All Daggerheart Core Subclasses, Ranked

Daggerheart provides nine character classes to select, with two subclasses accessible for each. Deciding between these subclasses can be challenging during character creation, as while all core subclasses have their merits, some excel more than others. When evaluating a subclass, it is crucial to consider its abilities as you progress through levels and its overall functionality. The optimal subclasses offer a mix of attributes, such as versatility, utility, and power. Some subclasses lean heavier on one aspect compared to the others, but we believe those that prioritize utility and versatility are superior since they prove useful in a wider range of situations rather than being exceptional at only one task.

In the game Daggerheart, we’ve rated each subclass within every class, expressing our preference on which one excels more. Regardless of your choice, any subclass you pick will deliver an enjoyable gaming experience. However, these are the top-notch subclasses for each class in Daggerheart.

Bard

1) Troubadour

In a simpler and more conversational style, you could say:

The Troubadour is the traditional musician that Dungeons & Dragons fans will remember. They can rally allies and annoy foes using music during battles and role-playing, often playing a crucial role in combat. What sets this subclass apart is its Gifted Performer Base Ability and its Specialization Ability, Maestro. Troubadours appear to offer more functionality and have greater endurance due to their abilities.

2) Wordsmith

As a word-loving enthusiast, I find myself drawn more towards the artful speech and witty banter of the Wordsmith rather than the melodic tunes of the Troubadour. Don’t get me wrong, both classes have their charm, but the Wordsmith offers a unique twist on the Bard that I simply can’t resist.

While the Wordsmith may not seem as powerful as the Troubadour at first glance, it certainly makes up for it in terms of flavor and enjoyment. The Troubadour has its advantages, no doubt, but the Wordsmith’s Mastery Feature, Epic Poetry, is a game-changer that gives it an edge over its counterpart.

However, whether the Wordsmith outweighs the benefits of the Troubadour is still up for debate. Ultimately, it boils down to personal preference and playstyle. For me, the allure of eloquent speech and clever wordplay is too enticing to pass up!

Druid

1) Warden of the Elements

In the game ‘Daggerheart’, the Druid class could be one of the standout choices, and the Elemental Warden subclass seems to encapsulate this excellently. This subclass offers a multitude of elemental abilities that players can utilize, providing immense versatility to the class. This versatility allows them to handle a wide range of situations or adjust quickly in unforeseen circumstances. The effects triggered depend on the chosen element and the level at which it’s channeled, but players will find each one engaging.

2) Warden of Renewal

In contrast, while the Warden of the Elements provides versatility, the Warden of Renewal focuses primarily on healing and support. Although this specialization might usually provide an advantage, the unparalleled utility offered by its counterpart tends to outweigh the value of healing abilities. However, for players who prioritize assisting their teammates, the Warden of Renewal is a strong choice. Moreover, it retains all the other benefits that come with being a Druid due to the Class Features.

Guardian

1) Stalwart

In the game Daggerheart, the Stalwart perfectly embodies the principles of the Guardian class. The Guardian is renowned for its ability to absorb blows and keep standing, and the Stalwart subclass takes this concept to the next level. This subclass not only enhances its armor and damage resistance, but it can also withstand direct attacks. Furthermore, Stalwarts have the unique ability to lessen the damage taken by their allies in close proximity. Their protective and supportive qualities make them an exceptional choice for the Guardian class.

2) Vengeance

The Vengeance Protector blends the defensive characteristics of a Protector with an offensive strategy centered around retaliation. This dual role enables players to both absorb attacks and retaliate. However, this approach appears to contradict the Protector’s inherent behavior, potentially leading more cunning adversaries to target the Protector’s allies instead. Additionally, it seems to operate in a reactive manner, which might limit the player’s ability to utilize their skills effectively.

Ranger

1) Beastbound

In the game Daggerheart, unlike in Dungeons & Dragons, the action economy isn’t a significant factor. However, what stands out is that the Beastbound Ranger can acquire another companion, which is a big deal! This companion not only grows in power alongside the Ranger, but also becomes increasingly lethal as its master does. The rest of this class enables the Ranger to concentrate on a specific target, giving them the option to instruct their companion to focus on the same enemy or to pursue another adversary instead. Essentially, with this subclass, the Ranger effectively doubles both its actions and versatility.

2) Wayfinder

In terms of battle, the Beastbound shines, but the Wayfinder excels at role-playing and navigating through various situations. Unlike the Beastbound, this subclass may not have the advantage of a companion in combat, but it can still deal substantial damage. However, its ability to calculate the shortest route to a destination might seem less appealing. Nonetheless, the Wayfinder Ranger is an invaluable asset in combat, as they can dodge attacks and even eliminate Fear from a Game Master’s pool.

Rogue

1) Nightwalker

The Nightwalker stands out as the top-tier Stealth Rogue, emphasizing the fundamental characteristics of this class and excelling in its capabilities. Its primary feature is using shadows for navigation on the battlefield while staying concealed. A potent ability is the teleportation function, which enables an immediate sneak attack upon arrival, cloaked and ready. This feature becomes particularly strong when considering the potential damage from a sneak attack. Moreover, it proves useful in non-combat stealth operations, enhancing its versatility.

2) Syndicate

Instead of the Nightwalker who excels in stealth as a Rogue, the Syndicate subclass focuses more on social skills. Although they too can be stealthy, these Rogues have connections in most cities, offering advantages during and outside of combat. This helps players with role-playing, acquiring information, procuring items, and even contributing to battles. However, while it offers versatility, its unique applications differ significantly from that of shadow teleportation.

Seraph

1) Divine Wielder

The Seraph symbolizes hope and justice, with the Divine Wielder embodying these qualities. By wielding a sacred weapon, this subclass is capable of dishing out significant damage in quick bursts due to its Spirit Weapon’s power. This weapon can be hurled, enabling the Divine Wielder to attack both nearby and distant enemies. Moreover, the Divine Wielder can mend the wounds and alleviate stress of its allies, making it a versatile class that excels in both support and offense.

2) Winged Sentinel

Instead of the Winged Sentinel relying on the Divine Wielder’s healing abilities, it chooses enhanced offensive and mobility capabilities. With the ability to fly, players gain unique opportunities such as striking powerful blows from above. The Winged Sentinel wields Hope for powerful attacks and can even decrease the Game Master’s Fear pool. While the Winged Sentinel shines in offense, it is the Divine Wielder that takes the lead due to its healing capabilities.

Sorcerer

1) Primal Origin

Choosing the Primal Origin Sorcerer is highly advantageous due to its magical manipulation capabilities. If you’ve dabbled in the sorcery of Dungeons & Dragons, you’ll recognize this functionality. The flexibility this offers in spellcasting surpasses all others. The ability to adjust your spells dynamically according to the opponent allows for strategic adaptation. Moreover, this subclass can assist its allies with their own spellcasting, further enhancing its utility. The Primal Origin Sorcerer’s creative potential is so vast, thanks to these traits, that it becomes challenging to find a match.

2) Elemental Origin

it can only manipulate the element chosen at character creation. This limitation appears unbalanced when compared to the Warden of the Elements Druid, as it restricts the class’s full potential. Although enemies in the game Daggerheart don’t have the same elemental resistance as those in Dungeons & Dragons, choosing a single elemental type is less versatile than the Primal Origin’s capabilities.

Warrior

1) Call of the Brave

As a follower of the brave, I specialize in fostering hope, alleviating fear and stress, and turning my vulnerability into lethal power when my health is low. This class strikes a perfect balance across various dimensions, making me an unstoppable force when combined with the Warrior’s Class Features. While it may not be the flashiest subclass, you can always count on a Brave Warrior to rise to the challenge and deliver when the situation calls for it.

2) Call of the Slayer

In contrast to The Call of the Brave Warrior, which offers a well-rounded subclass, The Call of the Slayer primarily focuses on offensive capabilities. This is achieved through its Slayer Dice, which boosts damage in attacks. However, this benefit comes at the cost of forgoing Hope accumulation to obtain Slayer Dice. Since Hope is a crucial resource in the game Daggerheart, giving up Hope to enhance your subclass feature seems less rewarding.

Wizard

1) School of Knowledge

Much like the Primal Origin Sorcerer, the School of Knowledge Wizard embodies adaptability and usefulness. The crux of this archetype lies in acquiring additional Domain Cards, thereby enhancing your abilities and spells. This benefit alone makes it an appealing choice, but what truly sets it apart is the option to boost the advantages derived from experiences, giving players greater command over the storyline.

2) School of War

The School of War Magic specializes in dealing high damage instead of offering various utilities, and it excels at this aspect. Not only does it boost its defensive capabilities, but it also acquires extra health points and a magical barrier for defense. These abilities are quite beneficial as they enable these Wizards to inflict continuous damage over time. However, relinquishing the utility of additional Domain Cards can be a tough decision, particularly at higher levels when these cards unlock potent abilities and spells.

2025-06-28 01:13