Fighter 5E Guide [Abilities, Strategies And Impactful Role]

Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) is nothing short of an exciting, immersive, and interactive universe waiting to pull you into its depths.

The Fighter 5E, a robust character class in the D&D world, is one such fascinating avenue to explore as you embark on your fantasy adventure.

This iconic class holds immense appeal for both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Why? The Fighter 5E offers not only strength and combat prowess but also gives you the flexibility to craft your unique warrior tale by donning diverse roles.

From a courageous knight to a ruthless mercenary to a seasoned war veteran. Let’s demystify this popular character class and help you maximize your game strategy with Fighter 5E.

What is Fighter 5E in D&D?

The Fighter 5E in Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) is a versatile, weapons-oriented character class that is especially suited for combat situations.

It’s known for its superior fighting capabilities, hit points, and armor proficiency. This class has access to a wide range of weapons and armor, enabling them to be an effective force on the battlefield irrespective of the choice of weapon or fighting style.

They are often placed on the front lines in combat due to their ability to withstand sustained damage. Fighters also have multiple attacks with Action Surges and can specialize in different areas through their subclass choices, referred to as their “Martial Archetypes.”

The Fighter Table

Level	Bonus	Features
1st	+2	Fighting Style, Second Wind
2nd	+2	Action Surge (one use)
3rd	+2	Martial Archetype
4th	+2	Ability Score Improvement
5th	+3	Extra Attack
6th	+3	Ability Score Improvement
7th	+3	Martial Archetype Feature
8th	+3	Ability Score Improvement
9th	+4	Indomitable (one use)
10th	+4	Martial Archetype Feature
11th	+4	Extra Attack (2)
12th	+4	Ability Score Improvement
13th	+5	Indomitable (two uses)
14th	+5	Ability Score Improvement
15th	+5	Martial Archetype Feature
16th	+5	Ability Score Improvement
17th	+6	Action Surge (two uses), Indomitable (three uses)
18th	+6	Martial Archetype Feature
19th	+6	Ability Score Improvement
20th	+6	Extra Attack (3)

The Hit Points of Fighter 5E Class

At the heart of any epic warrior tale in D&D is your Fighter’s admirable resilience, which is determined by points called ‘Hit Points (HP).’

A crucial asset that no D&D player can overlook, Hit Points determine your Fighter’s ability to withstand damage and still stand strong.

Though all character classes have distinctive hit points, the Fighter class holds especially high scores due to its front-line warrior role. Let’s delve into these essential aspects represented by the Fighter 5E’s Hit Dice, HP at the first level and higher-level HP.

Hit Dice

The Hit Dice indicates your fighter’s potential to regain lost hit points during a short rest in the game. For every fighter level, you receive a 1d10 Hit Die. This means if you’re a 3rd level fighter, you’ll have three such dice that can be used to recover hit points over short rests.

Hit Points at 1st Level

Hit Points play a definitive role right from your first level as a Fighter in determining your character’s vitality and resilience. You begin with an initial score that is equal to 10 plus a constitution modifier (the numerical representation of your character’s physique).

So, if you have a constitution modifier of +2, for example, at the first level, you’d start with a whopping 12 hit points. The constitution modifier, hence, plays an indispensable part in beefing up those initial hit points.

Hit Points at Higher Levels

As you ascend to higher levels in D&D’s thrilling universe with the valiant Fighter class, dealing numerous destructive blows may gradually diminish your hit points.

Fear not – for each fighter level after first, refresh it with additional hit points equal to either a roll of 1d10 or a standard value of 6 (your choice), plus your constitution modifier per fighter level.

If you are a 2nd level Fighter with a constitution modifier of +3, you could potentially recover 13 hit points (10 from the Hit Die and 3 from the constitution modifier) during advancement.

Understanding these critical mechanics concerning the Fighter 5E’s hit points can be pivotal to your gaming strategy for survival and resilience in your D&D campaign.

This quantifiable measure of health isn’t just a number but an embodiment of your Fighter’s ability to take down enemies while standing firm amidst fierce battles.

Harness this strength, prepare better for the physically taxing adventures that await, and relish every compelling chapter of your Fighter story.

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Fighter Class Features and Skills

When you choose the Fighter class, you’re stepping into the shoes of a powerful warrior skilled in all forms of combat. Your journey won’t be just about swinging swords or drawing bows; you’ll gain mastery over unique abilities that’ll shape your character’s path. Here’s an in-depth look at some of the key abilities at your disposal.

Fighting Style

As a Fighter, one of your first defining decisions would be to choose your Fighting Style. This reflects not just the kind of fighter you are but also molds the way you approach a battle.

At the second level, options like Archery give you remarkable prowess with ranged weapons, while Defense offers extra armor when fully armored.

If up-close and personal combat suits your style, then Great Weapon Fighting might be right up your alley as it lets you reroll low-damage dice for weapons wielded with both hands.

Second Wind

Second Wind is another perk that fighters get early in their journey. True to its name, Second Wind is all about resilience – bouncing back when things look grim.

As a bonus action on your turn, you can regain hit points – it’s like having a built-in healing potion. The number of hit points restored is equivalent to 1d10+your fighter level.

Once you use this feature, though, make sure to remember that it requires a short or long rest before being usable again.

Action Surge

Action Surge – this is where things get truly exciting. As its name suggests, Action Surge allows fighters to surge beyond their standard capabilities and pack an extra punch when it matters most by giving them an additional action on top of their regular action and their bonus action. You can use this skill once per short or long rest period from the second level onwards, so use it wisely.

Extra Attack

What’s better than landing one solid hit on an enemy? Landing two! The ‘Extra Attack’ feature kicks in at level 5, and your Fighter class character can attack twice instead of once whenever you take the Attack action on your turn.

This means you double your chances to deal damage every time your turn comes around. As you level up, ‘Extra Attack’ improves further, allowing even more attacks.

Indomitable

Last but by no means least is the wildly useful ‘Indomitable’ feature. Fighters have a reputation for not giving up easily, and the ‘Indomitable’ feature practically embodies this tenacity.

It kicks in at level 9 and allows you to reroll a saving throw that you fail. In other words, it’s like a second chance at escaping traps or resisting spells that can adversely affect your combat capabilities.

Superiority Dice

Superiority dice add interesting maneuverability and strategy depth to the Fighter’s arsenal. This gives your character more choices in combat – you aren’t just swinging a sword or firing arrows blindly; you’re executing specific, smart combat tactics.

These dice come into play when using ‘Battlemaster maneuvers,’ another feature we’ll discuss soon. You start with four superiority dice, which are d8s.

The number of superiority dice increases as you level up, and the die becomes a d10 at the 10th level and a d12 at the 18th level.

Maneuvers

Maneuvers are an advanced combat technique that provides your Fighter with unique options during battles. Maneuvers allow you to expend superiority dice to execute specific tactics like disarming your enemy.

Scoring a feinting attack for better accuracy and damage on the next go or evading incoming attacks with a parry. These cunning strategies provide fabulous versatility in your combat approaches.

Martial Archetype

As part of your martial education as a Fighter, at the third level, it’s time to decide which Martial Archetype suits your fighting style best.

Each Martial Archetype – Champion, Battle Master, or Eldritch Knight – offers unique abilities that further shape your character’s development path in terms of fighting techniques and skill adaptation.

Remarkable Athlete

At the seventh level, Fighters obtain access to ‘Remarkable Athlete,’ an ability that makes them progressively better at pretty much everything physical.

Half of your proficiency bonus is added (rounded up) to any Strength, Dexterity, or Constitution check you perform that does not already include it. This feature also bumps up the distance covered when making long jumps.

Additional Fighting Style

At the tenth level, Fighters earn an Additional Fighting Style> Choose wisely because this choice will significantly shape how your character functions during combat encounters.

Whether you wish to improve upon an existing fighting style or venture into an entirely new one, this feature allows your Fighter to refine and perfect their combat prowess.

Survivor

As you inch closer to mastering the Fighter class, you’ll discover newfound strength in the form of the aptly named Survivor. This skill serves as a testament to your character’s unstoppable determination.

With Survivor, if you have no more than half of your hit points at the start of your turn, you regain hit points equal to five plus your Constitution modifier but not beyond your total hit points.

It’s as if resilience against damage becomes a part of your character’s very nature. This is undoubtedly an exceptional boon for any combat situation.

Eldritch Knight Spellcasting

Eldritch Knight Spellcasting gives an interesting twist to the Fighter’s combat style by weaving magic into their repertoire. While Fighters traditionally excel in physical combat, becoming an Eldritch Knight ties them into the arcane arts.

This opens up access to a range of spells from the wizard class list that can be utilized alongside weapon attacks for diversified strategies.

Weapon Bond

Fighters who choose the path of Eldritch Knights gain another intriguing ability: Weapon Bond. Essentially, it connects a weapon to its essence via magical tethering.

You’ll never lose this bonded weapon unless you choose to since it can be recalled with just a bonus action and appear instantaneously in hand, regardless of distance or obstacles. No one else can wield it unless you allow it.

War Magic

War Magic is another key feature in shaping Eldritch Knights’ playstyle within the Fighter 5E class. By using War Magic, your fighter can make one weapon attack after casting a cantrip as part of their attack action, marrying together swordplay and spell-slinging. If calculated right, these chained actions can result in jarringly effective offensive moves.

Eldritch Strike

In this realm where swordplay meets sorcery, Eldritch Strike presents an extraordinary advantage in level 10+ battles.

After hitting creatures with weapons attacks while playing as an Eldritch Knight, this feature causes creatures hit to have a disadvantage on the next saving throw against a spell- an incredible strategic aid in your magical arsenal.

Arcane Charge

Eldritch Knights gain a nifty battlefield mobility perk at level 15: Arcane Charge. Activating after Action Surge, it enables teleportation of up to 30 feet to an unoccupied space you see. The role of a knight never seemed so arcane or thrilling!

Improved War Magic

Following War Magic, Improved War Magic amplifies your Eldritch Knight’s attack action capabilities.

At the 18th level, when you cast a spell as an action, not just cantrips, you can make one weapon attack as a bonus action on the same turn.

Fusing physical strength and magical prowess, this feature truly underlines the double-edged sword that Eldritch Knights can be.

Fighter 5E Feats

Mastering the art of combat as a Fighter 5E involves choosing from an extensive array of feats. Think of these as special abilities that can boost your character’s skills, turning them into a formidable force on the battlefield.

Let’s delve deeper into five notable feats that could morph your Fighter 5E into an immense asset for your party.

Alert

The “Alert” feat is about enhancing your character’s agility and awareness. As someone who’s always on alert, you stand to gain a substantial advantage in battle.

Score an impressive +5 to the initiative and never be surprised while conscious of an invaluable benefit when sudden threats occur. Furthermore, evade hidden attacks like a pro since enemies no longer possess an advantage over you due to their stealthy moves.

Investing in “Alert” can take your gameplay experience to new heights by ensuring you’re not caught off guard by opponents again.

Charger

The “Charger” feat bestows upon your Fighter 5E the capacity for tremendous burst damage during movement-heavy rounds — ideally suited when your normal action economy would otherwise limit it.

You rush into battle headlong, effectively using Dash as an additional action when lacking regular ones to attack. If you move at least 10 feet before striking, take a bonus action, either performing a melee attack with added +5 damage or shoving enemies up to 10 feet away.

The “Charger” feat enables quick engagement from a distance and positioning control coupled with great offensive potential.

Crossbow Expert

As a “Crossbow Expert,” unlock the real power of range weapons. Paired with the right equipment, you transform into a lethal sniper that can fire multiple bolts per round without any disadvantage at close quarters whatsoever.

It is truly optimal for combat scenarios where space is limited. And it doesn’t end there; this feat awards you one more exciting bonus attack with a hand crossbow when another one-handed weapon is in play, dealing a significant amount of damage.

Embrace the “Crossbow Expert,” and never worry about annoying close-combat disadvantages again.

Defensive Duelist

Finesse-weapons wielders – pay attention! The “Defensive Duelist” feat empowers those leaning towards nimbler battles rather than raw strength.

Should an attack slip past your armor class when equipped with a finesse weapon, use your reaction to augment your AC with your proficiency bonus.

That’s potentially all it takes to turn a hit into a miss. Where offense may win games, remember that defense wins championships. Let “Defensive Duelist” ensure that you stand tall at the apex of victory.

Dual Wielder

The “Dual Wielder” feat serves as an incredible choice for those fascinated with twin melee combat. Weave through battles wielding any two one-handed weapons even without the Light property.

This feat extends tactical combat options and carries offensive potential. Moreover, you gain +1 to AC while dual-wielding and can draw/stow two weapons simultaneously at no extra cost.

Flexibility with choosing weapons opens up great engaging storytelling scenarios for your Fighter 5E – imagine flying through the battlefield carving your path to victory.

Durable

The “Durable” feat is a narrow yet potent option that bolsters your constitution and hardiness. It amplifies your healing ability by ensuring you roll a minimum number of hit points equivalent to twice your Constitution modifier whenever recovering hit dice during short rests.

This means more reliable health regeneration, which is crucial in a character class known for bearing the brunt of enemy attacks, by adopting the “Durable” feat.

You’re taking the step to keep your Fighter 5E in fighting shape for longer – A move that will undoubtedly prove invaluable as you engage in tenacious combat.

Great Weapon Master

Few feats embody raw power as much as “Great Weapon Master.” It turns your Fighter 5E into a fearsome damage-dealing force when wielding heavy weapons.

Choose the fighter’s great weapon fighting mode and cleave through foes with critical hits and annihilating kills. Accept a minor accuracy penalty (5), and in return, deal massive damage (+10) when your blows land!

If you dispatch an enemy or score a critical hit in combat, gain a bonus melee swing! It’s potent but used wisely – missing swings can be painful!

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Heavy Armor Master

Ever dreamt of being the indestructible core within your adventuring party? The “Heavy Armor Master” feat makes this vision achievable.

As long as you’re clad in heavy armor, reduce all non-magical bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage by 3. The advantage? You’ll be absorbing blows like they are meager scratches.

Plus, it adds +1 to Strength, enhancing carrying capacity along with melee damage output. Truly embody resilience with “Heavy Armor Master” by mitigating considerable incoming harm over several rounds of engagement.

Mage Slayer

In every D&D world lies magic-wielding adversaries—prepare yourself with the “Mage Slayer” feat. Enable opportunities for your Fighter 5E to disrupt enemy spellcasters effectively.

Strike at those casting spells within your melee reach and impose concentration checks disadvantage on them – restrict them from casting freely.

Gain an advantage on saving throws against foes’ spells when in melee range. If they try to teleport away or create distance, utilize your reaction for an attack of opportunity! Remember this: Magic should never go unchecked.

Martial Adept

The allure of the “Martial Adept” feat lies in its versatility. By adopting one superiority dice (a d6) and two maneuvers from the Battlemaster archetype, your Fighter 5E gains a taste of tactical finesse.

Whether you want trip attacks for battlefield control, precise strikes for sharper damage potential, or commander’s strikes to optimize ally offensive strategies, this feat has you covered.

The limited use per short or long rest underscores the need for strategic implementation, enhancing gameplay complexity and excitement while ensuring balance.

Mobile

The “Mobile” feat is designed to keep you agile and on your toes during clashes. It increases your movement speed by a useful 10 feet, letting you dart effortlessly around the battlefield.

When using Dash, navigation becomes breezier, ignoring difficult terrain hindrances. Plus, a weapon attack against an enemy frees you from combatant engagement, granting free rein to stride away without provoking opportunity attacks.

Ensuring an efficient hit-and-run strategy for your Fighter 5E can often be the difference between standing victorious or being struck down.

Mounted Combatant

An enticing option for those drawn towards cavalier feats is the “Mounted Combatant.” This feature enhances your prowess when riding mounts in battle.

Set yourself up with this feat and become capable of directing damage intended for your mount to yourself, ensuring their survival.

Benefit from getting an advantage on melee attack rolls against unmounted enemies of size smaller than your mount, a great boon in many encounters.

Dodging dreadful area-based attacks becomes easier, as any Dexterity saving throw that your mount makes converts a success into no damage and failure into merely half-damage.

Polearm Master

Aspiring crowd controllers would benefit greatly from the “Polearm Master” feat for Fighter 5E. This particular skill converts quarterstaffs and similar weapons into versatile tools for both offense and defense.

Wielding such weapons allows using a bonus action to strike at opponents, with the weapon’s other end causing additional damage.

Creatures provoking opportunity attacks whenever they enter your reach afford broader control over the battlefield! Choose the Polearm Master as a tactical crowd control extraordinaire, a reliable pillar amidst stormy battle chaos.

Sentinel

If guarding allies and regulating enemies’ movement is more appealing to you, then look no further than Sentinel. This feat empowers Fighters with hefty control skills on the battlefield, making you quite literally a tough roadblock for foes.

Your opportunity attacks halt enemies in their tracks, nullifying their movement. If creatures within 5 feet of you undergo an attack, use a reaction to deliver a punishing melee strike in retaliation.

Sentinel can reduce foes to a crawl, shape battlefield engagement, and turn any Fighter into the protector their allies can always rely on. Indeed, it is a powerhouse skill to possess in controlling skirmishes to your side’s advantage.

Sharpshooter

Sharpshooters are the battlefield’s sharp-eyed experts, making maximum use of long-ranged weapons. This feat allows your Fighter 5E to make precise and lethal attacks without suffering from the usual range and cover penalties.

By choosing to take a – 5 hit penalty, you can add an explosive +10 to the damage roll – a daring gamble that might pay off splendidly.

From sniping distant threats to striking behind shields, “Sharpshooter” leaves little room for your adversaries to breathe. Master this feat, and let your arrows strike true!

Shield Master

Stand as an unbreakable bastion on the frontline with the “Shield Master” feat. This powerful ability lets you use a shield not just for defense but also as an offensive tool.

You can shove enemies with it after attacking or divert force from destructive spells to bypass damage. Apply your shield’s AC bonus to Dexterity saving throws against harmful effects targeting only you—a genuine lifesaver in dire situations. As a Shield Master, nothing gets past your steadfast guard.

Tough

“Tough” is an often-overlooked yet vital feat that bolsters the staying power of Fighter 5E on the battlefield. Every level gained (including past levels) awards two additional hit points, potentially a massive HP boost and truly embodying its name’s spirit.

“Tough” isn’t about flashy moves or complicated dynamics; it’s pure durability, ensuring that you endure through arduous battles where every single health point counts.

War Caster

While the Fighter 5E class is renowned for their martial prowess, they could also adopt arcane arts with “War Caster.” This indispensable feat ensures casting isn’t disrupted by stressful combats: advantage on Constitution saving rolls keeps concentration spells intact under duress.

At the same time, somatic components weave seamlessly into weapon & shield handling. Most thrillingly, use spells for opportunity attacks, perhaps catching enemies off guard with a sudden booming blade or shocking grasp.

War Caster truly melds magic with might for your Fighter 5E, paving the path to becoming an acclaimed spell sword.

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Fighter 5E Weapons

The martial weapons in Fighter 5E lay the foundation for crafting your battle narratives, with each weapon boasting distinct features and advantages.

Understanding these weapons can catapult your combat strategy to new heights. So, let’s grip onto the intricacies of this weaponry to give you an edge on the battlefield.

Javelin

No one can overlook the unique blend of range and melee utility that a Javelin offers in Fighter 5E. Lightweight and precisely balanced, the Javelin is perfect if you wish to induce damage from afar without compromising on melee capabilities.

With a throwing range of 30/120 ft, it deals piercing damage and is equally impactful when employed as a melee weapon. So, if all-out combat isn’t your thing, keeping enemies at bay with your trusty weapon might be your ticket to victory.

Whip

A seemingly unassuming weapon capable of unleashing surprising levels of destruction – that’s a whip for you! It affords Fighters extended reach with its distinct 10-foot range capability while delivering a slashing damage type.

Although relatively low on-base damage compared to other weapons, it more than compensates with its finesse property, where your dexterity modifier could compensate for strength while attacking.

Shortsword

If agility dictates your combat style more than brute strength, a Shortsword will be an essential ally in your armory arsenal. A Shortsword is all about delivering quick slices with finesse and compelling stealth attacks, thanks to its light and easy-to-conceal nature that partners wonderfully well with high Dexterity scores.

Rapier

The Rapier calls out to those fighters who favor refinement in their warfare strategy over raw power. It is famous for its finesse property, enabling dexterous characters to aim for swift stabs while maintaining a safe distance from the enemy lines.

Though not suited for dual wielding owing to being non-lightweight, its brilliant adaptability across various encounters upholds its popularity.

Quarterstaff / Spear

Quarterstaff and Spear serve a dual purpose as melee weapons or ranged choice for thrown attacks. While both deal piercing damage when thrown, Quarterstaff offers a bludgeoning damage type when up close, whereas Spear delivers piercing damage. The Versatile property of Quarterstaff allows you to wield it single-handedly or with both hands effectively. Another advantage? Spears can be used with a shield in one hand, giving you an added layer of protection in battle.

Longbow / Shortbow

Ranged weapons like Longbow and Shortbow represent key tools designed to give Fighter 5E the much-needed distance from adversaries.

With an impressive range (150/600 ft for Longbows and 80/320 ft for Shortbows), they are formidable weapons for ambushes or hit-and-run strategies.

Their ammunition property allows you to retrieve half your expended arrows after every battle – an excellent bonus that keeps your fighter always stocked, ready, and lethal.

Multiclassing

Multiclassing in D&D is a strategy used to enhance gameplay. It allows your character to adopt more than one class, thereby amalgamating the skills and abilities of each.

You can create a fascinatingly complex character capable of achieving feats that are otherwise impossible. Let’s understand how multiclassing can work with your Fighter 5E.

Artificer

Adding an Artificer class to your Fighter opens up exciting possibilities. You won’t just swing a sword around anymore! As an Artificer, you’d become endowed with the capacity to imbue objects with magic.

Enhance your weaponry or devise ingenious solutions using magical tech, all while simultaneously holding significant combat prowess as a fighter.

This synergy could give you flexibility on the battlefield and allow innovative approaches to shield your party or conquer opponents.

Barbarian

Combining the Barbarian and Fighter classes lends itself to raw power and indomitable resilience in battle. As a Barbarian, you gain an advantage through unique abilities such as Rage, which increases damage output drastically while reducing received damage.

You also earn Unarmored Defense, which increases physical resilience without restricting mobility that armor typically would. Pair these traits with a Fighter’s prowess and durability, you morph into every foe’s worst nightmare.

Ranger

Integrating Ranger into Fighter 5E broadens your fighting style repertoire and allows enhanced interaction with nature-driven aspects of arcs in campaigns.

Rangers bring exceptional exploration skills (thanks to Favored Terrain) and advanced combative abilities (like Hunter’s Mark spell). These benefits give you a strategic edge over enemies in combat and crucial navigation within certain terrains.

Rogue

Supplementing Rogue characteristics to your Fighter can result in effective subtle combat techniques and unexpected strategies that often mean the difference between victory or destruction on the battlefield.

Rogue abilities include Sneak Attack, adding extra damage when catching opponents off guard, and Cunning Action, allowing quick-thinking maneuvers in combat. Blend these with the Fighter’s hardiness, you’re an unpredictable force that keeps adversaries on their toes!

Warlock

When you fuse Warlock and Fighter classes, you possess an enviable blend of physical might and magical abilities. Warlocks bring Eldritch Invocations into play.

They enable various magical utilities and attacks which magnify the overall combat strength of Fighters, harness spells like Hex to cripple opponents, or Pact Boon for other potent benefits. Use your magic strategically to control the battlefield.

Wizard

A Fighter-Wizard duel class fuses the brute strength of a fighter with the endless possibilities of magic. Utilizing Wizard can offer spell-casting capabilities like Shield (increasing Armor Class temporarily) or Fireball (dealing area damage), which can refine your approach in combat situations.

Having studied Arcane Tradition empowers you with specialized magical practices, further enhancing flexibility on the battlefield!

Determining character classes for multiclassing is essential in order to grasp various game mechanics through character customization options and add layers to your campaign experience.

Whether it’s an Artificer’s craftiness, Barbarian’s raw power, Ranger’s territorial knowledge, Rogue’s subtlety, Warlock’s magic invocations, or Wizard’s versatile spells – each class builds upon your Fighter’s innate skills offering a distinct flavor and expanded possibilities into your D&D adventure.

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FAQs about Fighter 5E