If you're feeling overwhelmed when tracking down the best D&D class for beginners, don't worry; we've been playing and running games for years now, which means we've built up a treasure trove of advice. You'll find a laser-focused list of what to try here as a result, tailored to your play-style.
This guide isn't just limited to the best D&D class for beginners, though. Besides walking you through the best options for close-combat, ranged fighting, and magic, I've also got advice on what upgrades to choose as your character grows in strength. This isn't just a walkthrough for your first session; it's a one-stop shop of advice that should help you navigate levels 1-3.
Roll for Initiative, everyone!
Best D&D class for beginners overall
The Fighter is your typical bread and butter adventurer, a badge that often gets them labelled as "boring" or "vanilla" when compared to other classes. Don’t let this fool you though, as Fighters have just as much potential to grow into an impressive character over the course of a campaign as more complex classes. They also offer the easiest mechanics to get your head around, making them the perfect D&D class for beginners.
Within the game, any character can make a physical attack with a weapon, be that a staff, sword, or even just their bare hands. However, this will be your staple move as a Fighter. There's no fuss or complex spells to navigate – just roll to attack and dish out your weapon damage. Yes, you have a distinct "Fighting Style" to choose from and some bonus abilities that give you an edge in combat. But these aren't nearly so intimidating as they might seem. Your Fighting Style offers easy-to-understand benefits like an extra point toward defense or bonus damage, for example, while the likes of "Second Wind" can heal you in the middle of combat. That makes the Fighter forgiving of mistakes, because you can quickly make up for it.
Similarly, more complicated features are introduced later on (such as the Battle Master subclass's "Maneauvers"). However, you'll have a strong grasp of the fundamentals by that stage and should be ready to tackle those new systems.
In short? For someone who needs time to learn the basic mechanics of D&D, a Fighter is the ideal choice.
Recommended build
Skill Proficiencies
One of the first things you'll need to do when making a Fighter is choose two Skill Proficiencies (AKA stuff your character is really good at). I'd recommend the following options.
- Athletics: This can be very useful in and out of combat, allowing you to grapple foes or make death-defying stunts.
- Perception: Being more perceptive is tremendously helpful because it lets you spot danger (like an ambush or traps) long before anyone else.
Starting Equipment
Every character can choose from a couple of equipment options when setting up their hero. For this beginner-friendly build, I'd recommend the following.
- Option B: This is the most versatile choice if you aren't sure what kind of Fighter you want to be. Studded Leather Armor isn't the strongest but will keep you manoeuvrable, you get a Scimitar and Shortsword to use at the same time (one in each hand), and a Longbow for ranged attacks means you aren't limited to close combat.
Fighting Style
Your character has a distinct approach to combat (they might be an expert archer or fearsome duellist, for example), and these 'Fighting Styles' provide unique bonuses. I'd suggest the following if you've chosen Starting Equipment B.
- Two-Weapon Fighting: Normally, you wouldn't add your ability modifier bonus to the damage of an off-hand attack (meaning it's harder to hurt your target with that second weapon). This Fighting Style bypasses that rule, making you even more dangerous when battling with a weapon in each hand. If you're using D&D Beyond, it also makes life easier; you don't need to manually remove your ability modifier from the off-hand strike, so can just click the damage roll button like usual.
Weapon Mastery
Because your character is an experienced warrior, they know how to handle many kinds of weapon and get a special bonus as a result. So long as you've chosen Starting Equipment B, I'd select the following.
- Scimitar (Nick): Lets you use your off-hand strike as part of a main Attack, not a Bonus Action like normal. That means you can save your Bonus Action for something else (e.g. Second Wind).
- Shortsword (Vex): So long as you hit them, this power gives you Advantage against a foe until the end of your next turn (e.g. it's easier to hit them).
- Longbow (Slow): As long as you hit your target, you can reduce their speed by 10ft. This is great for keeping foes at a distance.
You'll be able to start using a subclass at level 3, and I'd recommend opting for the Battle Master. While the other options are excellent (the Psi Warrior is basically a Jedi), this gives you maximum flexibility with which to respond to any situation.
Best magic D&D class for beginners
If you like the idea of slinging spells instead of swinging a sword around, this is your best bet. Warlocks offer the easiest gateway into D&D spellcasting, as they’re much more straightforward to use than other classes like Wizards, Sorcerers, or Druids.
While you’ll still have a list of spells to choose from, for example, it's small and manageable. In addition, there are fewer spell slots (which represent how many 'big' spells you can cast before requiring a break) to grapple with. Warlocks only have two at level 1, and these replenish on a short rest – AKA a pitstop that allows you to recharge your abilities.
Your go-to magic attacks can be used as often as you want, too; there's no pressure that you’ll be rendered useless if you run out of slots. Just stand far away, keep blasting at the enemy, and read through the rest of your spells to see if anything could be of use later.
Sure, Warlocks are often typecast as 'evil' because their powers come from a deal with questionable patrons. But how you write your character’s behavior is entirely down to you… and if nothing else, it's a baked-in source of drama you can use for roleplay.
Recommended build
Skill Proficiencies
You'll be asked to choose two Skill Proficiencies (e.g. things your character gets a bonus for) when making your Warlock, and I'd recommend selecting:
- Arcana: This gives you knowledge of all things magical and may come in handy if you're the party's only spellcaster.
- Deception or Intimidation: Your character will be very charismatic as is, and this will make them even more effective at talking their way out of problems.
Eldritch Invocations
This represents forbidden knowledge you've found or have learned from your patron, and you can swap it whenever you level up. I'd suggest choosing 'Pact of the Blade' to start with, because it lets you summon a weapon that uses your high Charisma score to hit foes instead of the usual Strength stat. In other words, you're lot more dangerous in close combat than you've got a right to be. It's a great backup if you get surrounded, or if you like the idea of crossing swords while slinging spells.
Cantrips
You can choose two Cantrips (spells you're able to cast as much as you want) at level 1. I'd recommend the following options.
- Eldritch Blast: A reliable ranged attack that gets more powerful as you level up.
- Minor Illusion: A helpful spell for use in and out of combat that creates an illusion to confuse or distract foes. If you're creative, there's a lot you can do with this.
Spells
You can choose two spells at level 1, so I'd make a beeline for:
- Hex: A subtle but very useful option that inflicts extra damage to a target every time you hit them. They also have disadvantage with a skill of your choice.
- Charm Person: This means the target can't harm you during combat. It also gives you an advantage on ability checks against them in social situations, so this isn't just helpful in a fight.
Although your character has already made a pact with some dark power from level 1, you decide exactly what they are with your level 3 Subclass. The four core options have different strengths depending on how you want to play, but the 'easiest' would be a Fiend Patron. This could be seen as the classic choice and leans into simpler, more aggressive spells you'll have likely come to rely on.
Best D&D class for beginners who want to try everything
Do you, like Miley, enjoy the best of both worlds? Playing a Paladin will likely take your fancy. Although they gain magical power from the deity they worship, they're a fighter first and can usually be found wrapped in heavy armor. This emphasis on combat means that you don't need to worry too much about memorizing spells; Paladins have a shorter list at their disposal than most spellcasters, so it's much easier to follow.
Chances are you’ll be using those spell slots for one purpose anyway – righteously smiting your enemies. Paladins call upon the power of a god to beat the crap out of foes, and this can cause some seriously eye-watering damage. Healing yourself or your companions is also an option, so Paladins will help you to learn the complex skills used in more difficult D&D classes.
With all this in mind, it may not come as a surprise that they traditionally sit at the opposite end of the scale to Warlocks – it's common for them to be portrayed as law-abiding heroes with a strong sense of justice. Nevertheless, it's worth pointing out that there are plenty of gods in the pantheon better known for evil deeds than good ones…
Speaking of gods, a Paladin's religious background offers a great way to get into the lore of Dungeons & Dragons. Because their powers are bestowed upon them by one of the many deities in D&D's pantheon, they provide a glimpse at the world beyond simple adventuring.
Best ranged D&D class for beginners
This one's ideal for anyone that's fond of keeping foes at a distance and peppering them with arrows. Even though Rangers can become somewhat complicated after a few levels (though you can add as much or as little complexity to the character build as you desire when you level up), the early game sees you simply popping off shots with your bow from afar.
Not that you'll 'just' be a glorified archer. As a Ranger, you also have access to a small list of spells. The most common of these is Hunter's Mark, and it allows you to deal extra damage whenever you hit the targeted creature with an attack.
You have options that allow you to control an animal companion too, so there’s plenty of utility to make a Ranger feel unique. Want a friendly bear to follow you around like Trinket from Critical Role or The Legend of Vox Machina? This is the class for you.
Next steps and FAQ
Some final notes to leave you with before you start planning your first ever character: just because something is ranked on this list as being a difficult or easy D&D class for beginners, don't think you shouldn’t play something that resonates with you.
In the same breath, if you’re a Dungeon Master planning a first session for a group of people new to D&D, please don’t tell them they can’t play specific classes because of their difficulty. Many people fall in love with this game because they have the freedom to play whatever they like. It’s what sets tabletop RPGs apart from video games, and restricting players away from specific classes or, in some instances, the entire list of pure spellcasters, could ruin the opportunity for a newbie to connect with their character. We were all new to this hobby once, so some research and helpful guidance will go a very long way!
What is the best D&D class for beginners?
If you're trying to find the single best D&D class for beginners, I'd suggest using the Fighter. It strikes a great balance of being easy to understand in combat, but adds more complex abilities later once you've mastered the basics.
However, a lot of it comes down to the kind of adventurer you want to play. Here are some suggestions based on use-case:
You want to hit stuff: Barbarian
You want to use spells: Warlock
You want to magic and combat: Paladin
You want to shoot things at a distance: Ranger
Are there any D&D classes beginners should avoid?
Although I don't think there are any classes you should actively steer clear of, a few are harder to get to grips with than others. The Wizard is chief amongst these, as it's pretty complex thanks to a wealth of spells, spell slots, and more. If you want the easiest entry-point to D&D, I'd opt for something else - perhaps a Warlock if you want accessible magical action.
Looking for more helpful tips? Here's how to start playing D&D, and how to play D&D online.
