As people begin to look more into D&D and it grows in popularity, people begin to find out more about exactly what each class has to offer. Looking further into that, there’s the discovery of the magic of multiclassing. It can be hard to find what multiclass is fit for your character,, but it’s important to look through and find what works best for you and your class.
11. Bard/Wizard
The Bard/Wizard is one of the first combinations people think of, but it doesn't tend to go well together.
These two, while seeming like a good idea at first, don’t compliment each other well. Ultimately, they’re both better on their own. However, if you want to, you can try your luck with this combination.
They both pour into different proficiencies in order to benefit their spells. The Wizard won’t benefit from the Intelligence of the Bard, and it will take a few levels in order for the Wizard to truly benefit a Bard. Combining these two contradicts their ability scores, as they both focus on different things.
Why Bard/Wizard Is Great
- Both spellcasters with fun abilities
- They can provide a challenge for the player
- The multiclass is complicated to figure out
Choose This Multiclass if...
- You would like a fun challenge to do
- You would want to try a complicated multiclass
- You want to problem solve your multiclass and put time and effort into it
10. Bard/Monk
Monks are usually better on their own when it comes to multiclassing.
The Bard/Monk combination at the start seems like a good idea. The spellcaster and martial fighter is a popular combination amongst the D&D crowd. However, looking into this multiclass, it would be a better idea to look elsewhere.
Ultimately, the ability scores completely cause disruption in this multiclass. The Bard needs a strong Charisma for their spellcasting, and the Monk needs a strong Dexterity, Wisdom, and Constitution. The ultimate comes from the Monk’s abilities, but without those three abilities having strong numbers, plus the needed Charisma, it's unlikely that you’ll get the full benefit.
Why Bard/Monk Is Great
- Added martial arts to the Bard side
- Unarmored Defense as a helpful benefit for the Bard
- A holding of their own in combat with martial combats
Choose This Multiclass if...
- You would like to try a martial multiclass
- You want to try a complicated martial/spellcaster combination
- You prefer the martial/spellcaster combination over a base spellcaster
9. Bard/Barbarian
The Barbarian is best when multiclassing with someone else besides the Bard.
Another multiclass that seems like a good idea at first is the Bard/Barbarian. With the push for spellcaster and martial fighter, people have been looking for the right combination for each class. It’s best to look elsewhere for the Bard/Barbarian if you want an easy time playing.
It ultimately comes down to the fact that you can’t have Concentration spells when your Rage is activated as a Barbarian. The goal would be to focus on spells that don’t use Concentration or focusing on only using one class during combat. This essentially forces your hand either way, and it can be complicated depending on how you prefer to use spells in game.
Why Bard/Barbarian Is Great
- Presents a challenge for expert players because of concentration
- Either focuses you one way or the other way, which can be beneficial when deciding which side to pour more levels into
- Unarmored Defense is always a good benefit from the Barbarian
Choose ThisMulticlass if...
- You would like to try something a little harder to play
- You want to focus combat one spellcasting or martial fighting but not together
- You prefer to use spells that don’t use Concentration
8. Bard/Ranger
The Ranger is a fantastic martial fighter, but not when it comes to the Bard.
The combination of the Bard and Ranger can be a good idea when it comes to wanting martial fighting. The Ranger is a decent option for this, and can benefit the Bard quite well. Their downfall is ultimately that they don’t quite measure up to other classes.
The Bard/Ranger focuses a lot on combat. If you prefer to be combat focused, that’s fantastic, but a lot of D&D isn’t around combat all the time. It’s important to make sure your character is an all rounder, and the Bard/Ranger multiclass just doesn’t cut that. The combat damage however is pretty good.
Why Bard/Ranger Is Great
- Gives the Bard the martial fighting that a lot of people look for
- Very combat focused due to Ranger’s benefits to the Bard
- Good combat damage coming from the Ranger side
Choose This Multiclass if...
- You have experience with multiclassing and know how to balance out the classes
- You’re more combat focused when playing
- You prefer even leveling when you multiclass
7. Bard/Druid
The Druid is the Bard's twin in another lifetime.
Bards and Druids are decently similar to each other. They’re both spellcasters for one, and they both tend to be focused in the same area of spells which can be great, but this is also the reason they’re only at number 7 on this list.
Due to their similarities, it wouldn’t make a whole lot of sense to multiclass into a Druid with a Bard unless you wanted specifics from the Druid side, like Wild Shape. Wild Shape can be pretty nifty at times, so it can be a good idea to multiclass just for that reason. However, if you’re looking into it for spells, then maybe reconsider this multiclass.
Why Bard/Druid Is Great
- Both spellcasters so they compliment well
- The Wild Shape from the Druid can be super useful
- It can be an easy multiclass without much level give from the Bard
Choose This Multiclass if…
- You want to dabble into multiclassing with not too much commitment
- You like to use Wild Shape from the Druid
- You want to use a spellcaster only
6. Bard/Cleric
The Cleric is a great healer class to benefit the Bard.
The Bard and Cleric are two spellcasters with both strong similarities and strong differences. While the similarities are powerful, it’s the differences in this that can make it hard to multiclass. It’s important to keep a few things in mind when going into it, specifically of where you’re putting your high number ability scores.
In order for this to truly work, you need high numbers in both Wisdom and Charisma, as well as Strength and Constitution. The chances of this happening are slim, so it's good to look elsewhere for benefits. Some cleric domains give heavy armor proficiency, which can be beneficial to the Bard side and help with armor class. Or you can focus on being a healer with the Life Domain.
Why Bard/Cleric Is Great
- Both spellcasters so you have full set of spells
- Cleric domains can help with armor class
- Life Domain can help with being a better healer
Choose This Multiclass if...
- You like spellcasters and want to multiclass as one
- You want to focus more on the Bard side of the multiclass
- You want to focus as a Bard healer
5. Bard/Sorcerer
The Sorcerer is a very powerful option and ally in D&D.
As we get close to number 1, we get to multiclasses that really have some merit and power to them. One of these is the Bard/Sorcerer. The Sorcerer gives the Bard what it needs the most, some firepower.
Just by taking a few levels of the Sorcerer, you can add some really powerful spells to your arsenal. They both also use Charisma as their main ability score, so you can rely on having spells that need Charisma in order to work. Just a few damage dealing spells from the Sorcerer side can really buff up your Bard’s damage.
Why Bard/Sorcerer Is Great
- Not too level costly and really effective
- Gives extra damage to the Bard, which is ideal
- Both have Charisma as their focus
Choose This Multiclass if…
- You like spellcasters and want to multiclass as one
- You want to add more firepower to your Bard
- You want more versatility for your Bard’s spells
4. Bard/Fighter
The Fighter has always been quite the fighter in D&D.
The Bard with any martial fighter type can seem like a good idea, but one of the best ones is the Fighter. The Fighter is known for its multiclass ability with other classes looking for more martial abilities. The Bard is no different in this, and this combination can really be beneficial.
You don’t even need to consider a specific Fighting Style from the Fighter, any of them can really benefit the Bard quite well. It’s ideal to sacrifice quite a few levels into the Fighter, but if you don’t want to do that, just a few levels will suffice. You also get Action Surge from the Fighter, which can be pretty useful.
Why Bard/Fighter Is Great
- Gives martial fighting to the Bard
- Any Fighting Style can work for the Bard and be beneficial
- Action Surge is an added bonus and fun to use in combat
Choose This Multiclass if...
- You like to use martial fighting with spellcasters
- You don’t have a preferenced Fighting Style and want to try one out
- You’re willing to sacrifice levels off your Bard in order to get more benefits
3. Bard/Paladin
The Paladin is a perfect multiclass for martial fighting with the Bard.
As another martial fighting class, the Paladin is often looked towards for multiclassing. As the Bard continues to look for martial fighting, the Paladin is a great contender for this. There are many benefits that come with the Bard/Paladin combination.
The Bard is very compatible with the Paladin, as certain Paladin spells use Charisma, and the Bard’s main ability score is Charisma. Not only that, the use of Divine Smite is very beneficial to those with high spellcasting ability, and the Bard is such. With the combination of certain Paladin spells and their Divine Smite, the Bard ends up being a pretty powerful combatter.
Why Bard/Paladin Is Great
- Compatible with Charisma ability score
- Martial fighting is given to the Bard
- Divine Smite can be used really well in combat
Choose This Multiclass if...
- You like the spellcaster and martial fighter combination
- You want to utilize Divine Smite more
- You fine with taking out several levels from your Bard
2. Bard/Warlock
The Warlock is the perfect spellcasterwith the Bard.
The Bard/Warlock is the most compatible spellcaster/spellcaster combination for the Bard. With both of them prioritizing in other things, it can seem like this wouldn’t be the best option. However, there are certain stats that just make this combination work really well.
They both have a focus of Charisma with their ability score, which means their spells focus on the same things. Bards often struggle with damage, and the Warlock has a plethora of damage dealing spells. These two things alone make this multiclass extremely strong in combat.
Why Bard/Warlock Is Great
- Extremely combat focused with the damage buffs
- Both have a focus of Charisma so there’s a lot of compatibility
- Both spellcasters so they’re very compatible
Choose This Multiclass if…
- You are a combat focused player
- You like spellcasters and want to multiclass as one
- You prefer Charisma spellcasters and their options
1. Bard/Rogue
The Rogue is the perfect talent master with the Bard.
This is a very good combination in the D&D world. You can have a lot of creativity with this multiclass and create a lot of different spell combinations. The Rogue/Bard multiclass has a lot of fun with the game.
You don’t need to take too many levels of the Rogue to benefit from it. With the Rogue Expertise and the strength of the Bard Expertise to back it up, you can become proficient in a lot of things. This can make you really good at skill checks and protect you from a lot of in-game complications. When you use the Arcane Trickster side of the Rogue, you can benefit from the Rogue even more.
Why Rogue/Bard IsGreat
- Benefits from proficiencies from both classes
- The Arcane Trickster can make the Rogue levels even more beneficial
- Become really good a lot of things
Choose This Multiclass if…
- You like to be proficient in a lot of things
- You put proficiencies and roleplaying above combat
- You like melee and spellcasting combinations
You may also be interested in:
- 32 Most Interesting Facts About Dungeons and Dragons!
- (Video) How to Play a "Hex Bard" - College of Sword &, Hexblade Warlock - In Dungeons and Dragons 5e
FAQs
What classes are fun to multiclass with Bard? ›
Which classes do Bards want for multiclass dips? Bards have much to gain from other Charisma-based spellcasters, Sorcerers and Warlocks. As usual, the Hexblade Warlock is mighty tempting. Paladins can also be good for Bards if there is enough room in the build to get Paladin auras.
What multiclass is best with Bard 5e? ›Bards and Rogues are a classic combo. This is the multiclass path to having expertise in as many skills as you could possibly want. You get expertise from being a bard, get it again from being a rogue, and cunning action gets you even more mobility so that you can always have something to do in the middle of a combat.
What is the most powerful multiclass in DND? ›- 1 Wizard, Up To Artificer 5.
- 2 Rogue, Up To Sorcerer 6. ...
- 3 Monk, Up To Fighter 4. ...
- 4 Druid, Up To Cleric 5. ...
- 5 Cleric, Up To Rogue 3. ...
- 6 Barbarian, Up To Paladin 6. ...
- 7 Cleric (Any Subclass) / Up To Swashbuckler Rogue 3. ...
- 8 Valor Bard / Up To Devotion Paladin 2. ...
College of Eloquence: The best bard that ever did bard, College of Eloquence reinforces and expands upon the Bard's core class features. While it doesn't add anything truly new to the class, it does make the Bard's core features considerably better.
What is a good class to pair with bard? ›Of all martial classes, the best one to take with the bard is the paladin. In part, this is due to complementary spellcasting. Even though the bard's high-level spells will be delayed, they gain access to several unique paladin spells, all of which use Charisma and are therefore compatible.
Is it worth Multiclassing as a bard? ›Bards are fun in Dungeons & Dragons, but even the best Bards may want to branch out. Multiclassing a Bard can be a great way for them to do a little more than trying to seduce every dragon they come across.
What race goes best with bard? ›Dungeons & Dragons' Half-Elf Is Perfect For Bards
There are a handful of standard races perfect for Bards, but the best hands down remains the Half-Elf. Not only do half-elves get an automatic +2 Charisma boost, but they also get two more +1 stat boosts to other attributes.
In dialogue, the natural charm of the Bard means they're probably the leader or the face of the group. In combat, they're best suited to buffing up allies and hobbling enemies with spells, so that another member of the group can go in for the kill.
Which bard subclass is best for support? ›College of Glamour is great for a bard looking to play a support role, and to lean into Charm effects.
What is the most broken multiclass 5e? ›The warlock and sorcerer are one of D&D 5e's most infamous multiclass combos. A build combining the two is often dubbed the "coffeelock." This build takes advantage of the warlock's ability to regain spell slots on a short rest and the D&D sorcerer's ability to convert spell slots into sorcery points.
What is the most badass class in DnD? ›
1 Paladins
The paladin is perhaps the most powerful combatant of all of D&D 5e's classes. It combines the best aspects of the fighter and cleric into a single character. Paladins get a fighter's weapons, spellcasting like a cleric, and several unique features.
Monks are some of the most fun characters you can make in D&D. Being able to dodge attacks with little armor and punch enemies to death never gets old. You can take this to the next level with Shadow Monks.
Who is rank 1 Bard? ›# | Summoner | Tier |
---|---|---|
1. | Bardarded EUW (#1) Master | Master |
2. | Elian PH (#2) Challenger | Challenger |
3. | NekrOCZ EUW (#3) Master | Master |
4. | Majickz EUW (#4) Master | Master |
The Job has been in the game since 1.0 and has changed a lot over time, securing the spot of a powerful physical ranged DPS. This is not, however, an easy Job to play! Its skill ceiling makes Bard one of the most difficult Jobs in the game.
Why is Bard the best champion? ›His Ult Is Very Powerful
In addition to his healing and teleportion powers, Bard also has a unique ultimate ability, or ult. Ults are the most powerful moves each champion has — the one that takes the longest to unlock in a game, and is activated by pressing “R”.
- Bel'Veth.
- K'Sante.
- Milio.
- Nilah.
- Renata Glasc.
- Vex.
- Zeri.
While bards are natural spellcasters, all their magic comes from their charm and performance skills, so, when rolling your Bard 5e stats, you're going to want to prioritize Charisma (Cha) over everything else. Dexterity (Dex) and Constitution (Con) are going to be your next highest stats.
What are the best three bard skills? ›First-level bards know three skills, in addition to the two skills they gain from their background and any racial skills. They can choose any skill on the list. Typically, bards tend to be best with Charisma-based skills, and then have either Wisdom, Dexterity or Intelligence-based skills as a second speciality.
Is The Bard overpowered? ›No. As a class, their main feature is casting spells and helping their friends. They do this quite admirably. If they are buffing the “right character”, Bards act as a force multiplier for your entire party.
Is Bard a hard champion? ›Champion Difficulty: 8/10
Bard is an incredibly difficult champion to master.
Do Bards need Charisma? ›
Bards use Charisma for a lot of their best spells, it also determines how many uses of Bardic Inspiration you get, and even if your character isn't intended to be the party's face, you may still want to use persuasion, deception and other Charisma based checks from time to time.
Is Bard a good multiclass with Paladin? ›The Bardadin is an excellent example of the cost/benefit analysis inherent in multiclassing. The Bard and the Paladin both have good multiclass break points at levels 2 through 6, and making that trade means giving up powerful high-level features like 9th-level bard spells or the Paladin's Aura Improvements.
What race goes well with Bard? ›Dungeons & Dragons' Half-Elf Is Perfect For Bards
There are a handful of standard races perfect for Bards, but the best hands down remains the Half-Elf. Not only do half-elves get an automatic +2 Charisma boost, but they also get two more +1 stat boosts to other attributes.
A 5e Guide for Barbarian Bard Multiclassing
Barbarians are slabs of tanky meat and bards are the premiere skill, roleplay, and ally support class, combined they can get the best of both worlds!
Best Races for the Bard/Rogue Multiclass
The Dark Elf is an outstanding class for the Bard/Rogue multiclass because they start the game with +2 DEX and +1 CHA.
Generally, Intelligence is considered the best stat for Bards and other Charisma-based casters to dump, but it doesn't necessarily have to be. Strength: If someone wants their Bard to have a halfway decent Arcana skill, consider making Strength the dump stat instead.
Is The bard overpowered? ›No. As a class, their main feature is casting spells and helping their friends. They do this quite admirably. If they are buffing the “right character”, Bards act as a force multiplier for your entire party.
What is the best God for a Bard? ›Bards were drawn most often to the worship of gods of magic, such as Corellon, Selûne, or others. Good bards sometimes worshiped Bahamut or Moradin.
What champions are good with Bard? ›- Bel'Veth.
- K'Sante.
- Milio.
- Nilah.
- Renata Glasc.
- Vex.
- Zeri.
Cantrips. You know two cantrips of your choice from the bard spell list. You learn additional bard cantrips of your choice at higher levels, as shown in the Cantrips Known column of the Bard table.
Can you have a half orc bard? ›
A high charisma half-orc bard could be very interesting - and bards are very versatile. Many bards are supporters, inspiring their team and helping to protect and heal them, but they can also be fighters and in the thick of the battle - it all depends on what you want to do.
Do bards get 2 attacks? ›In the Bard's College of Valor path, you get an extra attack that is described: Starting at 6th level, you can attack twice, instead of once, whenever you take the Attack action on your turn.