What is a character class?
Each player character that you create, or complex non-player characters, will have a class. This is something you can choose in character creation and it defines a lot of the customization options available to you. Classes are similar to a job in real life, but are more intrinsic to who the character is and what they represent. On a base level, there are two types of classes: martial and spellcasting. There are also some classes that use a little bit of both. Here is a closer look at the different types of classes.
Types of Classes
Martial
Martial classes rely on weapons and strength for attacks.
Spellcasters
Spellcasters use magic for their attacks and other actions.
Martial & Spellcasters
Some classes utilize both martial and spellcasting mutually.
There's too many to choose from!
Yes, it can seem like a lot, but once you narrow down what type of abilities you want your character to have, you can read more about each of the individual classes. Now, there is a lot of information about each individual class, but I've narrowed each one down to the basics so you can get a better idea of the essence of each class. When you are looking to put together a party of characters, it's important that you balance it so your adventure goes smoothly. To learn more about party composition, check out the Forming a Party page. If you want to know details about the classes, check out the resources page for places to find more detailed information.
Most Popular Classes
Data from D&D Beyond Report
Key
Martial
Spellcasting
Martial & Spellcasters
Barbarian
Barbarians are the muscle of the party, using their anger-fueled rage against enemies in combat.
- Strength
- Martial Class
Bard
Bards are supporting spellcasters who use their love for music, dance, and the arts to channel their magic and often become the life of the party.
- Charisma
- Spellcaster
Cleric
As the primary healers of the party, Clerics receive their divine magic through the worship of their deity.
- Wisdom
- Spellcaster
Druid
Druids channel their magic through their love of nature, animals, and the elemental world.
- Wisdom
- Spellcaster
Fighter
Fighters have the basic skills needed for all combat styles and are also experts in a specialized area of combat.
- Strength and Dexterity
- Martial Class
Monk
The channeling of their ki and special combat training allows Monks to fight with precision.
- Dexterity and Wisdom
- Martial Class
Paladin
A Paladin's powers come from their oath or promise to a cause, which provides them with divine magical boosts for their attacks.
- Strength and Charisma
- Spellcaster and Martial Class
Ranger
Rangers are in tune with the natural world around them, granting them magic that makes them especially good hunters and trackers.
- Dexterity and Wisdom
- Spellcaster and Martial Class
Rogue
Their stealthy and deceptive nature make Rogues skilled combatants who have expertise in a variety of areas.
- Dexterity
- Martial Class
Sorcerer
Harnessing their intrinsic magical ability, Sorcerers are uniquely powerful spellcasters.
- Charisma
- Spellcaster
Warlock
Warlocks are granted magic from a “patron”, such as an angel, devil or fairy, in exchange for performing services or favors for this higher being.
- Charisma
- Spellcaster
Wizard
Through deep study of magic, Wizards learn and understand the complexities of a variety of arcane secrets.
- Intelligence
- Spellcaster