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

The Rune Knight Fighter is a master of giant-infused power, combining strength, magic runes, and battlefield control. Introduced in Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything, this subclass is perfect for players who want to channel the ancient magic of giants, grow in size, and wield runes that grant incredible abilities.

Unlike other Fighters who focus on raw combat skill, Rune Knights gain magical enhancements, bonus damage, and utility abilities that make them tanky, powerful, and versatile. If you love the idea of a warrior infused with the ancient strength of the giants, this subclass is for you!

Why Play a Rune Knight Fighter?

Key Benefits

• Magical Rune Engravings – Gain runes that provide both passive and active abilities.
• Giant’s Might Feature – Grow in size, gain advantage on Strength checks, and deal extra damage.
• One of the Best Grapplers – Huge size and Strength-based bonuses make grappling extremely effective.
• Boosted Defenses & Utility – Runes provide resistance to damage, skill bonuses, and control effects.
• Incredible Roleplay Potential – Play as a warrior blessed by giant ancestors or infused with ancient runic power.

Compared to other Fighters, Rune Knights are incredibly durable and offer strong magical enhancements while maintaining powerful martial combat abilities.

Core Features

Key Mechanics and Abilities

Bonus Proficiencies (Level 3)

• Gain proficiency in Smith’s Tools.
• Learn to speak, read, and write Giant.
• Example: Perfect for crafting, forging weapons, or deciphering ancient runic inscriptions.

Rune Carver (Level 3, 7, 10, 15)

• Choose 2 runes at level 3 and gain more as you level up.
• Runes provide passive benefits and activated abilities once per short rest.
• Example: Fire Rune boosts Strength saves and lets you restrain enemies.

Giant’s Might (Level 3)

• Once per turn, grow to Large size for 1 minute.
• Gain advantage on Strength checks and saving throws.
• Deal extra damage equal to 1d8 once per turn.
• Example: Use this to grapple enemies, carry massive objects, or simply smash foes with enhanced strength.

Runic Shield (Level 7)

• Use your reaction to force an enemy to reroll a successful attack against an ally within 60 feet.
• Example: An enemy lands a critical hit on your wizard? Make them reroll and potentially miss.

Great Stature (Level 10)

• Grow an additional 3d4 inches taller permanently.
• Your Giant’s Might damage increases to 1d10.
• Example: Become an even more imposing, towering warrior.

Master of Runes (Level 15)

• Each rune can be used twice per short or long rest instead of once.
• Example: More Fire Rune shackles, more Cloud Rune misdirection, and more utility per battle.

Runic Juggernaut (Level 18)

• Grow to Huge size when using Giant’s Might.
• Giant’s Might bonus damage increases to 1d12.
• Example: Become a towering force of destruction, grappling enemies the size of buildings.

These abilities make Rune Knights one of the most powerful, tanky, and utility-rich Fighters, capable of battlefield control, damage boosts, and magical resistances.

Choosing Your Runes

Rune Knights can choose from 6 different runes, each granting unique benefits. Here are the best picks:

Best Runes for Offense:

• Fire Rune – Boosts Strength (Athletics) checks and shackles enemies for extra damage.
• Frost Rune – Increases Strength and Constitution saving throws, making you even tougher.

Best Runes for Defense:

• Hill Rune – Resistance to bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage.
• Stone Rune – Gives Darkvision and lets you charm an enemy, forcing them to do nothing for a turn.

Best Runes for Utility:

• Cloud Rune – Redirect an attack to another creature.
• Storm Rune – Gain advantage on saving throws and see into the future, giving advantage or disadvantage on rolls.

Suggested Ability Scores

• Primary: Strength – Boosts melee attacks, grappling, and overall damage.
• Secondary: Constitution – Increases HP and survivability.
• Tertiary: Intelligence – Helps with roleplay and the Storm Rune’s divination ability.

Recommended Races

Since Rune Knights focus on Strength, Constitution, and magical enhancements, the best races include:

• Goliath – Perfect flavor and mechanics with Stone’s Endurance and extra Strength.
• Firbolg – Giant lineage, Wisdom boost, and innate magic make this a thematic choice.
• Half-Orc – Savage Attacks and Relentless Endurance make you an unstoppable tank.
• Mountain Dwarf – Extra Strength and Constitution make you even harder to kill.

Playing as a Rune Knight Fighter

Role in a Party

• Frontline Tank & Damage Dealer – Grow in size, grapple enemies, and resist damage.
• Battlefield Controller – Use Cloud Rune to redirect attacks and Fire Rune to restrain enemies.
• Utility & Support – Use Storm Rune and Runic Shield to manipulate combat in your favor.

Compared to other Fighters, Rune Knights excel at tanking, battlefield control, and using runes to gain magical advantages in combat.

Tips for New Players

• Use Giant’s Might every combat – There’s no reason to hold back, as it gives you free damage and advantage on Strength checks.
• Pick runes that fit your playstyle – If you want to be tanky, choose Hill Rune; if you want control, choose Cloud Rune.
• Use Runic Shield to protect allies – It’s a game-changer when an ally is about to take a big hit.
• Focus on grappling & shoving – Your large size and Strength advantage make these incredibly effective.

Roleplay Suggestions

• The Giantborn Warrior – A descendant of giants who seeks to awaken their ancestral power.
• The Runic Guardian – A protector of ancient ruins, entrusted with the knowledge of giant runes.
• The Titan’s Chosen – A mortal chosen by the gods to wield the strength of giants.

Gear and Dice Recommendations

Suggested Equipment

Weapons

• Greatsword or Greataxe – Best for high damage output.
• Warhammer or Maul – Fits the giant theme and works well with grappling.

Armor

• Plate Armor – Maximum AC for frontline combat.
• Half Plate or Breastplate – For a Strength-based but more mobile Rune Knight.

Magic Items

• Belt of Giant Strength – Massively increases your Strength, making you unstoppable.
• Cloak of Protection – +1 AC and saving throws to make you even tankier.
• Ring of Free Action – Prevents slow effects, perfect for a giant-sized warrior.

Dice Recommendations from Runic Dice

Enhance your giant-infused warrior aesthetic with these runic-themed dice sets:

• Titan’s Might: For stone-gray and glowing blue hues evoking ancient runes, consider the Labradorite Gemstone DND Dice Set. Handcrafted from genuine labradorite, these dice exhibit a gray base with iridescent blue flashes, capturing the essence of a titan's power.
• Stormcaller: To represent storm giants with swirling white and gray tones, the Gemstone Gray Cats Eye Stone DND Dice Set is an excellent choice. This set features a gray hue with a cat's eye effect, reflecting the dynamic energy of a storm.
• Runeforged: For intricate runic designs with gold and silver accents, the Gemstone Opalite (Gold Font) DND Dice Set offers an iridescent appearance with shimmering gold numbering, embodying the craftsmanship of runeforged artifacts.

Advanced Tips and Tricks

Optimization Strategies

Best Feats for a Rune Knight Fighter

• Tavern Brawler – Perfect for grappling-focused builds; lets you make unarmed strikes and grapple as a bonus action.
• Great Weapon Master – Massively boosts damage when using a two-handed weapon, especially with Giant’s Might for extra damage per hit.
• Sentinel – Prevents enemies from escaping your reach, perfect for battlefield control and tanking.
• Crusher – Great for bludgeoning weapons, letting you move enemies and control positioning.
• Resilient (Wisdom) – Boosts your Wisdom saving throws, making you less vulnerable to mind-control effects.

Multiclassing for a Rune Knight Fighter

• Barbarian (Path of the Zealot or Bear Totem) – Rage reduces damage taken and stacks with Rune Knight’s durability. Great for grappling builds.
• Rogue (Swashbuckler or Scout) – Gains Sneak Attack, making a Dexterity-based Rune Knight a mobile damage dealer.
• Wizard (Abjuration or Bladesinger) – Adds spellcasting for extra versatility while maintaining martial strength.
• Cleric (Forge or War Domain) – Provides divine magic and even more durability.

Best Weapons for Rune Knights

• Greatsword / Greataxe – Pairs well with Great Weapon Master for high-damage attacks.
• Warhammer / Maul – Fits the theme of a giant-powered warrior while dealing solid damage.
• Spear / Pike + Shield – If you prefer a tankier build, a one-handed weapon with a shield works great.

Rune Knight Playstyles & Advanced Builds

The Titan Grappler (Best for Strength-based Rune Knights)

Core Strategy:

• Use Giant’s Might to become Large or Huge for grappling advantages.
• Take Tavern Brawler or Crusher to enhance control.
• Use Fire Rune to restrain enemies while grappling them.

Best Runes:

• Frost Rune (Boosts Strength and Constitution saving throws)
• Fire Rune (Automatically restrains enemies after a hit)
• Hill Rune (Gives damage resistance)

The Juggernaut Tank (Best for tanky frontliners)

Core Strategy:

• Use Hill Rune for resistance to bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage.
• Take Sentinel to prevent enemies from escaping your reach.
• Use Runic Shield to force enemy rerolls when they target allies.

Best Runes:

• Hill Rune (Grants resistance to physical damage)
• Cloud Rune (Redirects enemy attacks)
• Storm Rune (Provides advantage on saving throws and boosts battlefield control)

The Arcane Giant Slayer (Best for Intelligence-based Rune Knights)

Core Strategy:

• Use Storm Rune to gain advantage on attack rolls and saving throws.
• Take Resilient (Wisdom) to avoid mind-affecting spells.
• Multiclass into Wizard (Abjuration or Bladesinger) for added spell versatility.

Best Runes:

• Storm Rune (Allows advantage on saving throws)
• Stone Rune (Charm effect for battlefield control)
• Cloud Rune (Redirect enemy attacks)

Tips for Using Giant’s Might Efficiently

• Use it at the start of combat – There’s no reason to hold back, as it provides free bonus damage and Strength advantages.
• Always grapple enemies when possible – Your Large or Huge size makes it extremely difficult for smaller creatures to escape.
• Combine it with Sentinel or Polearm Master – For maximum battlefield control.

Rune Knights are among the most versatile and powerful Fighters, excelling in damage, durability, and battlefield control. Whether you want to crush enemies with giant-sized strength, redirect attacks with magical runes, or become an unkillable juggernaut, the Rune Knight provides incredible build flexibility.