All DnD classes ranked from worst to best

Which of the DnD classes is best? Each can fill varied roles in an adventuring party, and they bring different skills, complexity levels, and play styles to the table. However, while Wizards of the Coast has kept the power levels between classes pretty well balanced, there are some standout winners and losers. Using our years of RPG experience, we’ve put together a guide that ranks all Dungeons and Dragons classes.

If you already know which class you want to play, here are a few extra guides to help you roll up a character. We can tell you everything you need to know about DnD races, as well as the DnD 2024 backgrounds found in the new Player’s Handbook.

From worst to best, here are all DnD classes ranked:

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How we ranked the DnD classes

While we can consider some objective factors, ranking the DnD classes involves making some fairly subjective decisions. One of Dungeons and Dragons’ strengths is that it doesn’t have to be played in just one way. If you’re not into roleplay but love strategy, you’ll prefer a class that excels in combat. Meanwhile, characters who love social interactions will rank Face classes and utility-focused characters far higher.

To further explain these rankings, here are the factors we accounted for when making the list:

Combat prowess

Dungeons and Dragons isn’t exclusively about combat, but fighting is a significant part of the game. The best classes give you a way to contribute in a combat encounter, whether that be through damage output, control, or even healing. Classes that can’t offer much value in battle start to feel underwhelming – and less fun to play overall.

General utility

That being said, most DnD campaigns involve a degree of social interaction and exploration. A class that can solve problems outside of combat scenarios has just as much to offer as a martial powerhouse. In fact, a class that focuses too much on combat tends to be worse than ones with a more diverse skill set. A wide range of skill proficiencies, non-damage spells, and utility-based abilities all push a class up in our esteem.

Power at the most common levels

A level-two character functions completely differently to a level-20 one. When comparing the power levels of the DnD classes, we’ve focused on how fun they are to play at the most common levels of play.

Generally, Dungeons and Dragons games start around level three. This gives players immediate access to DnD subclasses, and it skips over the early levels where parties are troublesome to keep alive. Campaigns also rarely continue beyond level 15, as it’s difficult to challenge such high-level characters with your standard DnD monsters. Our favorite classes are those that nail their play styles at these middle levels.

Overall strength of subclasses

Each subclass is an individual that drastically changes how their core class plays. This means that some are drastically more impressive than others, and they could push the rank of the overall class up by themselves.

However, just because the best Druid subclass is miles better than the worst Bard subclass, that doesn’t mean the Druid is the automatic winner. We’ve considered the overall quality of a class’ subclasses for the sake of ranking. A variety of strong options is preferable to a single power build.

What’s changed in the DnD 2024 classes

The new 2024 Player’s Handbook presents entirely new versions of the core classes. Their main mechanics and concepts remain the same, but a number of quality-of-life tweaks have been made. We’ve already spent hours testing the new 2024 rules, so we’ve considered both versions of each class when deciding its rank.

DnD Blood Hunter

The DnD Bloodhunter is a homebrew class from the mind of Critical Role Dungeon Master Matt Mercer, but it’s proven popular enough to get its own unofficial write-up on D&D Beyond. Based in part on The Witcher, Blood Hunters sacrifice their own health – and blood – to use the power of hemocraft magic against evil.

With a careful character build, the Blood Hunter can be a powerful front-liner. However, as a homebrew class, the balance is a little wobbly. A Blood Hunter can occasionally go off like a supernova in combat, but it’s just as likely that they’ll fall behind their official class companions.

In addition, Blood Hunters have very little utility outside of combat. They also somehow get less impressive at higher levels, with the most important middle levels feeling a bit lackluster. A re-flavored Ranger or Eldritch Knight could probably replace a Blood Hunter – and you won’t need to sacrifice your health to use magic.

You can learn more about this class in our Blood Hunter 5e guide.

DnD Rogue

The DnD Rogue is an elusive class that prides itself on its ability to pick your pockets while stabbing you in the back. Awarded the most skills out of all classes, a Rogue can build themselves into an irreplaceable ‘multi-tool’ teammate, picking locks, gathering information, and deceiving their way out of disputes. Their signature Sneak Attack ability also means they can deal devastating single-strike damage to targets.

At least, that’s what the Rogue aspires to be. In truth, the Rogue’s damage output gets less impressive as your party gains levels, and Sneak Attack relies on a very specific setup to deal extra damage at all. In terms of utility, a Rogue is hugely outshone by the Bard, who has just as many skill proficiencies, plus better access to spellcasting. Comparatively, there aren’t many powerful DnD Rogue subclasses, and few popular builds rely on a multiclassing dip into Rogue.

The class’ standing is made worse by the new 2024 rules. After some problematic fifth edition classes got a major upgrade, the Rogue is now widely considered the worst class in Dungeons and Dragons. We’ve ranked it above only the Blood Hunter, whose homebrew status means it isn’t well-balanced compared to first-party options.

For more on the Rogue 5e, check out our full class guide. We can also explain the new rules for the DnD 2024 Rogue.

DnD Ranger

If you want a character that excels at exploration, travel, and tracking, there are few better options than a DnD Ranger. They can be both melee and ranged damage dealers with their DnD weapons, cast control spells, and provide heaps of utility for campaigns with their tracking abilities. Rangers can access some excellent spells for support and area control, and a handful of strong DnD Ranger subclasses allow you to specialize in your favorite roleplaying activities.

The problem with most 2014 Rangers is they specialize too much. Some of the Ranger’s main features can become far too situational, and a player can easily pick up tricks they’ll never need to use in a campaign. A Ranger is part Druid, part Rogue, and part Fighter – but it can be challenging to build a character that matches these classes in power.

The class got some optional new features in Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything, and the 2024 rules gave the Ranger a complete overhaul. Things are more balanced now, but the new Ranger faces a host of new issues. In particular, their over-reliance on Hunter’s Mark seriously hurts their action economy in combat.

Our Ranger 5e class guide can explain this character option in more detail. We’ve also got a new DnD 2024 Ranger guide that goes over the updated rules.

DnD Barbarian

The embodiment of anger management issues, the DnD Barbarian class is filled with muscle-bound, hot-headed warriors. Based on figures like Conan or Boudica, they are heavy hitters who excel in battle. They’re a fairly simple class that focuses on hitting hard and often, with their unique Rage ability allowing them to deal staggering amounts of single-target damage.

High hit dice and plenty of Rage mean the Barbarian is one tough cookie in combat. It’s a very satisfying experience to dominate the battlefield (even if your method of dealing damage can get a little same-y). However, the Barbarian has several distinct weak spots.

They’re only really built for melee, meaning ranged foes will be particularly problematic, and one good area-of-effect spell could eclipse their damage-per-round. Low Charisma and a lack of useful skills mean they won’t be helpful in social situations, and they may feel a bit useless in campaigns with less focus on combat. Plus, their lack of mental skills makes them particularly vulnerable to magic.

DnD Barbarian subclasses can be a little hit or miss. Things are slightly better in the 2024 rules, where Berserkers are far better and the new World Tree Barbarian enters the fray. However, the best Barbarian subclasses don’t stand out much compared to those available for other classes.

For a complete explanation of the Barbarian 5e, head to our dedicated class guide. We’ve also explained the new rules for the DnD 2024 Barbarian here.

DnD Warlock

The DnD Warlock gains their magical abilities from a pact with a far more powerful being. They rely on Pact Magic rather than spellcasting and can modify this further with DnD Eldritch Invocations, though they’re forced to cast spells at the maximum possible level with their very limited supply of spell slots.

Warlocks are well-suited to D&D players who want to try a little bit of everything. Being Charisma-based means they can easily become a passable party Face, and access to damage-dealers like Eldritch Blast makes them a real asset in combat. Plus, they’ve got so many customization options that none of your Warlock builds need to look the same.

The potency of their low-level abilities also means Warlocks are a prime target for DnD multiclassing – opening up your build options even further. The DnD Warlock subclasses are fairly strong overall, though there are a few clear winners among the selection.

Their simplified spell slots make them an easy class to pick up, but their huge number of customization options makes it easy for inexperienced players to build an underwhelming Warlock. A poorly optimized Warlock will find themselves casting Eldritch Blast over and over in every encounter. It may be one of the best DnD cantrips in the game, but this play style gets dull quickly.

You can learn more about this class in our Warlock 5e guide. Or, for the more recent rules, head to our DnD 2024 Warlock guide.

DnD Monk

The DnD Monk class is the martial arts expert of the game. Monks may not always hit hard, but they hit often, getting multiple attacks earlier than most martial classes. As Monks require strong Wisdom, Dexterity, and Constitution, you’ll easily resist the common saving throws a DM throws at you. You’re also a beast on the other end of saves, sometimes forcing enemies to fend off multiple saves in a single turn. Spellcasters beware.

However, the Monk is a class of inconsistent success. In the 2014 rules, many regarded them as the worst of all DnD classes. The Monk’s AC and HP were nothing to write home about, and the damage they dealt was pretty puny.

Things are a little different in the 2024 version of the rules. The Monk’s damage output is significantly better, and they can manipulate the battlefield with unarmed strikes as well as deal straight damage. Some of the worst DnD Monk subclasses have been tweaked, and things are generally in a much better position than before.

Still, Monks get few proficiencies, and they’re heavily reliant on three stats – which is a lot to keep at optimum levels, and often rules feats out of a viable build. The 2024 version has made us feel far more favorably about the Monk, but they’re still below classes that are excellent in both versions of 5e.

Here’s a complete explainer of the Monk 5e rules. Or, for the objectively better DnD 2024 Monk, head to that guide instead.

DnD Artificer

The DnD Artificer is a tinkerer and a lover of tools. Using powerful magical infusions, an Artificer can create and bolster magical items and weapons that will really help your party pack a punch. The Artificer plays a big role in supporting their peers – it’s up to them to make everyone as powerful as possible.

Artificers can give their party easy access to DnD magic items, and they can fill a number of party roles depending on how you build them. This is a versatile class but a complex one, so their power depends on a lot of careful decision-making.

Despite all their crunch, Artificers aren’t the most overpowered class out there. In the right party composition, they can excel, but they tend to fall short when compared with full spellcasting classes, who have many more magical options at their disposal.

They also have very few subclass options, with one disappointing Alchemist among a list of more optimal options. Plus, they haven’t yet appeared in the DnD 2024 rules, so they may soon find themselves eclipsed by the newer, upgraded core classes.

DnD Paladin

Often taking the leadership role and becoming the face of the party, the DnD Paladin is a charismatic hybrid class, dealing in both spellcasting and melee combat. The Paladin excels in both striker and support mode, with strong damage and healing options in equal measure. They hit hard, they heal hard, and with chunky AC and armor proficiencies, they can tank pretty well too.

This is a MAD class, so Paladin players have a lot of ability scores to juggle. Strength and Charisma are the absolute bare minimum you’ll need, with Constitution also playing a major role in your build. When your class can do almost everything, you’ve got to build carefully to avoid getting spread too thin.

The Paladin’s main weakness is their stamina. With fewer spell slots to spend and most of them needed for the class’ explosive smites, many Paladins fall into the trap of blowing all their resources in one fight. After that, they can feel a bit feeble if they face more than one encounter per long rest.

The 2024 Paladin has slightly less bombastic power levels, but they’re slightly less resource-hungry. Plus, in both versions of the rules, there are plenty of excellent DnD Paladin subclasses to choose from. A Paladin can be an excellent frontliner and charismatic leader – but players need to manage their build carefully.

We explain the full rules for the Paladin 5e in our class guide. We’ve also covered the new DnD 2024 Paladin rules, too.

DnD Fighter

The classic action hero archetype, the DnD Fighter is a specialized battle machine and an excellent pick for players who love to deal damage in combat. This class is great for new players who prefer simplicity, and it’s an ideal base class to experiment with multiclassing. Simple doesn’t have to mean boring though – a range of excellent subclasses and access to more feats than other classes can stop the Fighter feeling stale.

Fighters are entirely designed around combat, which means they feel great to play during battle. They get more attacks than anyone else, and they deal ridiculous levels of damage to single targets. Some DnD Fighter subclasses can be a game-changer in battle, and none of them are truly bad at what they do.

While you’re a beast in battle, you’re not great at much else. Playing a Fighter in a campaign focused on investigation or social intrigue may leave you twiddling your heavily-armored thumbs. The DnD weapon mastery rules introduced in the 2024 rules will help add some variety to the class, but this is still a fairly one-note class.

For more on the Fighter 5e, head to our dedicated class guide. We can also tell you all you need to know about the DnD 2024 Fighter.

DnD Sorcerer

Unlike other spellcasters, a DnD Sorcerer has their magic granted through natural means; their powers come from raw ability. When used well, a Sorcerer’s Metamagic abilities can transform the state of a fight in a single turn. Being able to improve the speed, success rate, reach, or duration of a spell opens up a huge number of possibilities, and the Sorcerer is a class that certainly rewards creativity.

These abilities can make Sorcerers one of the best damage-dealing spellcasters in D&D. Plus, thanks to their high Charisma score, they’ve got plenty of usefulness outside of a combat scenario. Each of the DnD Sorcerer subclasses offers excellent abilities and flavor to the core class, too.

You’ve got a limited spell list to work with, plus fewer spell slots than other spellcasters (particularly if you’re swapping them out to maximize your Sorcerer powers). Every character build decision really counts with a Sorcerer, and there’s less room for error.

The other downside to note is the consistency of a Sorcerer. A truly powerful turn uses up a lot of resources, so you’ll have plenty of cantrip-heavy and less exciting turns in between to make up for your explosive actions. And, given the lack of armor and puny hit dice, a careless Sorcerer can easily get downed before they’ve had a chance to change the tide of battle. Many of the best DnD character builds dip into Sorcerer, but they don’t necessarily stay for long.

Learn more about the Sorcerer 5e in our dedicated class guide. We can also tell you all about the DnD 2024 Sorcerer.

DnD Druid

DnD Druids are fairly flexible, able to polymorph into beasts, heal the party, and control the elements to turn a battle in your favor. Druids are Wisdom-based spellcasters, which feel great to play. You’re hardy in the face of the game’s most common saving throw, and you’re naturally adept with out-of-combat skills like Perception, Insight, and Survival.

The Druid has an excellent selection of spells and cantrips, and you can prepare any Druid spell of the appropriate level, switching your options out on a long rest 5e. Combine this with the Druid’s strong and varied subclasses, and you’ve a highly versatile and replayable DnD class. Whether you want to be a frontline fighter or a supportive healer, the Druid has options for you.

We haven’t even talked about Wild Shape 5e yet. Depending on how you play your Druid, this can be a huge boon in or out of combat. It gets even better in the 2024 rules, where you can use it more often and continue to speak in Wild Shape form. That gives a Druid much more utility in Wild Shape, and they can apply the benefits of their core feature more often.

The Druid spell list has seen some upgrades in 2024 that make them even more appealing. For example, they’re one of only two classes that can automatically access the ridiculously broken Conjure Minor Elementals. Until that spell gets errata’d, the Druids have a serious competitive edge when it comes to damage.

Druids are most held back by their squishy armor class and spell list. We already sung the praises of that second feature, but the Druid is limited by the sheer number of spells they know that require concentration 5e. The DnD Druid subclasses are also inconsistent in terms of quality. Moon Druids and Star Druids are among the best subclasses in the entire game, but there’s a few too many stinkers in the bunch.

For more on the Druid 5e, head to our guide. Or, head to our DnD 2024 Druid guide for the new class rules.

DnD Cleric

The DnD Cleric class is the divine agent of a god, and they act as your tanky healer, smiting evil while keeping their party alive. However, Clerics can follow vastly different archetypes and play styles based on which divine domain they choose. With so many subclasses to choose from, Clerics can excel in most party roles. As Wisdom casters, Clerics can also put their skills to good use outside of combat, too.

The Cleric is a jack of all trades, but they’re a master of most, too. You’ll need to specialize to get the most out of your character, but Clerics are capable of casting excellent damage, control, and healing spells from the frontlines, where an impressive AC and melee capability can keep them alive longer than most casters.

Speaking of spells, Clerics have a fully-stocked spell list, with some fantastic choices available. The 2024 rules have nerfed a few of the big hitters (and removed their easy access to heavy armor) but Clerics are still a pretty potent bunch.

There are a huge number of DnD Cleric subclasses to choose from, though their quality is inconsistent. Peace Clerics and Nature Clerics are leagues apart in terms of power, for example.

For more on the Cleric 5e, head to our complete class guide. Or, check out what’s new with the DnD 2024 Cleric.

DnD Bard

DnD Bards use their innate creative abilities to cast powerful spells and inspire others. Often referred to as the ‘jack of all trades’ of the adventuring party, the Bard is a versatile class that can be a huge benefit to teammates, both in battle and in social interactions.

The Bard is one of the more flexible classes Dungeons and Dragons offers. They can gain proficiency in a huge number of DnD skills, and they can access any spell in the game at higher levels. The Bard can be tweaked to fit whatever role your party is missing, and they can have their fingers dipped in many pies at once.

There are several excellent DnD Bard subclasses, and the 2024 rules add a new star to the lineup, the College of Dance Bard. Every subclass list has some weak links, but Bards are one of the more consistent classes.

Bards are another complex class, so it’s easy to build one that feels unimpressive. Until they get access to DnD Magical Secrets, they lack explosive damage options, and they’ll often fall back on their feeble Vicious Mockery cantrip when spell slots become scarce.

Our Bard 5e class guide can explain the rules for the 2014 class. Alternatively, we can show you what’s changed for the DnD 2024 Bard class.

DnD Wizard

DnD Wizards study hard, and their reward is immense spellcasting power. Flexibility is arguably the Wizard’s greatest strength. Thanks to their varied subclasses and the huge number of spells they can learn, a Wizard can fill almost any role in a party. They’re not the class to go for if you want to main as a healer, but the right build lets you do pretty much anything else.

Access to the game’s most extensive spell list is all a Wizard needs to blow other classes out of the water. Combine this with some truly game-warping DnD Wizard subclasses, and you’ve got a clear top dog among the DnD classes.

Wizards are so powerful that, when updating the rules for 2024, Wizards of the Coast barely changed the class at all. Even after everyone else got an upgrade, the Wizard is still the most effective class out there.

The obvious downside of playing a Wizard is how delicate you are. Puny hit points, poor saving throws, and the worst hit dice in fifth edition all make you particularly vulnerable.

Also, if you burn all your spell slots early, you’re essentially useless for the rest of the day. Other classes have more varied and powerful class abilities, while the Wizard’s few options exist to modify their spells.

The full Wizard 5e rules are explained in our complete class guide. We also go over the DnD 2024 Wizard rules, too.

For more character options, here’s everything you need to know about DnD 2024 feats. We can also help you fill out your DnD character sheets.

Source: Wargamer