Psionic Strike with multi-attack features – It triggers once per turn, so use it on your strongest hit.
Save Psionic Dice for critical moments – They don’t regenerate on a short rest unless you use Second Wind.
Push enemies into hazards – Use Telekinetic Thrust to shove enemies off cliffs or into traps.

Roleplay Suggestions

The Mindblade Warrior – A soldier trained in psychic combat, blending steel and psionics.
The Telekinetic Knight – A warrior who learned the ways of telekinesis to dominate battle.
The Cosmic Guardian – A champion infused with psionic energy, protecting the material plane from cosmic threats.

Gear and Dice Recommendations

Suggested Equipment

Weapons

Greatsword / Longsword – Best for Strength-based Psi Warriors.
Rapier / Shortswords – Best for Dexterity-based Psi Warriors.
Bow or Crossbow – Works well since Psi Strike doesn’t require melee.

Armor

Half Plate or Breastplate – For Dexterity-based Psi Warriors.
Plate Armor – For a tanky Strength-based Psi Warrior.

Magic Items

Headband of Intellect – Boosts Intelligence to 19, increasing your Psionic abilities.
Cloak of Protection – Boosts AC and saving throws, making you harder to hit.
Ring of Telekinesis – Enhances your movement and battlefield control.

Dice Recommendations from Runic Dice

Enhance your psychic warrior aesthetic with these mystic-themed dice sets:

Mindblade: For sleek silver and purple hues representing psionic energy, consider the Purple Gemstone Amethyst DND Dice Set. Handcrafted from genuine amethyst, these dice showcase deep purple tones, capturing the essence of a mindblade's focused power.
Telekinetic Force: To evoke a Jedi-like presence with deep blue and swirling white colors, the Blue Glitter Liquid Core Sharp Edge Resin DND Dice Set is an excellent choice. This set features vibrant blue hues with a dynamic liquid core, reflecting the swirling energies of telekinesis.
Voidborn: For a dark design with glowing runes symbolizing cosmic power, the Black Inked Lightning Cracked Glass DND Dice Set offers a striking cracked glass appearance with black inked numerals, embodying the enigmatic force of the void.

Advanced Tips and Tricks

Optimization Strategies

Best Feats for a Psi Warrior Fighter

Since Psi Warriors use both melee combat and psionic abilities, choosing the right feats can optimize your playstyle.

Telekinetic – Boosts Intelligence and grants Mage Hand, increasing your telekinetic capabilities.
War Caster – Allows spell-like abilities while holding a weapon and improves concentration for Psionic abilities.
Sentinel – Combines well with Telekinetic Thrust, letting you control enemy movement and prevent disengagement.
Sharpshooter – Great for a ranged Psi Warrior using bows, as Psionic Strike works at range.
Tough – Boosts survivability, especially since Psi Warriors often use their abilities to shield allies.

Multiclassing for a Psi Warrior Fighter

Psi Warriors gain most of their power from their Fighter levels, but a dip into another class can enhance their abilities.

Rogue (Arcane Trickster or Swashbuckler) – Boosts mobility, Sneak Attack, and grants access to more telekinetic tricks.
Wizard (Abjuration or Divination) – Adds spellcasting and defensive abilities while maintaining Intelligence synergy.
Monk (Way of the Astral Self) – Works thematically, adding unarmed strikes and movement flexibility.
Sorcerer (Aberrant Mind) – Enhances psionic powers, giving more telepathic and mind-based abilities.

Best Weapons for Psi Warriors

Since Psi Warriors can excel in melee or ranged combat, different weapon choices suit different builds:

Greatsword / Maul – Best for Strength-based Psi Warriors who want high burst damage.
Longsword / Rapier + Shield – Balanced for durability and offense.
Longbow / Heavy Crossbow – Ideal for ranged Psi Warriors who want to use Psionic Strike at range.

Psi Warrior Playstyles & Advanced Builds

The Psionic Duelist (Dexterity-Based Build)

Core Strategy:

Use Telekinetic Thrust to control enemy movement.
Attack with a Rapier and rely on high AC and mobility.
Protective Field keeps you and allies alive.

Best Runes:

Telekinetic Thrust – Push enemies into hazards.
Bulwark of Force – Boost defense for allies in duels.
Psi-Powered Leap – Dart around the battlefield effortlessly.

The Force Knight (Strength-Based Build)

Core Strategy:

Use Greatsword + Psionic Strike for massive damage.
Take Sentinel and War Caster for melee control.
Use Telekinetic Movement to reposition.

Best Abilities:

Psionic Strike – Adds force damage to every hit.
Protective Field – Boosts defense and keeps teammates alive.
Strength Before Death – Unleash a final barrage before going unconscious.

The Jedi Knight (Intelligence-Based Build)

Core Strategy:

Use Telekinetic abilities and melee weapons.
Boost Intelligence for higher effectiveness with Psionic Energy Dice.
Multiclass into Wizard (Bladesinger or Abjuration) for spellcasting.

Best Feats:

Telekinetic – Improves your push/pull abilities.
Lucky – Helps land key attacks and avoid failure.
Alert – Ensures you go first and control the battlefield.

Tips for Using Psionic Abilities Efficiently

Use Psionic Strike on your strongest hit – Since it only triggers once per turn, maximize its impact.
Save Protective Field for big hits – Blocking a critical hit or high-damage attack is its best use.
Combine Telekinetic Thrust with battlefield hazards – Shove enemies off ledges, into lava, or into spell areas.
Use Psi-Powered Leap for positioning – Great for getting behind enemy lines or escaping grapples.

The Psi Warrior Fighter is one of the most unique and versatile subclasses in D&D 5e, excelling at telekinetic attacks, battlefield control, and supernatural resilience. If you want to play as a warrior with mind-powered combat abilities, this subclass is for you!