As we gear up for the release of Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves here at Merchoid, we’ve been taking a look at all things D&D. Our recent survey of 2,588 D&D players shed light on some interesting discoveries, including which D&D class players favour amongst others.

For those who are new to Dungeons and Dragons, it’s a tabletop role-playing game that involves creating a character and embarking on fantastic quests and adventures. Our survey showed that of the players polled, the majority prefer to run their own games, choosing the role of Dungeon Master. However, when choosing a character class, the most popular option was Rogue. The Rogue class is particularly appealing to new players as it is impactful at lower levels and offers ample growth opportunities.

But what about the other roles? With the world of Dungeons and Dragons offering players many variations of character choices, we’re answering some of the most asked questions in order to help you with your character creation.

What are the four main original roles in D&D?

There are four main original roles in D&D, which represent different tactical approaches to gameplay. These roles are the Fighter, the Thief, the Cleric, and the Magic-User.

  • The Fighter is a direct combatant, providing strength and durability to a party.
  • The Thief, on the other hand, offers cunning and stealth, enabling the party to navigate complex challenges.
  • The Cleric is a versatile role, offering both combat and magic support to the party.
  • Lastly, the Magic-User is a powerful class with a variety of magical abilities, offering significant versatility and strategic value to the party.

Each of these roles brings unique strengths to the table, and a well-balanced party will usually feature a mix of these archetypes.

What is the most powerful role in D&D?

The question of which is the most powerful role in D&D is a difficult one to answer definitively because it ultimately depends on how the player chooses to build and play their character. However, it's worth noting that the Paladin is widely regarded as one of the most powerful classes in the game. The Paladin combines the best aspects of both the Fighter and Cleric, making it a formidable combatant with strong healing abilities. Paladins also have access to a range of spells, and their divine smite ability allows them to deal significant damage to enemies. In addition to their combat prowess, Paladins have excellent defensive capabilities, making them a versatile and valuable addition to any party. While other classes may excel in specific areas, the Paladin's well-rounded abilities make it a strong contender for the title of the most powerful role in D&D.

What is the coolest D&D Class?

Many players consider the Arcane Trickster to be the coolest class in the game. As a subclass of the Rogue, the Arcane Trickster combines the sneaky and agile nature of a rogue with powerful arcane magic. This unique combination of skills allows the Arcane Trickster to excel at both melee combat and spellcasting, making them incredibly versatile and fun to play. The subclass offers a range of exciting abilities, such as Mage Hand Legerdemain, which allows the player to manipulate objects with telekinesis, and the ability to cast illusion spells to deceive and misdirect enemies.

While the Arcane Trickster is often considered the coolest class, there are other popular choices as well. The Path of the Totem Warrior subclass of the Barbarian is a close second, offering players the ability to connect with the primal power of animals and take on their attributes in battle. The College of Lore subclass of the Bard is also a favourite, giving players access to a range of spells and abilities that allow them to manipulate the battlefield and support their allies.

What is the least played D&D class?

The least played D&D class is often considered to be the Druid. While Druids have a unique and interesting set of abilities, they are also one of the more complicated classes to play. Druids have the ability to shapeshift into various animals, which adds another layer of complexity to their gameplay. Additionally, while they have a range of useful spells and abilities, they may not be as immediately powerful as some other classes. These factors may deter some players from choosing the Druid class. However, it's important to note that the popularity of a class can vary depending on individual preferences and playstyles, and some players may still find the Druid class to be a rewarding and enjoyable choice.