When it comes to organizing aDungeons & Dragonsadventuring party, the Cleric is often placed in the role of a healer. However, modern incarnations of what is usually a support class have changed dramatically. These days, Clerics have evolved into a combination class that can fill any role and works well as a multiclass.
The Cleric used to be an obscure class, but the improved skill setand customization optionshave made it more compelling to D&D players, both in tabletop and video game form (such as inBaldur’s Gate 3). Clerics still make great healers, but they are equally great as defenders, support characters, and dealers in both physical and magical damage.
Clerics use Wisdom as their spellcasting modifier, so this is typically their highest stat. With that in mind, players who are thinking about multiclassing should look at classes that also use Wisdom. Examples include Druids, Monks, and Rangers.
4The Tempest Cleric
Masters Of The Storm
This build can work for a defender as well as a striker, but in that case, Constitution should be higher than Dexterity. TheseClerics are primarily magic damagedealers, but they can also have extra weapon proficiencies or a higher AC depending on the subclass.
Race
Subclass: Tempest Domain
Keep with the “storm” theme of the build by making this Cleric an expert in controlling elements like thunder, wind, water, and lightning. Tempest Clerics also have more proficiencies for AC and weapons, so they have more power in melee range even without casting abilities.
3The Necromancer
Dance With The Dead
Comparable to dark Sorcerers or evil Wizards, this build is best suited to a Cleric who oversees a place like a crypt or cemetery, or one that follows a god of the dead.
The Necromancer doesn’t exist as a class inD&D, but that doesn’t mean players can’t build another class into onethat dabbles in death magic, the occult, or controlling the undead. These Clerics can be pure damage dealers, or use their powers equally to control minions, melt their enemies, and heal their allies.
Each of the following races gives the player the option of adding +2 and +1 to any two scores, or +1 to three of them.
Subclass: Death or Grave
The nature of the Cleric class means that several of the subclasses focus on death and the afterlife. The Death Domain has the most choices when it comes to Cold or Necromancy spells, and it also grants the Cleric a few extra slots.
The Grave Domain is also a possibility. This choice is more about the manipulation of life and death and gives the Cleric extra powers to counter the undead.
Background
Feats
Each of the following Feats gives the player the option of increasing their Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma score by 1. Clerics should always choose Wisdom.
2The Power Of The Light
Lay Waste As A Holy Healer
A support class that uses Light and Fire damage, this build is as good at destroying enemies as they are with healing allies. This Cleric build can becompared to a Paladin. They use their powers to smite as much as to heal, dispel, and buff, but don’t mistake this for a support class or a healer that stands on the sidelines. These are powerful spellcasters that can compete with Sorcerers and Wizards when it comes to damage.
Subclass: Light or War
The Light Domain subclass gives some boost to support skills like Guardian of Faith, while adding powerful damage-dealing spells like Scorching Ray and Daylight. Players who are interested in building a defender that is more like a Paladin can try the War Domain, which gives the Cleric extra AC and weapon proficiencies.
1Dark Defender
A High Constitution And Close-Range Casting Power
This is a fairly new Cleric build with a high AC that fights in melee range, and any spells they know are often for self-healing, support, or melee combat. Breaking away from the traditional roles of damage and healing, this character fights on the front linesand takes on a roleusually held by Paladins or Fighters. This Cleric wears heavy armor, prioritizes melee combat and defense, and requires Constitution and Strength in addition to Wisdom.
Subclass: War Domain
The War Domain gives the Cleric proficiency with Heavy Armor and martial weapons along with specific casting abilities to dispel, de-curse, and rally their companions.
