Battle Master Maneuvers 5e: Which to Pick

Battle Master is the Fighter subclass with tactical depth. At level 3, you pick 3 maneuvers from a list. You add 2 more at levels 7, 10, and 15.

Which maneuvers should you pick? Here's the tier list.

S-Tier

Riposte

When an enemy misses you with a melee attack, use your reaction to make a melee attack against them. Add Superiority die to damage.

Reliable defensive and offensive value. If you're in melee, you'll trigger Riposte often.

Precision Attack

Spend a superiority die to add it to a missed attack roll, potentially turning a miss into a hit.

The "I need to hit this" button. Extremely valuable.

Trip Attack

Attack, if it hits, force the target to save or be knocked prone. Add Superiority die to damage.

Prone = advantage for melee allies, disadvantage for ranged enemies. Huge combat value.

Commander's Strike

Spend your bonus action to let an ally use their reaction to attack. Add Superiority die to their damage.

In group play: incredible. In solo: useless (no ally).

A-Tier

Menacing Attack

On hit, target saves or is frightened until the end of your next turn. Add Superiority die to damage.

Frighten = disadvantage on attacks. Weakens a boss for a round.

Disarming Attack

On hit, target saves or drops an object they're holding. Add Superiority die to damage.

Remove a boss's sword. They go to punches. Situational but powerful.

Pushing Attack

On hit, target saves or is pushed 15 feet. Add Superiority die to damage.

Push enemies off cliffs. Into hazards. Away from allies.

Feinting Attack

Spend a superiority die. Gain advantage on your next attack roll against that target this turn. Add Superiority die to damage on a hit.

Reliable way to trigger your best attack.

B-Tier

Goading Attack

On hit, target saves or has disadvantage on attacks against anyone other than you until your next turn. Add Superiority die to damage.

Tank-role. Situational.

Evasive Footwork

Spend a die, +die to AC until you move again. No attack.

Defensive. Niche use.

Lunging Attack

Reach extends 5 feet for one attack. Add die to damage.

Useful for specific setups.

Rally

Give an ally Temp HP. Not damage.

In solo play, you can give yourself Temp HP... wait, no, you can't target yourself with this. Solo value: zero.

C-Tier

Parry

When hit, reduce damage by die + Dex mod. Reaction.

Good in theory. Usually better to use your reaction on Riposte when possible.

Commander's Presence

Grant advantage on an ally's ability check.

Lower-priority outside of specific scenarios.

Picks by Build

Defender Battle Master

Riposte, Trip Attack, Goading Attack, Pushing Attack.

Damage Battle Master

Precision Attack, Menacing Attack, Feinting Attack, Trip Attack.

Controller Battle Master

Trip Attack, Menacing Attack, Disarming Attack, Pushing Attack.

Solo Battle Master

Precision Attack (reliability), Trip Attack (setup own advantage), Riposte (free damage), Menacing Attack (boss debuff).

Superiority Dice

You have 4 dice at level 3, 5 at level 7, 6 at level 15. Recover on short rest.

Dice are your budget. Spend them judiciously.

In The Endlessness

Our AI Dungeon Master handles Battle Master maneuvers: declaring a maneuver, spending a superiority die, applying saves and effects. When you Trip Attack and hit, the enemy rolls Strength save. On fail, prone.

For related reads, our fighter guide, combat rules, and conditions explained cover more.

Final Takeaway

Battle Master is the tactical Fighter. Pick maneuvers that match your build. Spend dice deliberately.

Start a Battle Master on The Endlessness and feel the difference tactics make.