In Dungeons and Dragons, the fighter class is regarded as one of the most beginner-friendly classes available. Many experienced players had their first adventure as a fighter. In older versions, such as 3.5, the combat element of playing a fighter was easier. You accessed abilities faster, and typically focused on simply attacking and being attacked.

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While the class may be appealing for new players, there are benefits to playing the fighter regardless of how long you have been involved with the game. Through thoughtful planning and careful consideration, the fighter can be one of the most versatile and enjoyable classes in the game. Here are 10 things to keep in mind the next time you roll your fighter.

10 Prestige Classes

This is a factor with any class for experienced players, but it might not dawn to an inexperienced player taking on the Fighter class. While a fighter presents a wonderfully balanced class with plenty of additional benefits, odds are you will be less inclined with this class than others to remain confined to a base class.

Prestige classes are the best way to branch out, especially in the ever popular 3.5 edition. By meeting certain prerequisites, one can take ranks in these powerful classes which offer so much to your character in terms of roleplaying and utility. Because most prestige classes require certain feats, the bonus feats offered to fighters in certain editions makes them especially capable of moving into these classes.

9 Weapon Goals

The fighter has a lot to offer for new players, but it also offers a fair bit for veteran players. As a combat specialist, players of the fighter class should always be thinking about how they will excel in combat. Part of this is thinking of the weapons they will use, at present and in the future.

Because certain weapons require proficiencies which must be obtained, having a clear idea of this from the beginning of your campaign is critical. Perhaps you want to be a two-weapon fighter, wielding dual blades in combat. Perhaps you prefer the extra defense afforded by a shield in your offhand. Perhaps instead, you want to wield two-handed weapons and rely on brute strength. All have their own benefits. Just know what you’re trying to do.

8 Armor Goals

Much like weapons, different types of armor have different benefits. When one specializes in the heavier armor types such as plate armor, there are significant trade-offs. In earlier versions of the game, arcane spells are less likely to succeed. In newer versions, stealth becomes a disadvantage. Universally, the more protective armor weighs more.

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Knowing the character you want to play can help you to decide which tradeoffs you can afford to make. If you’re going to branch into arcane classes in 3.5, avoid equipping items that will cause you to fail your spell checks. If you’ll need to be stealthy in 5th edition, medium armor might be the peak of protection for you.

7 Backstory

Dungeons and Dragons is a game of immersion. If you aren’t immersed in the RPG element of the game, you are only experiencing half of what the game has to offer. Some might enjoy a simple dungeon crawl, but most players are looking for more. The fighter offers some unique opportunities to explore this part of the game. If you are playing a fighter instead of a barbarian, odds are you already know that.

What distinguishes the fighter as a class is that it is essentially a normal human who has undergone formal combat training. Perhaps your character is a former soldier who left their militia with pride. Perhaps you were a disgraced member of a militant order cast away. Knowing the source of your skills can be critical for your experience – and keep in mind your starting level. So many people choose to create elaborate backstories full of heroism, only to realize the impracticality at level one. Flesh out something believable. Heroics will come.

6 Relevant Skills

We mentioned weapons and armor having impacts on more than just combat. This is true for skills too. Heavy armor takes ten minutes to don if 5e, and five minutes to remove. If you’ll be your party’s scout, frequently climbing ahead to see the way forward, know the impact that your equipment will have on you. Don’t be caught defenseless or hinder yourself unnecessarily.

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Aside from the impact of other decisions in this area, you will always want to focus your skills. Don’t take unnecessary ranks just to have access to skills you won’t use. Focus primarily on a few areas and keep those maximized. You and your party will be glad that you did.

5 Where You Fit

All of the categories so far have focused on this, but it deserves mention independently. In essence, know your role in the party. Maybe you will be the ranged fighter for the group. Perhaps your party doesn’t have a burly barbarian and you’ll act as the tank. Always know which role you fill.

For new fighters, this is a bit tougher. If you aren’t familiar with the game and you’ve been advised to try this class and act as a jack-of-all-trades, there’s nothing wrong with that. The fighter is an excellent beginner class. But eventually you will want to be the person everyone looks to in a certain situation. Veteran players will identify this early on and excel.

4 Stat Attributes

As mentioned, a fighter can fill a variety of roles. For tank options, constitution may become paramount. Ranged fighters might need higher dexterity. Combat specialists will want to focus on their strength. Fighters can see a variety of configurations which may deviate from the typical strength>constitution>dexterity pattern which is often considered preferable.

Your backstory can be important here too. Don’t be afraid to sacrifice for the sake of roleplaying. Perhaps the reason you lost your position in the militia was because you valued wisdom above strength. These choices early on, especially if you intend to take a different route later on, can add complexity to your character which will improve your experience.

3 Special Questlines

Always be ready for the unexpected. Certain experiences can impact you in unexpected ways. In one of my early experiences with a fighter, my party acquired and drew from the infamous Deck of Many Things. My draw imprisoned my soul on another plane, while another player gained access to a fighter companion who obeyed his every word. I became that companion.

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That experience won’t be typical but knowing what lies in the game is beneficial no matter what class you are playing. Understanding what could happen in a campaign, or what your Dungeon Master might use from your backstory to impact your adventure could be critical to your enjoyment.

2 The Campaign Setting

Players don’t always appreciate how important it is to know the world they are playing in. From geography to lore, everyone should soak up every bit of information available and form their character around it.

Take a setting with an abundance of water into account. Perhaps your character is a swashbuckling pirate. Or maybe you aren’t a pirate, but you’ll need to swim a lot and therefore heavier armor won’t be practical. Many characters fill designated roles. The fighter is the basis for most characters from your favorite works of fiction. Create your new favorite.

1 Multiclass Options

Finally comes another choice which can flesh out your character while also offering utility to your party. If your fighter was a soldier, perhaps they were medically trained. If you’re starting at level two, take a level in cleric to add that extra depth and offer some healing for your party.

Multiclassing can allow fighters to add utility to whatever role they are filling. As mentioned earlier, the basis for most great fictional character would be a fighter, but very few of them would remain dedicated to the class indefinitely.

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