Fighter

Fighters rule many battlefields. Questing knights, royal champions, elite soldiers, and hardened mercenaries—as Fighters, they all share an unparalleled prowess with weapons and armor. And they are well acquainted with death, both meting it out and defying it.

Fighters master various weapon techniques, and a well-equipped Fighter always has the right tool at hand for any combat situation. Likewise, a Fighter is adept with every form of armor. Beyond that basic degree of familiarity, each Fighter specializes in certain styles of combat. Some concentrate on archery, some on fighting with two weapons at once, and some on augmenting their martial skills with magic. This combination of broad ability and extensive specialization makes Fighters superior combatants.

Honor and Glory

Of all the adventurers in the worlds of D&D, the fighter is perhaps the greatest paradox. On the one hand, a singular feature of the class is that no two fighters ply their craft in quite the same way; their weapons, armor, and tactics differ across a vast spectrum. On the other hand, regardless of the tools and methods one uses, at the heart of every fighter's motivation lies the same basic truth: it is better to wound than to be wounded.

Although some adventuring fighters risk their lives fighting for glory or treasure, others are primarily concerned with the welfare of others. They put more value on the well-being of the society, the village, or the group than on their own safety. Even if there's gold in the offing, the true reward for most fighters comes from sending enemies to their doom.

“Let me know when you're all done talking.” — Tordek

Quick Build

You can make a fighter quickly by following these suggestions. First, make Strength or Dexterity your highest ability score, depending on whether you want to focus on melee weapons or on archery (or finesse weapons). Your next-highest score should be Constitution, or Intelligence if you plan to adopt the Eldritch Knight martial archetype. Second, choose the Soldier background.

Proficiencies

Armor: light armor, medium armor, heavy armor, shields
Weapons: Simple Weapons, Martial Weapons
Tools: any two of your choice
Saving Throws: Strength, Dexterity
Skills: Any five of your choice.

Equipment

You start with the following equipment, in addition to the equipment granted by your background:

• (a) Chain Mail, a Greatsword, a Flail, 8 Javelins, a Dungeoneer's Pack, and 4 GP.
• (b) Studded Leather Armor, a Scimitar, a Shortsword, a Longbow, 20 Arrows, a Quiver, a Dungeoneer's Pack, and 11 GP.
• (c) 155 GP.

Maneuver Options

The Battle Maneuvers are presented here in Alphabetical order.

Ambush. When you make a Dexterity (Stealth) check or an Initiative roll, you can expend one Superiority Die and add the die to the roll, unless you have the Incapacitated condition.

Bait and Switch. When you're within 5 feet of a creature on your turn, you can expend one Superiority Die and switch places with that creature, provided you spend at least 5 feet of movement and the creature is willing and doesn't have the Incapacitated condition. This movement doesn't provoke Opportunity Attacks. Roll the Superiority Die. Until the start of your next turn, you or the other creature (your choice) gains a bonus to AC equal to the number rolled.

Commander's Strike. When you take the Attack action on your turn, you can replace one of your attacks to direct one of your companions to strike. When you do so, choose a willing creature who can see or hear you and expend one Superiority Die. That creature can immediately use its Reaction to make one attack with a weapon or an Unarmed Strike, adding the Superiority Die to the attack's damage roll on a hit.

Commanding Presence. When you make a Charisma (Intimidation, Performance, or Persuasion) check, you can expend one Superiority Die and add that die to the roll.

Disarming Attack. When you hit a creature with an attack roll, you can expend one Superiority Die to attempt to disarm the target. Add the Superiority Die roll to the attack's damage roll. The target must succeed on a Strength saving throw or drop one object of your choice that it's holding, with the object landing in its space.

Distracting Strike. When you hit a creature with an attack roll, you can expend one Superiority Die to distract the target. Add the Superiority Die roll to the attack's damage roll. The next attack roll against the target by an attacker other than you has Advantage if the attack is made before the start of your next turn.

Evasive Footwork. As a Bonus Action, you can expend one Superiority Die and take the Disengage action. You also roll the die and add the number rolled to your AC until the start of your next turn.

Feinting Attack. As a Bonus Action, you can expend one Superiority Die to feint, choosing one creature within 5 feet of yourself as your target. You have Advantage on your next attack roll against that target this turn. If that attack hits, add the Superiority Die to the attack's damage roll.

Goading Attack. When you hit a creature with an attack roll, you can expend one Superiority Die to attempt to goad the target into attacking you. Add the Superiority Die to the attack's damage roll. The target must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or have Disadvantage on attack rolls against targets other than you until the end of your next turn.

Lunging Attack. As a Bonus Action, you can expend one Superiority Die and take the Dash action. If you move at least 5 feet in a straight line immediately before hitting with a melee attack as part of the Attack action on this turn, you can add the Superiority Die to the attack's damage roll.

Maneuvering Attack. When you hit a creature with an attack roll, you can expend one Superiority Die to maneuver one of your comrades into another position. Add the Superiority Die roll to the attack's damage roll, and choose a willing creature who can see or hear you. That creature can use its Reaction to move up to half its Speed without provoking an Opportunity Attack from the target of your attack.

Menacing Attack. When you hit a creature with an attack roll, you can expend one Superiority Die to attempt to frighten the target. Add the Superiority Die to the attack's damage roll. The target must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or have the Frightened condition until the end of your next turn.

Parry. When another creature damages you with a melee attack roll, you can take a Reaction and expend one Superiority Die to reduce the damage by the number you roll on your Superiority Die plus your Strength or Dexterity modifier (your choice).

Precision Attack. When you miss with an attack roll, you can expend one Superiority Die, roll that die, and add it to the attack roll, potentially causing the attack to hit.

Strikes

The Martial Strikes are presented here in alphabetical order.

Charge. Cannot be used with a Ranged Weapon. You move up to half of your movement speed towards a creature that you can see. If you get within 5 feet of that creature, you can make an attack against them with advantage.

You can move up to your full movement speed when you reach 18th level in this class.

Cleave. Must be wielding a Melee Weapon with the two-handed property to use. Each creature within cone with a maximum length and width of 10 feet in front of you must make a Dexterity Saving Throw as you swing your weapon in front of you. Creatures take a roll of your weapon's damage dice and the next attack made against them has advantage on a failed save or take half as much damage and the next attack made against them does not have advantage on a successful save.

The length and width of the cone increase to 20 feet when you reach 18th level in this class.

Convince. If you fail a Persuasion Skill Check, you can use this Strike to re-roll that check and must use the new result.

When you reach 18th level in this class, you gain a bonus to the re-rolled check equal to your Strength or Dexterity Modifier (you choose which when you learn this Strike).

Crush. Cannot be used with Ranged weapons. Each creature within a 15-foot radius circle that begins in front of you must make a Dexterity Saving Throw as you slam your weapon or a fist into the ground in front of you. Creatures take a roll of your weapon or unarmed strike's damage dice and are knocked prone on a failed save or half as much damage and are not knocked prone on a successful save.

The radius of the circle increases to 30 feet at 18th level in this class.

Dash. Cannot be used with Ranged weapons. You move up to half of your movement speed + 5 feet in a straight line in front of you. Each creature that you pass through make a Dexterity Saving Throw as you cut down any foes in your way. Creatures take a roll of your weapon or unarmed strike's damage dice + your strength or dexterity modifier (you choose which when you choose this Strike) on a failed save or half as much damage on a successful save.

The radius of the circle increases to 30 feet at 18th level in this class.

Combat Superiority

At 3rd level, you learn two additional Battle Maneuvers of your choice and gain one additional Superiority die.

Extra Battle Maneuvers. You learn two more Battle Maneuvers of your choice at 7th, 10th, and 15th level. Each time you learn new maneuvers, you can also replace one maneuver you know with a different one.

Extra Maneuver Dice. You gain an additional Superiority Die, and another at 7th, 10th, 15th and 18th level.

Improved Superiority Dice. Your Superiority Dice become d8s. They become d10s at 10th level and 12s at 17th level.

Student of War

At 3rd level, you gain proficiency with one type of Artisan's Tools and proficiency in one skill of your choice.

Know Your Enemy

At 7th level, as a Bonus Action, you can discern certain strengths and weaknesses of a creature you can see within 30 feet of yourself; you know whether that creature has any Immunities, Resistances, or Vulnerabilities, and if the creature has any, you know what they are.

Once you use this feature, you can't do so again until you finish a Long Rest. You can also restore a use of the feature by expending one Superiority Die (no action required).

Improved Combat Superioirty

At 10th level, your Superiority Die becomes a d10.

Relentless

Starting at 15th level, once per turn, when you use a maneuver, you can roll 1d8 and use the number rolled instead of expending a Superiority Die.

Ultimate Combat Superiority

At 18th level, your Superiority Die becomes a d12.

Additionally, if you roll Initiative and no Superiority Dice remaining, you regain one Superiority Die.

Improved Critical

At 3rd level, your attack rolls with weapons and Unarmed Strikes can score a Critical Hit on a roll of 19 or 20 on the d20.

Champion's Might

At 3rd level, whenever you hit with a weapon or Unarmed Strike and deal damage, you deal an additional die of damage, determined by your Fighter Level as shown on the Champion's Might Table.

Remarkable Athlete

At 3rd level, Thanks to your athleticism, you have Advantage on Initiative rolls and Strength (Athletics) checks.

In addition, immediately after you score a Critical Hit, you can move up to half your Speed without provoking Opportunity Attacks.

Additional Fighting Style

At 7th level, you gain another Fighting Style feat of your choice.

Heroic Warrior

At 10th level, the thrill of battle drives you toward victory. During combat, you can give yourself Heroic Inspiration whenever you start your turn without it.

Superior Critical

At 15th level, your attack rolls with weapons and Unarmed Strikes can now score a Critical Hit on a roll of 18–20 on the d20.

Survivor

At 18th level, You attain the pinnacle of resilience in battle, giving you these benefits.

Defy Death. You have Advantage on Death Saving Throws. Moreover, when you roll 18–20 on a Death Saving Throw, you gain the benefit of rolling a 20 on it.

Heroic Rally. At the start of each of your turns, you regain Hit Points equal to 5 plus your Constitution modifier if you are Bloodied and have at least 1 Hit Point.

Spellcasting

At 3rd level, you have learned to cast spells. See chapter 7 of the 2024 Player's Handbook for the rules on spellcasting. The information below details how you use those rules as an Eldritch Knight.

Cantrips. You know two cantrips of your choice from the Wizard spell list (see that class's section in the 2024 Player's Handbook for its list). Ray of Frost and Shocking Grasp are recommended. Whenever you gain a Fighter level, you can replace one of these cantrips with another cantrip of your choice from the Wizard spell list.

When you reach Fighter level 10, you learn another Wizard cantrip of your choice.

Spell Slots. The Eldritch Knight Spellcasting table shows how many spell slots you have to cast your level 1+ spells. You regain all expended slots when you finish a Long Rest.

Prepared Spells of Level 1+. You prepare the list of level 1+ spells that are available for you to cast with this feature. To start, choose four level 1 spells from the Wizard spell list. Burning Hands, Jump, and Shield are recommended.

The number of spells on your list increases as you gain Fighter levels, as shown in the Prepared Spells column of the Eldritch Knight Spellcasting table. Whenever that number increases, choose additional spells from the Wizard spell list until the number of spells on your list matches the number on the table. The chosen spells must be of a level for which you have spell slots. For example, if you're a level 7 Fighter, your list of prepared spells can include eight Wizard spells of levels 1 and 2 in any combination.

Changing your Prepared Spells. Whenever you gain a Fighter level, you can replace one spell on your list with another Wizard spell for which you have spell slots.

Spellcasting Ability. Intelligence is your spellcasting ability for your Wizard spells.

Spellcasting Focus. You can use an Arcane Focus or a Weapon affected by your Weapon Bond Subclass Feature as a Spellcasting Focus for your Wizard spells.

Weapon Bond

You learn a ritual that creates a magical bond between yourself and one weapon. You perform the ritual over the course of 1 hour, which can be done during a Short Rest. The weapon must be within your reach throughout the ritual, at the conclusion of which you touch the weapon and forge the bond. The bond fails if another Fighter is bonded to the weapon or if the weapon is a magic item to which someone else is attuned. You can use a Weapon bound to you in this way as a Spellcasting Focus for your Wizard Spells.

Once you have bonded a weapon to yourself, you can't be disarmed of that weapon unless you have the Incapacitated condition. If it is on the same plane of existence, you can summon that weapon as a Bonus Action, causing it to teleport instantly to your hand.

You can have up to two bonded weapons, but you can summon only one at a time with a Bonus Action. If you attempt to bond with a third weapon, you must break the bond with one of the other two.

War Magic

At 7th level when you take the Attack action on your turn, you can replace one of the attacks with a casting of one of your Wizard cantrips that has a casting time of an action.

Eldritch Strike

At 10th level, you learn how to make your weapon strikes undercut a creature's ability to withstand your spells. When you hit a creature with an attack using a weapon, that creature has Disadvantage on the next saving throw it makes against a spell you cast before the end of your next turn.

Arcane Charge

At 15th level, when you use your Action Surge, you can teleport up to 30 feet to an unoccupied space you can see. You can teleport before or after the additional action.

Improved War Magic

At 18th level, when you take the Attack action on your turn, you can replace two of the attacks with a casting of one of your level 1 or level 2 Wizard spells that has a casting time of an action.

Psionic Power

At 3rd level, you harbor a wellspring of psionic energy within yourself. It is represented by your Psionic Energy Dice, which fuel powers you have from this subclass. The Psi Warrior Energy Dice table shows the die size and number of these dice you have when you reach certain Fighter levels.

Any features in this subclass that use a Psionic Energy Die use only the dice from this subclass. Some of your powers expend the Psionic Energy Die, as specified in a power's description, and you can't use a power if it requires you to use a die when all your Psionic Energy Dice are expended.

You regain one of your expended Psionic Energy Dice when you finish a Short Rest, and you regain all of them when you finish a Long Rest.

Protective Field. When you or another creature you can see within 30 feet of you takes damage, you can take a Reaction to expend one Psionic Energy Die, roll the die, and reduce the damage taken by the number rolled plus your Intelligence modifier (minimum reduction of 1), as you create a momentary shield of telekinetic force.

Psionic Strike. You can propel your weapons with psionic force. Once on each of your turns, immediately after you hit a target within 30 feet of yourself with an attack and deal damage to it with a weapon, you can expend one Psionic Energy Die, rolling it and dealing Force damage to the target equal to the number rolled plus your Intelligence modifier.

Telekinetic Movement. You can move an object or a creature with your mind. As a Magic action, choose one target you can see within 30 feet of yourself; the target must be a loose object that is Large or smaller or one willing creature other than you. You transport the target up to 30 feet to an unoccupied space you can see. Alternatively, if the target is a Tiny object, you can transport it to or from your hand.

Once you take this action, you can't do so again until you finish a Short or Long Rest unless you expend a Psionic Energy Die (no action required) to restore your use of it.

Telekinetic Adept

At 7th level, You have mastered new ways to use your telekinetic abilities, detailed below.

Psi-Powered Leap. As a Bonus Action, you gain a Fly Speed equal to twice your Speed until the end of the current turn. Once you take this Bonus Action, you can't do so again until you finish a Short or Long Rest unless you expend a Psionic Energy Die (no action required) to restore your use of it.

Telekinetic Thrust. When you deal damage to a target with your Psionic Strike, you can force the target to make a Strength saving throw (DC 8 plus your Intelligence modifier and Proficiency Bonus). On a failed save, you can give the target the Prone condition or transport it up to 10 feet horizontally.

Guarded Mind

At 10th level, you have Resistance to Psychic damage. Moreover, if you start your turn with the Charmed or Frightened condition, you can expend a Psionic Energy Die (no action required) and end every effect on yourself giving you those conditions.

Bulwark of Force

Starting at 15th level, you can shield yourself and others with telekinetic force. As a Bonus Action, you can choose creatures, including yourself, within 30 feet of yourself, up to a number of creatures equal to your Intelligence modifier (minimum of one creature). Each of the chosen creatures has Half Cover for 1 minute or until you have the Incapacitated condition.

Once you use this feature, you can't do so again until you finish a Long Rest unless you expend a Psionic Energy Die (no action required) to restore your use of it.

Telekinetic Master

By 18th level, You always have the Telekinesis spell prepared. With this feature, you can cast it without a spell slot or components, and your spellcasting ability for it is Intelligence. On each of your turns while you maintain Concentration on it, including the turn when you cast it, you can make one attack with a weapon as a Bonus Action.

Once you cast the spell with this feature, you can't do so in this way again until you finish a Long Rest unless you expend a Psionic Energy Die (no action required) to restore your use of it.

Knightly Envoy

At 3rd level, You learn one language of your choice, which you choose from the language tables in the 2024 Player's Handbook.

Additionally, you can cast the Comprehend Languages spell but only as a Ritual. Intelligence is your spellcasting ability for it.

Purple Dragon Companion

At 3rd level, You are bonded with an amethyst dragon hatchling that serves as your purple dragon companion and uses the Purple Dragon Companion stat block. The purple dragon is Friendly to you and your allies and obeys your commands.

The Dragon in Combat. In combat, the dragon acts during your turn. It can move and use its Reaction on its own, but the only action it takes is the Dodge action unless you take a Bonus Action to command it to take an action in its stat block or some other action. If you have the Incapacitated condition, the dragon acts on its own and isn't limited to the Dodge action.

Resurrecting the Dragon. If the dragon companion has died within the last hour, you can take a Magic action to touch the dragon and expend a use of your Second Wind. The dragon returns to life after 1 minute with all its Hit Points restored.

Otherwise, you can perform a 1-hour ceremony to resurrect the dragon; this ceremony can be performed as part of a Short or Long Rest.

Arcane Sight

Prerequisites(s): Proficient in the Arcana skill

You can cast detect magic at will, without expending a spell slot.

Blademaster

Prerequisites(s): 5th level, Proficiency with at least one Martial Weapon.

Select one type of martial weapon with which you are proficient. While you are wielding this weapon, it counts as magical for the purpose of piercing resistance and immunity. You also gain one additional Weapon Mastery.

Carnie

Prerequisites(s): Thrown Weapon Fighting Feat.

The ranges of any weapon you use with the Thrown property are doubled when you throw that weapon.

Duel of Honor

Prerequisites(s): Proficient in the Deception or Intimidation Skill. Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma 14 or higher.

You can cast compelled duel at 1st level once without using a spell slot. You can't do so again until you finish a short or long rest. Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma is your Spellcasting modifier for this spell (you choose which when you take this talent).

Expert

Prerequisites(s): N/A
You choose one Skill or Tool with which you are Proficient. You gain Expertise with that Skill or Tool. This talent can be taken up to two times, and you must choose a different skill or tool to benefit from this Talent for each.

Giantslayer

Prerequisites(s): N/A

You gain a climbing speed equal to your walking speed if you don't already have one. If you already have a climbing speed, your movement is increased by 10 feet while using it. You can use your climbing speed to scale creatures that are at least one size larger than you. At the start of each of your turns while you are climbing this creature, you must make a Strength (Athletics) skill check contested by a Strength (Athletics) skill check from the creature you are climbing.

While you are climbing a creature in this way, you have advantage on your melee attack rolls against it while that creature has disadvantage on attacks against you. The creature you are climbing has advantage on a Strength (Athletics) Skill Check made to grapple you while you are climbing it.

Hard Landing

Prerequisite(s): Constitution 14 or higher.

You halve any falling damage you take. At 10th level, you reduce any damage you would take from falling to 0.

Master of Court and Sword

Prerequisites(s): 3rd level, Battle Master Subclass.

You learn one additional Maneuver and gain one additional Maneuver Die.

Additionally, if you use a Maneuver to add to a Skill Check and still fail the check, you can re-roll the d20 for that Check once and must use the new result.

Mighty Blows

Prerequisites(s): 10th level, Strength or Dexterity 18

Once per turn, when you deal damage with a Melee Weapon Attack or Unarmed Strike, you can deal extra damage equal to your Proficiency Bonus.

Mythical Charm

Prerequisites(s): Proficient in the Persuasion Skill. Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma 14 or higher.

You can cast charm person at 1st level once without using a spell slot. You can't do so again until you finish a short or long rest. Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma is your Spellcasting modifier for this spell (you choose which when you take this talent).

Art (In Order)

• fall (Aki) (Dead Source)
• Carcass
• nicetanaka
• Kotatsu (G-Rough)
• luluchan92
• kk hamster

Other

Changes: Me, SmugCoffeeMan

If you enjoy my content, feel free to buy me a coffee over on Ko-Fi! It ensures I can focus on putting out content instead of worrying about paying my bills.

Feel free to follow me on social media!
Youtube
Twitter
Twitch

1.0

• All the stuff from my 2014 Revised Fighter, with a few tweaks.
• Multi-Attack now has a stacking -2 penalty per attack beyond the first and is now Proficiency bonus -1 attacks per action.
• Eldritch Knight is a half-caster.
• Battle Master gets the most Maneuvers and can eventually learn them all.

1.1

• Fixed language with Martial Knowledge to be a bit clearer.

1.2

• Added a revised version of the UA Purple Dragon Knight Subclass.
• Buffed the Purple Dragon Companion at all levels.
• Added a new 18th level feature, Pefected Bond. This further improves the Dragon to a true dragon companion.
• Enduring Commander grants Immunity to the Charmed and Frightened Conditions for the Fighter and their Dragon.
• the dice for Shared Second Wind and Improved Gravity Breath are now d8s.

1.3

• Fixed an error with Battlemaster. It grants one Superiority Die at 3rd.