D&D: The Top Ten Most Popular Fighter Subclasses
Did you even know there were ten different fighter subclasses? Well there are–and here’s which ones are the most popular, according to the numbers.
Fighters are one of the hardest working classes in D&D. They are among the most popular classes, coming in just under the Warlock in terms of popularity, which showcases just how much even if things change, they stay the same. Fighters are there, consistently ranking among the top classes. Perhaps it’s because they’re a relatively easy class to just jump in and play, and are relatively powerful at 1st level, making them a prime choice for all those low level games.
Whatever the case, Fighters have always been one of the iconic classes, and they show up most consistently no matter what number of people are playing. Whether it’s three or four…
…or more, the Fighter is one of the most consistent choices across all levels. And there are many options for the fighter to pick from, enough that D&D Beyond has compiled a list of the top ten fighter subclasses from “active” characters. You can get a sense for how folks are playing their fighter, so let’s take a look.
Purple Dragon Knight
Released in the Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide, the Purple Dragon Knight is one of the more universally reviled options in 5th Edition. Its lackluster features combine with a specific tie to lore that make them the most overlooked of the fighter options.
Echo knight
Echo Knights are the newest kid on the block, and even they come out on top of the Purple Dragon Knights. Doubtless we’ll see them rise in popularity as more folks have time with the Explorer’s Guide to Wildemount. This class gives Fighters a completely new playstyle based on creating a magical echo of their character that lets them scout and fight and more. Read about how they break the game in the best ways here.
Rune knight
It’s unusual to see an Unearthed Arcana here, but this Fighter, powered by Giant Magic who employs magical runes (somewhere between an Arcane Archer and a Battlemaster in terms of functionality) to literally become large and in charge, is apparently proving quite popular, which bodes well for its inclusion in whatever book is forthcoming later this fall.
Cavalier
As we get into Xanathar’s Guide’s subclasses, we start really horsing around with the Cavalier, whose protective abilities make them a middlingly popular subclass option. They’re no longer tied to having a horse–but their abilities start to fade a little in comparison towards their more offensive-minded companions.
Arcane Archer
Companions like the Arcane Archer, which originally started off as a prestige class focused around creating magic arrows in 3rd Edition. Now it’s a Fighter Subclass which is honestly our least favorite, but you can’t argue with the numbers. The Arcane Archer has some cool abilities, but they are limited in use, only getting to use their special arcane shot two or so times per day until levels higher than most games.
Samurai
The Samurai ranks as the single most popular of the Xanathar’s Guide subclasses, and it’s clear to see why. With its fighting spirit and the ability to make an inordinate number of attacks, even at low levels, but doubly so at the rare higher levels, the Samurai is a popular class for folks looking to get the most damage out of their Fighter.
Gunslinger (Critical Role)
This one’s a surprise, but it’s proof of Critical Role’s undeniable popularity. The Gunslinger debuted in the first campaign of Critical Role and in that time has risen to become the most popular fighter subclass that’s not in the core book. Even Xanathar’s Guide’s official subclasses can’t quite touch it. And it’s not hard to see why, the Gunslinger was a favorite in Pathfinder, and here it replicates that function well, giving fighters a cool new ranged option. You can find it on the DM’s Guild and D&D Beyond.
Eldritch Knight
Now we get into the core three. And of the three, the Eldritch Knight brings up the bottom, but this archetype is one that’s popular across many editions. Whether the classic Fighter/Wizard multiclass, or other classes like Bladesingers or Spellblades, a fighter who can cast spells is a fanatsy trope that most folks love. And it shows.
Battlemaster
Coming in at number 2, the Battle Master brings complexity and variety to the Fighter options. With a number of choices to make and the ability to use them frequently throughout the day, the Battlemaster provides some of the best customization for any character across the archetypes. You could play a ranged battlemaster who focuses on disarming foes, to a defensive battlemaster who punishes their attackers, or find your own concoction. They’re a lot of fun, and are only a close second to Champions.
The Champion
But coming it at number one, is the Champion fighter. Vanilla is a popular flavor and it doesn’t get more vanilla than the champion. They’re as straightforward as it gets. You hit things and then you get tougher and hit harder as you level up. Their abilities make them great all-rounders but they really shine in combat, and are especially newbie friendly, which is probably why they’re the single most popular variety of fighter.
There you have it, the most popular fighters. How would you rank them? Let us know in the comments!
