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Every adventurer walks their own path. But while many heroes dedicate themselves to achieving mastery in a single discipline, some find that there’s more to be found when you expand your horizons.

One of D&D 5e’s most interesting features is the ability to muticlass – combining a variety of skill sets into a single, customized character. Whether you want to shore up weaknesses or gain access to fun abilities, multiclassing is a great way to really start customizing your 5e experience. (And you can try it right now in our 5e + 2024 character builder.)

But is multiclassing too complicated to get the hang of? We don’t think so – and here’s how you can get started.

What is Multiclassing in 5e?

Multiclassing allows your D&D character to gain levels across multiple classes rather than simply advancing in a starting class. 

Maybe you want to create a spell-slinging fighter who can hold their own in arcane duels. Or perhaps you’re looking to build a sneaky cleric who can pick locks and channel diving powers (we’re not the morality police!) Multiclassing makes these fun concepts possible. 

It’s important to note that multiclassing is an optional rule in D&D 5e – so you’ll always want to check with the Dungeon Master to make sure it’s allowed at the table. 

How Does Multiclassing Work?

A Few Prerequisites First…

Before you start going class-wild on your character, you’ll need to meet some prerequisites:

• Ability Score Requirements: Each class has minimum ability score requirements that must be met before you can multiclass into it. For instance, to take levels in Wizared, you’ll need an Intelligence score of at least 13. These requirements put some guardrails on the process – ensuring that a character has the natural aptitude to learn the new class.

• DM Approval: As we noted above, multiclassing is an optional rule – meaning you’ll need approval by your Dungeon Master before you can play your multiclass character in a game.

• No Duplicate Classes Allowed: You can’t multiclass into the same class multiple times (for instance, no “Fighter 1/Fighter 1” shenanigans!)

How Multiclassing Works in D&D 5e

If the above are met, what’s to stop you from getting creative with your classes? In practical terms, multiclassing is pretty straightforward. 

When you gain a level, instead of advancing in your current class, you can choose to take a level in a different class. Your character level then equals the sum of all your class levels (so a Fighter 3/Wizard 2 is a 5th-level character.)

Each class level grants you the features specified in that class’s progression table. You’ll track hit points, hit dice, and class resources separately for each class. Your proficiency bonus is based on your total character level – not individual class levels.

For spellcasting, you’ll calculate your spell slots using a combined formula if you have multiple spellcasting classes – but you’ll learn and prepare your spells according to each class individually. 

For instance, a Fighter 3/Wizard 2 can only prepare 1st-level wizard spells (as a 2nd-level wizard) but might have access to 2nd-level spell slots due to the multiclass spell slot calculation.

Why Multiclass? What Are The Benefits?

So, if it’s a bit more complicated than a typical class build, why multiclass? As you explore the options, you’ll find there are some pretty impressive advantages to multiclassing - if you know how to play your cards right:

• Customization: You can create some truly unique characters by combining abilities across different classes.
• Tactical Flexibility: You can access tools, spells, and abilities that your original class may have lacked.
• Powerful Synergies: Want to see the best of two worlds? Multiclassing lets you see how specific classes combine well together to showcase some impressive abilities and skills.
• Unique Character Development: You can reflect your character’s experiences and changing priorities through the story using class choices.

What Are Some Popular Multiclass Combinations?

While you can get pretty wild with multiclassing, there are some class pairings that seem to work really well together. Here are some of the best multiclass combos that you can try out in your next adventure:

1. Fighter/Barbarian

The combination of a strength-based marital powerhouse creates a pretty impressive front-line combatant. Fighters bring Fighting Style, Action Surge, and eventually multiple Extra Attacks – while Barbarians add Rage for damage resistance and bonus damage. The Reckless Attack feature pairs nicely with a Fighter’s different attacks, giving more chances for critical hits.

2. Paladin/Sorcerer

This combination is affectionately called the "Sorcadin” – and it’s famous for its nova damage potential. Paladins bring Divine Smite and martial skills, while Sorcerers offer additional spell slots to fuel those smites and metamagic options to enhance spellcasting. Since both classes use Charisma, you can focus on one ability score and excel at both aspects of your character.

3. Rogue/Fighter

The Rogue/Fighter combo creates a precision striker offering impressive tactical options. In this class combination, Rogues bring their Sneak Attack, Expertise, and Cunning Action skills – while Fighters add Action Surge and Combat Superiority (if you choose Battle Master). Together, they create a character who can deal massive damage and maintain superior battlefield mobility.

4. Warlock/Bard

This pairing is super fun since the Warlock and Bard are both Charisma-based casters. The Warlock/Bard uses the Warlock's Eldritch Invocations and short-rest spell slots alongside the Bard's versatility and support capabilities. College of Eloquence Bards enhance this combination with the Warlock's often limited spell selection, while Warlocks provide consistent damage through Eldritch Blast.

5. Cleric/Druid

This Wisdom-based multiclass creates a versatile spellcaster who makes the most of diving and natural magic. Clerics bring powerful support and healing spells, while Druids can contribute Wild Shape and great area control magic. The Life Cleric/Circle of Dreams Druid combo is pretty impressive, especially for characters who are focused on healing.

Some Multiclassing Aspects To Keep In Mind

Before you jump right into multiclassing, here are some key aspects to keep in mind:

• Remember That Multiclassing = Delayed Progression: Multiclassing means that you’ll be advancing slower in your original class. You’ll access those higher-level abilities and spells slower than single-class characters.
• You May Run Into Ability Score Dependencies: Some combinations will require high scores in multiple abilities – making them a bit more challenging to optimize (this is often called "MAD" or Multiple Ability Dependent).
• Keep Spell Slot Calculations In Mind: Spellcasting classes will combine in different ways to determine your total spell slots, but this doesn’t always mean access to higher-level spells.
• Character Concept: The most satisfying multiclass combinations often come from strategic character development rather than pure optimization. Think about what makes sense from the aspect of your character’s journey.

Ready To Give Multiclassing a Shot?

Multiclassing can be a fun way to customize your character while exploring different class combinations in 5e. And the best way to take full advantage of these types of multiclass experiences? Playing your character on Roll20’s VTT experience!

Our digital character sheets can automatically handle multiclass calculations, spell slots, and feature tracking. Plus, our marketplace offers ready-to-play adventures perfect for testing out your new build. 

Create your free Roll20 account today, join our thriving community of over 15 million players, and turn your multiclass dreams into reality—no matter where your party members are located!