Multiclassing in D&D 5e: The Complete Guide

Multiclassing lets you level up in a class different from your main class. Instead of being a pure Fighter 5, you can be a Fighter 2 / Warlock 3 or a Paladin 6 / Sorcerer 2.

Done well, it adds flexibility and synergies. Done poorly, it dilutes your character's core strength. Here's how to do it well.

Requirements

To multiclass into or out of a class, you must meet ability score requirements:

• Barbarian: STR 13.
• Bard: CHA 13.
• Cleric: WIS 13.
• Druid: WIS 13.
• Fighter: STR 13 or DEX 13.
• Monk: DEX 13 and WIS 13.
• Paladin: STR 13 and CHA 13.
• Ranger: DEX 13 and WIS 13.
• Rogue: DEX 13.
• Sorcerer: CHA 13.
• Warlock: CHA 13.
• Wizard: INT 13.

Most multiclasses require 13 in two stats (your main stat and the target's main stat), so you need to plan at character creation.

Spell Slot Progression

If you multiclass between multiple full casters, your slots stack as if you were a single caster of the combined level.

A Wizard 3 / Sorcerer 3 counts as a level 6 caster for slot progression (but not for learned spells or cantrips known).

Full caster levels count as:

• Bard, Cleric, Druid, Sorcerer, Wizard: full caster.
• Paladin, Ranger: half caster (divide level by 2, round down, for slot count).
• Eldritch Knight, Arcane Trickster: third caster (divide level by 3, round down).
• Warlock: does NOT combine with others' slots. Warlock slots are separate.

So a Fighter 6 / Warlock 4 has:

• Warlock spell slots: 2 slots (3rd level Pact Magic).
• Eldritch Knight spell slots: 1st-level slots (from Fighter 6 third-caster).

They're independent.

Best Multiclass Combos

Paladin + Sorcerer

Cha-based. Sorcerer for Quickened Smite plus Shield. Paladin for smite slots.

The Sorcadin (Sorcerer-Paladin) is a famously powerful multiclass. Get Sorcerer 2 for Font of Magic (you can convert Sorcery Points to slots for smites on the fly) and Metamagic.

Fighter + Warlock

Strength or Dex + Cha. Thematic Hexblade + Fighter is a powerful melee + Eldritch Blast pair.

Barbarian + Fighter

Strength + Con + Fighting Style. A Fighter 2 dip into Barbarian gives Action Surge + a fighting style before going Barbarian.

Sorcerer + Warlock

Cha-based. Sorcerer 1 gives Shield access via subclass pick. Warlock's Eldritch Blast scales off character level.

Cleric + Druid

Wisdom-based. Rare but interesting. Druid 1 for Guidance + wild shape (even as 1 level) plus Druid rituals.

Wizard + Rogue

Int + Dex. Arcane Trickster by default is a Rogue subclass. A Rogue / Wizard multiclass gives you Cunning Action + full Wizard spells.

Fighter + Wizard

Int. Eldritch Knight by default. A Fighter / Wizard multiclass gives Shield + Misty Step + Action Surge + Fighting Style.

Dips vs. Full Multiclasses

A dip is 1-3 levels in a secondary class. Common dips:

• Fighter 1 or 2: Second Wind, Action Surge (at 2), a Fighting Style, heavy armor proficiency.
• Cleric 1: Heavy armor proficiency (War Domain), shield proficiency, domain spells.
• Warlock 2: Eldritch Blast with Invocations, Pact Magic slots.
• Rogue 1-3: Expertise, Sneak Attack (1d6), Cunning Action.
• Sorcerer 2: Font of Magic, Metamagic.
• Wizard 2: Shield, Find Familiar, Mage Armor, and Divination tradition benefits.

Dips trade 1-3 levels of your main class progression for a specific feature. Done well, they add more than they lose.

Full Multiclass

Splitting evenly (Paladin 10 / Sorcerer 10) creates a hybrid character with features from both. You lose access to high-level abilities of either class (no 6th+ level spells on a full caster because you never reach them).

Most optimized builds end up at 5-2 or 6-2 or 7-3 splits to maximize key features without losing too much from the main class.

When Not to Multiclass

• You want high-level class features. Rogue's Reliable Talent at 11, Monk's Diamond Soul at 14, Fighter's 4 attacks per turn at 20. Multiclassing slows these.
• You can't afford the ability score requirement. If MAD (multiple ability dependent), you might not have room.
• You're satisfied with your class. Multiclass for a reason. Don't do it for flavor alone if you'll lose build effectiveness.
• Your DM prohibits it. Some tables are single-class only. The Endlessness allows multiclassing.

Solo Play

Solo characters often multiclass to cover gaps. A solo Fighter might dip Cleric 1 for healing access. A solo Wizard might dip Fighter 2 for Action Surge and Second Wind.

The trade-off: delayed class features for versatility.

The Endlessness and Multiclassing

Our AI Dungeon Master handles multiclass progression: slot stacking for full casters, separate Warlock slots, ability score requirements, subclass selection at appropriate levels. When you level up, the system asks what class you're advancing in and applies the correct features.

For related reads, our character creation guide, class guides (Paladin, Sorcerer, others), and classes ranked for solo play provide context.

Final Takeaway

Multiclassing is a power-user feature. Great if you know what you're doing, risky if you don't. Start with single-class characters first. Multiclass your second or third character once you understand the game.

Start a character on The Endlessness and consider multiclassing after level 5.