Summary
Multiclassing has become a staple mechanic inDungeons and Dragons, particularly when it comes to character progression. After all,Multiclassing inD&Dmeans taking or “dipping” into the levels of another Class and integrating them into the build of a player character. As such, instead of having a character with levels exclusive to a Class, a Multiclass option adds much-needed originality to a character’s experience.
Unfortunately, with around 14 canonical Classes inD&D 5ealone, and with almost no limit as to how many Classes a character can dip into, the idea of Multiclassing can be quite overwhelming for beginners. Thankfully, a little tinkering can help players arrive at “meta” versions ofthe best Multiclassing combinations in D&D.
Updated June 24, 2025 by Rhenn Taguiam:With the 2024 Player’s Handbook revealing a lot of streamlined D&D mechanics that reinvigorated life into the classic TTRPG’s many classes and features, fans of the World’s Greatest TTRPG are likely excited to integrate these many components into their upcoming games.
However, for fans of the TTRPG who want to experiment with their builds, the game does offer various Multiclass combinations for players to try. Among Multiclass builds that players need to add to their arsenal include a Wizard who developed a penchant for the Fighter’s more active toolkit and a Bard whose holy fervor can lead to devastating attacks.
Features To Take Note
Abjuration Wizard 18
Arcane Recovery (Level 1), Arcane Ward (Level 2), Ability Score Improvement/Feat (Level 4, Level 8, Level 12, Level 16), Projected Ward (Level 6), Improved Abjuration (Level 10), Spell Resistance (Level 14), Spell Mastery (Level 18)
Fighter 2
Fighting Style: Protection, Second Wind (Level 1), Action Surge (Level 2)
When it comes tothinking of a Multiclass build inDungeons & Dragons, the Fighter becomes an easy choice of a Class dip. After all, just getting two levels in Fighter can give any build access to Action Surge, effectively securing an extra attack. When wielded by an Abjuration Wizard, this affords the Spellcaster more opportunities to dish out damage and protect allies at the same time. The most important component of this build is arguably the Proficiencies gained at the onset of the Fighter dip. Securing Heavy Armor Proficiency essentially allows Spellcasting while wearing the best protection possible, with the Save Proficiency on CON securing the Wizard’s defenses against more debilitating Spells.
Meanwhile, the Abjuration Wizard highlights this build’s potential for a tanking Spellcaster. It’s vital for this build to secure as many Ability Score Improvements toward INT as possible, as this secures the potency of their Arcane Ward. Securing a 2x Wizard Level + INT Mod shield that refills per Abjuration Spell cast makes the Wizard a force to reckon with, and Projected Ward enables the Wizard to become a long-ranged defender. There’s not much to worry about if the Ward runs out of juice, as Abjuration Spells cast grants 2x Spell Level back to the Ward.
College of Swords Bard 18
Bardic Inspiration (Level 1, 5, 10, 15), Jack of All Trades (Level 2), Magical Inspiration (Level 2), Fighting Style: Dueling (Level 3), Blade Flourish (Level 3), Expertise (Level 3, 10), Extra Attack (Level 6), Song of Rest (Level 2, 9, 13, 17), Ability Score Improvement (Level 4, 8, 12, 16), Font of Inspiration (Level 5), Countercharm (Level 6), Magical Secrets (Level 10, 14, 18), Master’s Flourish (Level 14)
Paladin 2
Divine Sense, Lay on Hands (Level 1), Fighting Style: Protection (Level 2), Divine Smite (Level 2)
Players who love the versatility of the Bard but don’t want to overcomplicate their Multiclass build should consider this rather straightforward setup. ThisDungeons & Dragonsbuild taps into the Paladin’s Divine Smite for that sweet +2d8 Radiant Damage nova, allowing basically any Class and their mother to get additional juice to their attacks. Lay on Hands should allow the Paladin to become an effective healer, working in tandem with the Bard’s Healing Word to consistently bring allies back to the fight. Using a Shield and Spear can make this build an effective mid-ranged combatant, taking up Polearm Master and potentially Sentinel via the Bard to maximize their defensive capabilities.
Meanwhile, players can skip Sentinel and Polearm Master to dump all Ability Score Improvements to CHA. This allows the College of Swords Bard to capitalize on their Bardic Inspiration, letting them throw bonus after bonus to allies who need them to amplify their attacks. Blade Flourish enables the Bard to diversify their repertoire of actions, either by boosting their AC, damaging multiple foes at once, or even enjoying more dynamic movement on the battlefield.
Hexblade’s Curse (Level 1)
Pact of the Blade (Level 3)
Armor of Hexes (Level 10)
Lay on Hands (Level 1)
Extra Attack (Level 5)
Aura of Protection (Level 6)
TheHexblade Paladinis a no-brainer when it comes to a Multiclass Build inDungeons & Dragonsgameplay, especially when the Warlock and Paladin already share the Charisma Ability as their main Spellcasting crux. However, players can still find ways to hyper-optimize this setup to maximize its benefits. At its core, grabbing a Variant Human Paladin and the Great Weapon Master (Feat) early on can theoretically secure +10 Damage consistently, with the -5 to Attack Roll setback mitigated by using Bless (1st-Level Spell). Divine Smite (Paladin, Level 2) remains the primary source of extra damage for this build, even when players begin dipping into Warlock.
However, it’s precisely with Warlock that players get much-needed flexibility with this kit. Eldritch Invocations such as Eldritch Mind can give players more wiggle room to attack while maintaining Concentration on buffs. Meanwhile, the two-attack option of Thirsting Blade can enhance DPS before and even after getting Extra Attack. Lastly, Eldritch Smite can abuse Warlock Spell Slots for even more Smiting opportunities. Near the endgame, spectral allies in the form of Summon Shadowspawn can give the Hexblade Paladin and their team much-needed logistical support.
Form of Dread (Level 1)
Favored by the Gods (Level 1)
Font of Magic (Level 2)
Magical Guidance (Level 5)
Otherworldly Wings (Level 14)
TheEcho Knight’s ability to summon an Echoalready allows them to cover different ranges in combat, thanks to their clone attacking from afar. It’s this simple mechanic that theEcholockerabuses, especially when the Echo’s properties are brought to the forefront. To prepare for these shenanigans, players are advised to take up Variant Human for War Caster (Feat), build up to generating fear via Form of Dread (Undead Warlock, Level 1), as well as the expanded Spell options of Metamagic (Sorcerer, Level 3). When put together, these elements can make the Echolocker tremendously overpowered even against tougher foes.
At its core, players need to do whatever it takes to make opponents fall into the immediate range of the Echo. These can come in the form of crowd control effects like Web, or players abusing the fact that the Echo can be teleported much further and still make an attack since they only disappear after the players end their turn. The moment enemies try to move, Opportunity Attacks will trigger and War Caster can replace an ordinary melee attack with Eldritch Blast. If enemies try to eliminate the Echo before this happens, players can reposition the Echo up in the air to make hitting it more difficult.
Stalker’s Fury (Level 11)
Action Surge (Level 2)
Combat Superiority (Level 3)
The Ranger andthe Rogue Multiclassremain an ever-present combination forDungeons & Dragonsplayers, especially with how well the Classes blend their ranged and melee specializations. SecuringGloom Stalker Rangeras a starting Class gives players much-needed utility to survive dungeons on top of always trying to get hits by squeezing as many Attacks in an Action as often as possible, securing potential damage output that can cripple enemy forces before they strike back.
The Ranger’s ferocity pairs greatly with theAssassin Rogueand their arsenal of stealth-specializing ambushes, giving players a headstart as a DPS should they secure surprise rounds via Sneak Attacks. Lastly, dipping intoBattle Master Fightercan add much-needed versatility via Maneuvers.
Song of Rest (Level 2)
Font Of Magic/Sorcery Points (Level 2)
Metamagic (Level 3)
Sometimes, the best way to eliminate enemies is to do so with precision and ferocity, which is something this particularDungeons & Dragonsbuildemphasizes with the guaranteed criticals from theAssassin Rogueon Sneak Attacks against surprised opponents. Building upon this perk is the capability to pull off a burst turn per round, especially when stacking damage buffs from theHexblade Warlockand theWhispers Bardon top of theVengeance Paladin’s extra Smites.
Even with depleting Spell Slots across rounds, dipping intoFighteradds versatility with Action Surge, whereasAny Sorcererdip could provide much-needed Metamagic to enhance Spells. It’s recommended to do this build with a Half-Elf to further optimize their base stats, especially when it comes to their attack modifiers.
Disciple of Life (Level 1)
Divine Magic (Level 1)
Favored By The Gods (Level 1)
Despite the immediate risk of prioritizing multiple Ability Scores for intense Multiclass combinations, there are ways of including as manyDungeons & DragonsClassesas possible into a build that may still be able to perform in combat. At its core, this particular build maximizes the capabilities of theGloom Stalker Rangeras a round-one burst damage specialist before retreating into a standard attacker/sub-support role.
The latter strategy is made possible withBattle Master FighterManeuvers, as well as theLife Clericfor enhanced casting. The build becomes more “specialized” with the arrival of theAssassin Rogue,theHexblade Warlock, andDivine Soul Sorcererdips. Thanks to their levels, Sneak Attacks elevate base damage numbers, while Pact Magic expands the character’s arsenal of spells.
Manifest Echo (Level 3)
Unleash Incarnation (Level 3)
Imagine a Barbarian unleashing unchecked fury from any direction they wish. This is the kind of versatility theEcho Knightprovides the Barbarian, especially since their Unleash Incarnation allows the Echo Knight to change the point of origin of their combos. With the Barbarian giving default access to an attack-enhancingRage mechanic inD&Dgameplay, the Echo Knight’s nigh-teleporting abilities can help players make more targeted Raging attacks.
However, even if theStorm Herald Barbarianis durable enough to become a potent tank, dipping in any level will give up their Level 20 Capstone that gives them +4 Strength and Constitution. Players need to consider their party synergies before proceeding to dip in Echo Knight, as this dip may drastically lessen the Barbarian’s damage output and Hit Point total in exchange for combat versatility.
Evasion (Level 7)
Reliable Talent (Level 11)
Fitting thearchetypal min-max maneuverwhen it comes toD&D 5emechanics, the Ranger-Roguecombination easily taps into the Classes’ innate versatility on top of a nifty Dexterity 13 requirement. Key to the build is being able to selectany Rangerarchetype, giving players enough freedom to approach combat in a variety of styles depending on what the party needs.
However, where this Multiclass build shines is theAssassin Rogueand its potential to transform the Ranger into a damage powerhouse. Thanks to Assassinate, the Ranger can capitalize on their ability to scout ahead safely and dish out an immediate Critical Hit to an unsuspecting enemy - which can be useful in missions where players know they’re facing a boss.
Balm of the Summer Court (Level 2)
Walker in Dreams (Level 14)
Channel Divinity (Level 2)
Sharing a reliance on the Wisdom Attribute makes both the Druid and the Cleric an effective Multiclass combo inD&D 5eplaythroughs. At its core, the versatility of a Druid’s utility and crowd control options can add more flexibility to the buff-heavy Cleric and vice versa, with aCircle of Dreams Druidin tandem with aLife Clericmaking for a powerhouse healer.
At first glance, the healing provided by the Dreams Druid should be enough to cover most of the party’s recovery needs. Not to mention, Wild Shape on top of Dreams utilities can make the Druid a tank in their own right. However, dipping into the Life Domain in particular gives players access tomuch-needed Cleric Cantripsand lower-level Spells that can bolster the player’s arsenal of buffs.
