D&D Party Roles Explained

Traditional RPG party roles: tank, healer, damage dealer, support. D&D adapts these.

Tank

Absorbs damage. Forces enemy focus.

• Best classes: Paladin, Barbarian, Fighter.
• Key features: High HP, high AC, Sentinel/Polearm Master.

See our building a tank guide.

Healer

Keeps party alive.

• Best classes: Cleric, Bard, Druid, Paladin.
• Key spells: Healing Word, Cure Wounds, Aura of Vitality.

See our building a healer guide.

Damage Dealer (DPS)

Ends fights fast.

• Best classes: Fighter, Paladin, Barbarian, Ranger, Sorcerer, Warlock.
• Key features: Extra Attack, Hunter's Mark, Hex, Smite, optimized DPR.

See our building a damage dealer guide.

Support

Buffs allies, debuffs enemies.

• Best classes: Bard, Cleric, Paladin.
• Key features: Bardic Inspiration, Bless, Aura of Protection.

See our building a support guide.

In Solo Play

Solo characters need to cover multiple roles.

Best solo all-rounders:

• Paladin: Tank + healer + damage.
• Cleric: Healer + damage.
• Druid: Healer + support + damage.
• Bard: Support + healer + damage.

Classes with narrower roles (pure damage dealer, pure tank) can struggle solo.

Party Compositions

Classic Party (4 members)

• 1 tank.
• 1 healer.
• 1 damage dealer.
• 1 support or utility.

Modern Party

Blends roles. Every class can do multiple things.

Solo

One character covering everything. Paladin fits.

In The Endlessness

Our AI Dungeon Master adapts to solo play. Roles blend in your single character.

For related reads, our classes ranked for solo play, what D&D class should I play, and class-specific role guides cover more.

Final Takeaway

Roles guide build choices. Solo requires blending. Pick Paladin or similar for versatility.

Start at The Endlessness.