Creating a character is the first step before one can enter into the Dungeons and Dragons universe. And from there, level-ups lead to different stories to seek. There is a world of possibilities for a player to explore in character creation, however, take in mind the limitations of certain builds.
General Information on bad multiclasses in 5e
In general, a multiclass build in Dungeons and Dragons 5e can be considered “bad” if it does not achieve its intended goals or if it creates significant disadvantages or limitations for the player’s character.
Before pursuing multiclassing, it’s important to take in factors that include conflicting ability scores, slow progression, limited synergy, roleplaying challengers, and opportunity cost. Ultimately, the effectiveness of a multiclass build will depend on the specific combination of classes and the goals of the player.
While some combinations may be more challenging than others, it is possible to create a successful multiclass build with careful planning and consideration of the potential drawbacks.
Worst General Multiclass 5e
1. Rogue/ Paladin
Both the rogue and paladin classes have some overlap in terms of abilities and skills, but they don’t have a lot of natural synergies and are left with a slow progression due to their different needs.
Paladins are typically front-line fighters, while Rogues are more focused on stealth and finesse combat. This can make it difficult to find a playstyle that works well with both classes.
2. Barbarian/ Wizard
Given their opposite focuses, a barbarian and wizard multiclass wouldn’t be the wisest of choices when making a melee spellcaster. With the wizard class being defined by their spellcasting, having a barbarian dip wouldn’t be ideal whenever the rage feature is in use as it would hinder your build in casting spells. The barbarian/ wizard also makes for a more squishy frontline as the wizard class only provides a 1d6 + Constitution modifier per level-up.
3. Ranger/ Sorcerer
The ranger/ sorcerer multiclass build is a viable combination but is an insufficient combination to pursue. While this combination can provide some interesting thematic options for your character, it can also result in a lack of focus and weaker combat and spellcasting abilities due to splitting ability scores between Dexterity or Strength, Wisdom, and Charisma.
4. Monk/ Sorcerer
The monk and sorcerer multiclass are multiple ability scores dependent on the Wisdom and Charisma ability scores can make for slower progression for both classes.
In this case, the sorcerer wouldn’t delve into as many spells as one would like. Even though it would be an interesting build, it can lead to an inadequate amount of sorcery and Ki points to take advantage of.
5. Paladin/ Ranger
Paladins and rangers are both partial casters, meaning that they utilize a mix of magic and nonmagical attacks. Every level spent in one class is a level not spent in another, which means players may have to sacrifice key features in one class to make room for abilities in the other.
Even so, it could potentially work, there is an investment to make to create a paladin/ ranger multiclass which is specifically a 13 in Strength, Dexterity, Charisma, and Wisdom.
6. Paladin/ Monk
Unfortunately, it is not viable to have the paladin/ monk multiclass given the splitting of ability scores.
This multiclass has a requirement of having at least 13 in Dexterity and Wisdom for a monk and Strength and Charisma for a paladin. So, if you are having to create a character using the point buy system, you may not have that many points to invest in other ability scores to make this build as effective.
7. Artificer/ Monk
While it is possible to create a functional Artificer/Monk multiclass character in Dungeons and Dragons 5e, the combination presents several challenges that may make it less effective than other multiclass options.
Artificers and Monks have little natural synergy, as Artificers are focused on crafting and creating magical items while Monks are focused on martial arts and unarmed combat.
8. Druid/ Warlock
While both classes have access to some spells and abilities that may overlap, they don’t have a lot of natural synergy. Druids are typically more focused on healing and support spells, while Warlocks are more focused on damage and control spells.
Keeping this in mind Druids rely on Wisdom for their spellcasting and other abilities, while Warlocks rely on Charisma. Thus, this can make it difficult to build a character that is effective in both classes.
9. Cleric/ Wizard
As much as you may reap the benefit of the proficiencies of a cleric mixed with the spellcasting prowess of the wizard, lingering too long in both of these classes can lead to issues.
With this combination of classes, you would have to invest in different stats, specifically Wisdom and Intelligence, to help with your casting, pulling you back into full casting progression.
10. Sorcerer/ Wizard
Both powerful spellcasters in their own right, investing levels in both sorcerers and wizards for a multiclass may not be the wisest of choices given the losses.
If the sorcerer class has more investment, the wizard aspect of the build wouldn’t have much access to their spellbook. But if vice versa with wizardry, the sorcerer aspect of the build wouldn’t have that many sorcery points to work with.
Worst Subclass Multiclass 5e
1. Nature Domain Cleric/ Druid
Though both of these classes have an affinity for nature, the Nature Domain Cleric/ Druid multiclass build wouldn’t be as optimal as one would think. Given that they have a lot of similarities, pursuing this may lead to redundancy.
With the Nature Domain Cleric offering access to abilities, spells, and class features that the druid class already offers, it would simply be a repeat for this spellcasting mix. This can end up with a character with a dilution of character power.
2. Path of the Berserker Barbarian/ Warlock
Barbarians themselves don’t meld with spellcasters as the rage feature hinders spellcasting. Especially with the warlock’s classic best damaging cantrip Eldritch Blast , it would be difficult to use spellcasting attacks in the midst of rage.
What’s more, with the Path of the Berserker’s level 3 feature, “Frenzy,” the consequence of it having a level of exhaustion will hinder the warlock’s spellcasting.
At certain levels, exhaustion levels inflicted on the character can disadvantage to ability checks and eventually disadvantage to attack rolls and saving throws, nerfing the spellcasting attacks of the warlock class.
3. Divine Soul Sorcerer/ Cleric
The Divine Soul Sorcerer combined with the cleric class isn’t as ideal given the overlap and even duplicates of healing and support features that the two possess.
In addition, with the multiple ability score dependence on Charisma and Wisdom, for sorcerer and cleric, respectively, this multiclass may not provide the supportive spellcasting as desired during and after battle given the spread.
The Dont´s of Multiclass Building
- Don’t spread your ability scores too thin: multiclassing often requires dividing your ability scores between two or more classes, so it’s important to consider how you want to allocate your ability scores. If you try to do too much with too few ability scores, you’ll end up being mediocre at everything and good at nothing.
- Don’t mix classes that don’t synergize well: some classes have abilities that don’t work well with the abilities of other classes. For example, a wizard’s spells might not work well with a barbarian’s rage, or a rogue’s Sneak Attack might not work well with a cleric’s spells. Try to choose classes that complement each other’s abilities.
- Don’t ignore the prerequisites: some classes require certain ability scores or other prerequisites in order to multiclass into them. It’s vital to assure you meet these requirements before you try to multiclass, so it may be helpful to take in mind what you want to build when starting with character creation.
- Don’t forget about the opportunity cost: every level you take in a different class is a level you’re not taking in your original class. Consider whether the benefits of multiclassing outweigh the benefits of sticking with your original class.
- Don’t ignore the roleplaying aspects: multiclassing can provide some interesting roleplaying opportunities, but it’s important to make sure your character’s story and motivations make sense for the multiclass build and storyline you’re creating.
Advice and Final Thoughts
Multiclassing your character offers a new world of opportunity for you to try out your character. Whether you may want to dabble in spellcasting or unlock proficiencies in certain weapons and armor, it’s important to take in mind what kind of class you will dip into. To further, benefit you in situations in roleplay and combat, it’s best to pick classes that are compatible with your current character’s class.
Choosing classes that have the same ability scores required for the benefit and meet multiclassing prerequisites, can help you in assuring that your character is built to the optimum.
But everything comes down to one important thing when making a multiclass build: having fun! As long as it fits with what you want to do in your upcoming campaign, one shot, or session, feel free to explore builds that would make sense with you and your own story.