D&D 5e core classes: Unleashing the Power within
Want to know more about your favourite D&D 5e core classes? As we approach the D&D 5e release date, we’ll be diving into each of the classes included in the game’s Basic Rules. We’ll discuss what makes each one unique, what you’ll be able to do with them at each level, and what options you have if you want to create your own character.
D&D 5e characters have access to some staple moves that are easy to forget about. Dodges, dashes, and disengages are all available to both melee and ranged characters and can be used as one action per turn without requiring special training. Since they’re not tied to any class, you could use them as is, but it can be easy to forget about them or even use them when they’re not as effective as they could be. Writing them down next to your class abilities will help you remember to use them during combat, and knowing when to use them will enhance their effectiveness.
D&D 5e attacks of opportunity
Attacks of opportunity allow you to make an attack when an enemy tries to leave melee range without disengaging. They’re helpful for keeping enemies close to your stronger melee characters or dealing extra damage to foes that are trying to kite your party.
In addition to the attack, you can make a shove attempt, moving the target 5 feet away from the path they were attempting to take. The DMG clarifies that this movement can be used to interrupt a spell or active ability, but it can also be used to push an enemy right into a dash or disengage.
You can’t use these actions if you or your target have been affected by a move speed debuff or if you’re entangled. For example, you can’t use a dash or disengage if you’ve been hit by an entangling effect or if a monster has cast web on you.
D&D 5e dodge
Dodge is a reliable defensive ability that forces disadvantage on attacks made against you until the start of your next turn. This can still be useful for melee characters with strong defenses, but it’s also good for ranged fighters who can force enemies to take more time aiming at them.
D&D 5e disengage
Disengage allows you to step away from close-range threats, but it requires support from your allies to be useful. You can move 5 feet away from an enemy and then up to 10 feet away from that enemy as long as you have at least one ally within 5 feet of you.
D&D 5e dash
Dash is a great alternative to disengaging, especially for ranged fighters who want to keep enemies close to prevent them from making ranged attacks. It’s beneficial for fighters with high move speeds as well.
Rogues and Monks have class features that make these actions a bit easier to use. Rogues can use Cunning Action to reposition and activate Sneak Attack, which allows them to get an extra attack when dashing. Monks can use Patient Defense to stay on the front lines with disadvantage to enemy attacks, but they can also use their movement to disengage and then dash.
Combining these two actions allows you to create more distance from enemies. For example, a monk can use its Patient Defense to stay in melee range while also creating distance with a disengage. Instead of moving 10 feet away, you could move 5 feet away and then dash 10 feet in a different direction. If you dash twice in a turn, you could potentially create even more distance between you and your enemies.
Monks have another passive boost to move speed, making them even more difficult to catch. If you’re ever in doubt about using a dash, you’ll have a much better chance of making it away from enemies if you’re playing as a monk.
Now that you know which actions are available to your classes, you’ll be better prepared to use them to their full potential. Knowing when to use them as a competitor for class-specific abilities is key, so be sure to check out our D&D 5e tier list to see which classes dominate in each tier.
