Best DPR Builds in D&D 5e
Top D&D 5e DPR (damage per round) builds. Fighter archers, smite Paladins, and crit-fishing Barbarians.
Best DPR Builds in D&D 5e
DPR = Damage Per Round. The classic optimizer metric. Here are the top builds.
Top Builds
Fighter Archer (Sharpshooter)
Stats:
- Level 11: 3 attacks per turn + Action Surge (3 more).
- Each with Sharpshooter (-5/+10): 1d8 + Dex + 10.
- Hunter's Mark: +1d6 per hit (multiclass Ranger dip).
Per round (non-Surge): ~60-70 damage. Per round (Surge): ~120 damage.
Great Weapon Master Barbarian
Build:
- Half-Orc (Savage Attacks).
- Rage + Reckless Attack (advantage).
- GWM -5/+10.
- Greataxe or Maul.
Per round level 5: ~40 damage. Per round level 11: ~60 damage. On crit: 40-60+ damage single hit.
Nova Paladin (Sorcadin)
Build:
- Paladin 6 + Sorcerer X (Sorcery Points → Paladin slots).
- Divine Smite with upcast slots.
Nova round: 60-100+ damage.
Crit Champion Fighter
Build:
- Half-Orc Champion.
- Expanded crit range + Savage Attacks.
- GWM.
- Maximum crit fishing.
Average damage: 40-60 per round. Crit turns: 60-80 per crit hit.
Assassin Rogue
Build:
- Assassin, dual-wielding or archer.
- Surprise round = auto-crit + Sneak Attack doubled.
- High burst.
Opening turn: 60-80 damage on an unready target.
Sustained vs. Burst
Sustained
Fighter with Hunter's Mark archer = consistent 60+ damage every round. Reliable.
Burst
Paladin nova = 80+ on one round but spent slots.
Class Summary
- Fighter: Sustained DPR champion.
- Paladin: Burst DPR champion.
- Barbarian: Consistent with advantage.
- Rogue: Burst per turn via Sneak Attack.
- Sorcerer: Burst via Quickened + big spell.
- Wizard: Burst via big spells but slot-expensive.
Feats for DPR
- GWM: Two-handed melee.
- Sharpshooter: Ranged.
- Crossbow Expert: Close-quarters ranged.
- Polearm Master: Reach + bonus attack.
In The Endlessness
Our AI Dungeon Master handles DPR calculations: multiple attacks, feat interactions, Hunter's Mark/Hex damage, Divine Smite, critical hits.
For related reads, our building a damage dealer guide, class guides, and best feats cover more.
Final Takeaway
DPR wins fights fast. Build for consistent or burst depending on your playstyle.
Build a DPR character at The Endlessness.
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