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Such freedom of choice allows for the creation of vastly different characters, each with its unique mechanics and playstyles. Although thecharacter creation system of Dungeons & Dragonschiefly inspires creativity, some have taken advantage of its near-limitless capabilities. Through various exploits, players have devised numerous game-breaking builds capable of doing the impossible. While many dissuade such an exploitive practice, there is much to be learned from Dungeons & Dragon’s most broken character builds.
Updated June 8, 2022, by Christopher Anaya: Dungeons & Dragons is a TTRPG of unlimited possibilities for players. The only limits to their imaginations are the rules of the game and the bounds of their creativity. While this freedom only aims to fulfill the players’ desires, it can lead to some broken character builds. These character concepts stretch the limits of the imagination and teeter on the rules of Dungeons & Dragons.
Broken character builds are controversial because of the impact they can have. They can tarnish or completely uproot an ordinary game of Dungeons & Dragons within a couple of sessions. So, while it is understandable for these character concepts to be banned or limited, the lengths gone to create them are undeniably impressive. Looking over these broken character builds will grant players insight into the freedom they possess in Dungeons & Dragons.
6 The Coffeelock
Race Requirements: None Class Requirements: Sorcerer, Warlock Subclass Requirements: Divine Soul (Sorcerer) Stat Requirements: None Feat Requirements: None
The most infamous broken build by far is the Coffeelock. An egregious combination of both Sorcerer and Warlock, the Coffeelock grants players unlimited spells. In addition, this build also eliminates the need for long rests, hence the name Coffeelock. Despite repeated arguments concerning its legality, the Coffeelock continues to be an acceptable and capable character build.
The Coffeelock requires a character to have at least two levels in Sorcererand three in Warlock. Thus, providing them access to the Font of Magicand Pact of the Tome features. The former allows a character to convert Sorcery Points into Spell Slots and vice versa — the key mechanic of the Coffeelock. The latter allows a character to acquire the Eldritch Invocation, Aspect of the Moon, which eliminates the need for sleep. Together, these abilities allow a character to rely solely on short rests to recuperate.
Thus, a Coffeelock can take a short rest, recover spell slots, convert them into Sorcery Points or vice versa, and repeat — essentially granting infinite Spell Slots. The only downside of this build is the consequence of not finishing long rests. Prolonged periods without long rests will result in Exhaustion, an effect that incrementally worsens and can even cause death. The only way to avoid this detriment is through the Greater Restoration spell, obtainable through the Divine Soul Sorcerer Subclass. Such a spell requires diamond dust worth 100 gold pieces. Although expensive at first, eventually, a Coffeelock can discover a way to mitigate the cost.
5 The Goodberry Master
Race Requirements: None Class Requirements: Cleric Subclass Requirements: Life Domain (Cleric) Stat Requirements: None Feat Requirements: Magic Initiate (Druid)
The Goodberry Master is a lesser-known but undeniably broken build. Utilizing the Cleric class and Magic Initiate Feat, the Goodberry Master offers substantial, cost-effective healing all in a single Goodberry. As a bonus, these Goodberries grant nourishment for an entire day, removing the need for rations. Although somewhat lackluster by comparison, the Goodberry Master is the only build capable of healing 40 hit points with a 1st Level Spell.
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The Goodberry Master requires a character to take at least one level in Cleric, choosing the Life Domain. Doing so grants them the Disciple of Life feature, which increases the number of hit points regained from healing spells to 2 + the spell’s level. In addition to this ability, players will need to acquire the Magic Initiate Feat for the Druid spell list. Alternatively, one can choose to multiclass into Druid if they prefer. The Magic Initiate Feat will grant a character access to the Goodberry spell — the main focus of the Goodberry Master.
With both of these features, a character can produce Goodberries capable of healing at a minimum of 4 hit points each. While seemingly unimpressive at first, one must consider that the Goodberry spell conjures up to ten Goodberries, meaning 40 hit points in total. Such immense healing capabilities are remarkable for a 1st level spell, and it becomes far more beneficial when cast at higher levels. The only downside, albeit a trivial one, is the requirement of either a druidic focus. Both of these necessities are easily obtainable and well worth the effort.
4 The Jack Of All Trades
Race Requirements: Half-Elf or Variant Human Class Requirements: Bard, Cleric, Rogue Subclass Requirements: College of Lore (Bard), Knowledge Domain (Cleric) Stat Requirements: Dexterity 13, Charisma 13, Wisdom 13, Feat Requirements: Skilled
The Jack of All Trades is a strange broken build that capitalizes on something the Bard class attempts — being good at everything. With aid from a race, several classes, and the Skilled Feat, the Jack of All Trades becomes proficient in every skill imaginable. Rather than being a master of none, this build makes a character versatile while providing expertise in some areas. Although not as traditionally powerful comparatively, the Jack of All Trades is essentially a multifunctional character fit for any situation.
The Jack of All Trades requires a character to be a Half-ElforVariant Human, as each grant an ample number of starting skills. In addition, they must take, at minimum, three levels in Bard, one in Cleric, and one in Rogue. With a level in Rogue, a character gains proficiency in four skills and expertise in two — or one skill and Thieves’ Tools, should they prefer. By taking a level in Cleric and choosing the Knowledge Domain, a character gains proficiency in two languages and two skills — ability checks made using these skills act as if they have expertise.
By taking three levels in Bard and choosing the College of Lore, a character gains proficiency with instruments and six skills with expertise in two. Finally, a character must take the Skilled Feat, which makes them proficient in three skills of their choice. Once they reach their 5th level, a character can become proficient in nearly every available skill. Thus, making the Jack of All Trades a near-perfect tool for almost any situation, especially those that are particularly unpredictable. This build not only makes for outstanding utility but decent support as well.
3 The Pallock
Race Requirements: None Class Requirements: Paladin, Warlock Subclass Requirements: Hexblade (Warlock) Stat Requirements: Strength 13, Charisma 13 Feat Requirements: None
The Pallock is an exceedingly powerful yet somewhat contradictory broken build known by many fans. Through the divine power of Paladins and taboo magic of Warlocks, the Pallock can unleash devastating blows capable of decimating nearly anything with only a few hits. Such a unique combination allows for many potent variations of this build, which prove effective regardless. Thus, making the Pallock among the most customizable and deadliest builds possible.
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The Pallock requires a character to have at least three levels in Paladinand three in Warlock, although they will likely take more. With three levels in Paladin, a character gains access to the Divine Smite featureand a subclass of their choosing. Divine Smite will contribute to the immense damage-dealing potential of this build, while the subclass offers versatility. Any Paladin subclass is viable, although a character will benefit most from the Oath of Devotion, Oath of Conquest, and Oath of Vengeance. Having three levels in Warlock will grant a character access to the Pact Boonand the Hexblade subclass.
Upon gaining the Pact Boon feature, a character should choose thePact of the Blade as it offers the most benefits for what this build is to achieve. The Hexblade subclass grants a character additional damage-dealing potential in the form of the Hexblade’s Curse feature. Together, these classes provide a character the means to potentially defeat adversaries with a single blow. The harrowing destructive capabilities of the Pallock become increasingly powerful when a character takes more levels in either class. However, six levels in Paladin and fourteen levels in Warlock are preferable to attain a ridiculously effective build.
2 The Hexblade Sniper
Race Requirements: None Class Requirements: Fighter, Warlock Subclass Requirements: Hexblade (Warlock) Stat Requirements: Strength or Dexterity 13, Charisma 13 Feat Requirements: Crossbow Expert, Sharpshooter
The Hexblade Sniper is a seemingly counterintuitive build considering that Warlocks often depend on Eldritch Blast, but it is arguably the best ranged-attacker build. With a trusty crossbow, the eldritch magic of a Warlock, and the martial prowess of a Fighter, this build can effortlessly dispatch foes from any distance. Unlike other ranged-attacker builds, the Hexblade Sniper can not only inflict devastating damage per hit but also weaken enemies beforehand. This build’s unique combo makes it one with an intriguing concept and deadly proficiency.
The Hexblade Sniper requires a character to take at least three levels in Warlockand two in Fighter. The three levels in Warlock will grant a character access to two Eldritch Invocations, a Pact Boon, and the Hexblade subclass. These features provide a character with many benefits that work to improve a character’s damage-dealing potential. The two levels in Fighter will grant a character a Fighting Style, Second Wind, and Action Surge. A character should also select the Sharpshooter and Crossbow Expert Feats as they make crossbows more versatile and efficient. A character can utilize their crossbow more effectively with these benefits, making them a masterful and formidable sniper.
The Hexblade subclass gives a character the Hexblade’s Curse feature, which benefits them at the expense of their enemy, and the Hex Warrior feature, which grants them access to martial weapons and allows them to utilize Charisma rather than Strength or Dexterity for weapon attacks. A character should take the Pact of the Blade to improve their crossbow and meet the prerequisites for Eldritch Invocations, such as Eldritch Smite. These features, in conjunction with those provided by the two levels in Fighter, allow the Hexblade Sniper to unleash several devastating attacks that become even more deadly through the use of spells or hexes.
1 The Impossibly Fast Tabaxi
Race Requirements: Tabaxi Class Requirements: Barbarian, Fighter, Monk, Wizard Subclass Requirements: Path of the Totem Warrior (Barbarian), Bladesinging (Wizard) Stat Requirements: Strength 13, Dexterity 13, Intelligence 13, Wisdom 13 Feat Requirements: Mobile
The Impossibly Fast Tabaxi is a build that grants freedom of movement unlike any other, allowing a character to travel ridiculous distances with ease. Utilizing the Tabaxi’s natural swiftness, the speed-enhancing features of various classes, and astounding Feat, a character can clear hundreds of feet within a single round, which is miraculous considering that period is about six seconds. This rapidness is something that only the Impossibly Fast Tabaxi build is capable of, and although it seems ridiculous, being able to move this quickly is immensely advantageous.
The Impossibly Fast Tabaxi requires a character to take at least five levels in Barbarian, two in Fighter, ten in Monk, and two in Wizard. A character must also choose the Path of the Totem Warrior of the Elk and the Bladesinging subclass. These class and subclass options will grant a bonus upon a character’s base speed. The most vital requirement of this build is for a character to be a Tabaxi as they possess the Feline Ability feature, which allows them to double their speed for one turn. Another necessary aspect of this build is the Mobile Feat which grants additional speed and eliminates the penalty of disadvantageous terrain.
Altogether, this conglomeration of classes, subclasses, etc., will elevate a character’s base speed of 30 to an unprecedented 95 feet when movement improving features are activated. Moreover, players can use Dash for their action and bonus action alongside the Feline Agility feature and spells like Longstrider to move further, bringing up the distance a character can move in a single turn to 840 feet. This impossible speed is achievable from the efforts of a single character, but with aid from others, it can reach ridiculous highs such as37,520 feet a round. The Impossibly Fast Tabaxi is truly a build distinct from any other.
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