12. Barbarian

Class Details: Primal warriors who can channel their rage into physical power, as a class the DnD 5e Barbarian possesses solid durability and impressive combat capabilities.

Why We Ranked It: While the new 2024 Barbarian has had some significant changes (including the ability to now use Rage in non-combat situations), they’re also more problematic than other martial classes. Unleashing a powerful Rage attack is appealing, but it’s also a bit limited as a combat tactic and isn’t without its drawbacks. And while the tweaks to how Rage works is a step in the right direction, the fact remains that 2024 Barbarians still also aren’t as versatile as other classes when it comes to non-combat abilities. That being said, Barbarians will always have a place in DnD 5e, but if you do choose to play one, you should probably do so for the narrative potential, rather than its in-game features.

11. Rogue

Class Details: Skilled in stealth, cunning and subterfuge, the DnD 5e Rogue is often the party’s go-to scout and trap detector. Their most powerful feature, however, is their Sneak Attack, which allows them to deal extra damage when enemies are distracted.

Why We Ranked It: While the new 2024 Rogue has seen some enhancements to combat (including the addition of Weapon Mastery and more options for using Sneak Attacks) the truth is that the Rogue still isn’t the most ideal in combat. And while every party can use a Rogue, the class only really shines when it’s sneaking, scouting and searching for traps – tasks that don’t happen in every adventure and often don’t involve the whole group. Because of this Rogues often end up spending much of their time hiding in the shadows, waiting for their turn in the spotlight, which is why they’re fairly low on our list.

10. Ranger

Class Details: Warriors of the wilds who blend martial prowess with limited spellcasting abilities, as a class the DnD 5e Ranger is a master of exploration and survival. They also have a range of unique features, including the ability to draw on animal companions and to track down their foes.

Why We Ranked It: Many players were disappointed when Wizards of the Coast unveiled the new 2024 Ranger. Thematically, they feel like the same old class we’ve seen over the years, which is essentially a kind of Fighter subclass based around nature. In terms of combat, Rangers also remain far less effective than other martial classes and they’re magical abilities aren’t particularly powerful (even when compared to other half-casters). What’s more, the new Ranger relies way too much on the Hunter’s Mark spell, which feels a little dull. and repetitive. Outside of combat, Rangers can also be a bit limited in certain situations, such as urban adventures. They’re still fun to play, but they could also be so much more if Wizards of the Coast was willing to get a little more creative.

9. Fighter

Class Details: Masters of weaponry and the art of war, the DnD 5e Fighter is one of the most versatile classes when it comes to combat. They’re also the quintessential martial class, with the ability to deal out and take a significant amount of damage.

Why We Ranked It: The new 2024 Fighter have seen some minor changes, but in general they continue to do what they’ve done best since the earliest editions of DnD: fight things. Weapon Mastery and updated subclasses do add some complexity, but the fact is that Fighters are also one of the least complicated classes (which is why they’re often seen as somewhat bland by experience players). That being said, if you’re a new player looking to get your first taste of DnD combat, then the Fighter may be a great option.

8. Bard

Class Details: A jack-of-all-trades who uses magic, charm and inspiration to support allies and hinder enemies, the DnD 5e Bard is a versatile class that excels in social situations and can tap into a range of flexible spellcasting options.

Why We Ranked It: Players have been pretty divided over the new 2024 Bard, with some feeling they’ve been significantly updated and others finding many of the same problems as their 2014 version. There’s no denying that Bards are a lot of fun to play, but as a class they’ve earned this spot on our list simply because they tend to be the middle of the road in terms of spellcasting and combat. Additionally, too many players tend to lean into the cliched versions of Bards as lusty troublemakers, which can also make them a bit tedious for many DMs and groups. If you do decide to play a Bard, our advice is to think outside the box in terms of both their build and narrative.

7. Sorcerer

Class Details: Wielding innate arcane powers that flows through their veins, the DnD 5e Sorcerer channels their spells through sheer willpower rather than study. Their signature mechanic is Metamagic, which allows them to customize how specific spells are cast.

Why We Ranked It: The new 2024 Sorcerer remains incredibly powerful and versatile in terms of the spells they can cast in combat, exploration and social encounters. The only drawback is their limited spell pool, which hasn’t been increased over the 2014 version, and still isn’t in the same league as the more powerful Wizard. Playing a Sorcerer can also be a little complicated, especially for newer players, both in terms of juggling spells and managing the effects of Metamagic. Still, the Sorcerer remains a great option if you’re willing to dive in and manage their mechanics.

6. Warlock

Class Details: Supernatural spellcasters who gain their power from pacts made with otherworldly beings known as Patrons, the DnD 5e Warlock is capable of tapping into unique invocations and spells like their signature Eldritch Blast.

Why We Ranked It: There have been some significant changes to the new 2024 Warlock, including tweaks to their spell slots and the inclusion more invocations (a welcome change over the 2014 version, which often meant players hoarded spells rather than regularly using). Their spell list, however, is much smaller than other casters and they often end up relying on cantrips in combat. At the end of the day though, the 2024 Warlock is a solid option, both in terms of narrative flavor and spellcasting abilities.

5. Paladin

Class Details: Divine warriors who blend martial might with spellcasting granted by their gods, the DnD 5e Paladin has been a popular class for years. Their signature features include Divine Smite and projecting powerful auras that can protect allies and hinder foes.

Why We Ranked It: Many fans were disappointed to see that the new 2024 Paladin was essentially nerfed in terms of combat power. This is particularly noticeable when it comes to the new Divine Smite, which is a shadow of the 2014 version. That being said, despite these changes, the Paladin is still an incredible damage dealer in battle, has a range of spellcasting features and the ability the heal both allies and themselves. The end result is one of the most versatile classes in DnD 5e.

4. Monk

Class Details: Skilled in the arts of unarmed combat, the DnD 5e Monk is a powerful martial class that can tap into a pool of Focus Points (formerly known as Ki Points) to perform superhuman abilities such stunning foes, deflecting missiles or clearing impossible obstacles.

Why We Ranked It: While some fans feel that the new 2024 Monk is a step down from its 2014 version, in our minds the class has seen a definite improvement. Their new Martial Arts die (which now goes up to a D12) and the updated Grappling rules make them one of the more powerful martial classes. They’re also relatively easy to use (particularly when compared to spellcasters) and have a range of other abilities that can be used for healing, exploration and stealth. In short, the Monk is a great option for both new and experienced players, with a ton of versatility during play.

3. Druid

Class Details: Spellcasters who tap into the power of nature to fuel their magic, the DnD 5e Druid also has the ability to Wild Shape, a unique power that allows them to transform into a variety of different animal forms.

Why We Ranked It: While some may argue that new 2024 Druid Wild Shape is less powerful than its 2014 counterpart, the new subclasses offer some unique ways to use the feature (for example, the new Circle of the Moon Druid can now cast spells in animal form). The fact remain that Druids remains a versatile caster class, with a wide with a range of spells that can heal, buff and hinder enemies. They can also deal out a surprising amount of damage (even at lower levels) and can support the party in unique ways when it comes to combat, exploration and social encounters.

2. Cleric

Class Details: Divine magic users who draw their powers from a chosen deity and its associated domain, the DnD 5e Cleric has access to a wide range of spells that can heal and help allies, while damaging and delaying enemies.

Why We Ranked It: The new 2024 Cleric has seen a number of improvements to the class, offering more power in terms of magic and combat (including proficiency in Heavy Armor and new high level features like Wish). In this sense, they remain the ultimate support class in DnD 5e, with magic that can reshape the battlefield and the ability to crush a few enemy skulls at close range if need be. While the class can be challenging for new players, it’s also a ton of fun and something every DnD fan should try at least once.

1. Wizard

Class Details: Scholarly magic users who gain their arcane abilities from careful study and memorization, the DnD 5e Wizard is one of the most iconic classes. They also scale incredibly quickly, tapping into powers at higher levels that can level entire swarms of enemies.

Why We Ranked It: If there’s one class to rule them all in terms of versatility, it’s got to be the new 2024 Wizard. This is due almost entirely to the sheer number of spells they have access to (which far outpaces all of casters). The Ritual Adept ability increases this number even further by letting them cast spells as a ritual rather than burning a slot. The end result is a smorgasbord of spells that can be used in just about any situation. The downside is that the range of spells can also be overwhelming making the Wizard challenging for new and inexperienced players. If you’re willing to do the work and crack open your spellbook and Player’s Handbook, however, the 2024 Wizard stands out as one of the most versatile and powerful classes in DnD 5e.

Cameron Nichols is a Senior Editor who lives in Boston, Massachusetts, and has been playing D&D since the early 90s, when he was introduced by his older brother and cut his teeth on AD&D 2nd Edition. Since then he’s played virtually every RPG he could get his nerdy little mitts on (including a weird Goth phase in the early 2000s when he rocked Vampire: The Masquerade pretty hard). His favorite D&D campaign setting is the Forgotten Realms and his favorite character to play was a Half-Orc Barbarian named Grug (who was unfortunately devoured by a gelatinous cube).