
At levels 2-4, gaining 40 hit points of healing from a 1st-level spell rates as outrageous. This bonus applies to each of 10 healing berries produced by Goodberry. Whenever a Life-domain Cleric uses a 1st-level spell to heal, the target regains 3 additional hit points. The 1st-level druid spell Goodberry creates 10 berries that PCs can eat to heal a hit point. Related: Dealing Death: Handbook of the True AssassinĦ. Without surprise, you have a Rogue who must boast a Strength and Charisma of 13, and a Paladin who either skips the protection of heavy armor or sneaks with disadvantage. How often does a party or even a sneaky PC gain surprise? When a party does gain surprise, this advantage typically leads to a romp even without an assassin going nova. If you want criticals without surprise, continue to level 3 with the Fighter’s Champion archetype for crits on 19-20.

To land more critical hits, add two levels of Fighter for Action Surge and a second batch of attacks. The 2nd-level Paladin’s Divine Smite adds even more dice to double. Dealing massive damage during surprise rounds – Paladin 2/Assassin 3/Fighter 2Īt level 3, a Rogue who takes the Assassin archetype treats any hit scored against a surprised creature as a critical, which doubles the Rogue’s sneak attack dice. In a Tome Show interview, designer Mike Mearls said they would only make changes if something proves “horribly broken.” Although no character options seem to qualify, a few rate as troublesome enough to land on designer Jeremy Crawford’s undisclosed “watch list.” A few more dominate enough to overshadow lesser PCs.

General resources for players looking to play better or to get more out of their games. Character OptimizationĪ comprehensive guide to character optimization including feedback, guidance, and example builds, detailing every aspect of building your character.


In this article series, I’ll provide a full walkthrough of the rules in simple, approachable terms, as well as general advice and insight on how to get started with the game. New to DnD 5e? Having trouble with the rules? I’m here to help. Book Abbreviations GuideĪlphabetized list of abbreviations used to indicate source material throughout my other articles. The newest version of DnD, 5e is a throwback to the best bits of AD&D 2e and 3e, with many of the best parts of 4e, but with simplified, streamlined mechanics that are easy for new players to learn, familiar for veterans, and enjoyable for players of all experience levels.
