Summary
The Bard ofDungeons & Dragonshas evolved into a combination class, a jack-of-all-trades that can fill almost any role when it comes to spellcasting, healing, and even physical damage. They have the ability to talk the party out of sticky social situations using the power of Charisma.
In dialogue, the natural charm of the Bard means they’re probably the leader or the face of the group. In combat, they’re best suited to buffing up alliesand hobbling enemies with spells, so that another member of the group can go in for the kill.
Updated on June 21, 2025, by Kristy Ambrose:Once maligned and misunderstood as a relatively ineffective support class, Bards have emerged as versatile, hardy adventurers that can do anything short of leading the party into battle. Other options would be a homebrew build or a multiclass Bard, with popular choices being Paladins or Sorcerers, which are classes that also use Charisma as their spellcasting modifier. The exact build the player decides on depends on the campaign and the Dungeon Master.
Bardic Races
Look For Improvements To Charisma, Dexterity, And Constitution
Players who are planning onbuilding a multiclass Bardshould also look for stats to complement that build. Paladins will need Strength, for example, and Rogues require Dexterity.
+2 to Charisma, and +1 to Intelligence
Changeling
Eberron: Rising from the Last War
+2 bonus to Charisma is a great start for any build
Bonuses to Charisma and Dexterity
Half-elves
Player’s Handbook
+2 bonus to Charisma, +1 to two other attributes, Darkvision, extra skills, and Advantage against being charmed
Lightfoot Halfling
One of the two Halfing subraces, this one gets bonuses to Charisma and Dexterity
+2 to Charisma and a +1 Dexterity
+2 to Dexterity and a +1 to Charisma
+2 to Charisma and +1 to Intelligence
Triton
Volo’s Guide to Monsters
+1 toCharisma. For those eyeing the College of Valor subclass, a Triton is ideal
Choosing A Bard College
Subclasses Are Important For Customization
Players should feel free to exploreany of these Colleges. When considering the best Bardic build inD&D, there are some colleges that are more convenient when it comes to gameplay, but creative players shouldn’t be discouraged if they want to create something unique.
College of Lore
Three bonus proficiencies and Magical Secrets, so the Bard to cast spells from other classes
Focus on controlling the battlefield and deceiving the enemy
College of Spirits
Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft
The Guidance cantrip, which allows this Bard to reach out to spirits when in need of direction
College of Valor
Expert in melee damage, ideal for Bards that have multi- or dual-classed into martial classes
Mote of Potential, the ability to create and animate objects
College of Swords
Xanathar’s Guide to Everything
Offensive swordplay, a variety of melee combat skills, the Fighting Style ability
College of Whispers
Focus on charm and intrigue, ideal for dungeon crawling or political maneuvers
Emphasis on the Bard’s oration abilities
Best Bard Gear
Improvements To Charisma And Armor Class
Bards are limited when it comes toarmor and weapons, but certain Feats and multiclass options can remedy that issue if the player wishes. A spellcasting Bard will focus on Charisma, with Dexterity aiding both their casting and Sleight of Hand abilities.
Staff Of Charming
D&D Basic Rules
10 charges to cast Charm Person, Command, or Comprehend Languages, protects the user from Enchantment spells
Pipes of Haunting
Playing a melody from these pipes renders any creature nearby to become Frightened, but allies can pass a saving throw
Cloak Of Invisibility
Dungeon Master’s Guide
Pull the hood up to render the wearer invisible for 2 hours. Recharges after 1 hour
Instrument of the Bards
Seven varieties of these instruments exist, and each includes a few extra spell slots for healing, damage, or support
+1 to AC when wearing the ring
