How Many Feats Does a Fighter Get in D&D 5e?
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A Fighter in Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) 5th Edition, renowned for their martial prowess and combat versatility, has a distinct advantage when it comes to feats. Unlike most classes that receive Ability Score Improvements (ASIs) at levels 4, 8, 12, 16, and 19, Fighters get additional opportunities to improve their stats or acquire feats. So, the direct answer to the question is: A Fighter gets a total of 7 ASIs, which can be used to take up to 7 feats by level 19. This makes them uniquely suited to customize their combat style and build a truly formidable character.
Understanding Feats and ASIs
In D&D 5e, characters gain the opportunity to improve their abilities as they level up. Usually, this manifests as an Ability Score Improvement, allowing you to increase one ability score by 2, or two ability scores by 1. However, you can choose to forgo the stat increase and instead select a feat. Feats are special abilities that grant a wide range of benefits, from enhanced combat capabilities to improved skills and even access to new spells. They offer a way to further specialize your character and define their role within the party.
The Fighter’s Advantage
The Fighter class stands out because it receives more ASIs than any other class. While most classes get an ASI at levels 4, 8, 12, 16, and 19, Fighters also get an ASI at level 6 and level 14. This provides them with a total of seven opportunities to either increase their ability scores or take feats. This extra flexibility allows Fighters to become incredibly versatile combatants, excelling in a variety of roles and combat styles.
Choosing the Right Feats
With seven potential feats available, Fighters have a lot of choices to make. The best feats for a Fighter will depend on their chosen subclass, their preferred combat style, and the overall needs of the party. Some popular options include:
- Great Weapon Master: This feat allows you to deal massive damage with heavy weapons, making it ideal for Fighters who specialize in two-handed combat.
- Sentinel: A great option for Fighters who want to control the battlefield, Sentinel allows you to stop enemies in their tracks and protect your allies.
- Tough: This feat grants you additional hit points, making you more durable and harder to kill.
- Savage Attacker: This feat allows you to reroll your weapon damage, providing extra damage in each round.
- Dual Wielder: This feat allows you to use two weapon fighting with two non-light weapons and also grants +1 AC when two-weapon fighting.
Ultimately, the best feats for your Fighter will depend on your specific build and play style. Experiment with different options and see what works best for you.
FAQs About Fighter Feats
Here are some frequently asked questions to help you better understand how feats work for Fighters:
1. Do Fighters get bonus feats at specific levels?
No, Fighters do not get “bonus feats” in the traditional sense. Instead, they get additional Ability Score Improvements at levels 6 and 14, which they can use to take feats if they choose to forgo the ability score increase.
2. Can Fighters take any feat, or are they limited?
Fighters can generally take any feat for which they meet the prerequisites. Some feats have specific requirements, such as a minimum ability score or proficiency with a certain weapon. As long as your Fighter meets these requirements, they can take the feat.
3. How do feats interact with Fighter subclasses?
Feats can greatly enhance a Fighter’s subclass abilities. For example, a Battle Master Fighter might take the Martial Adept feat to gain additional superiority dice, while a Champion Fighter might take the Savage Attacker feat to further increase their damage output. The choice of feats should always complement your chosen subclass.
4. Are there any feats that are particularly bad for Fighters?
While most feats can be useful in the right situation, some feats may be less optimal for Fighters than others. For example, a feat that grants proficiency in a skill that your Fighter already excels at might not be the best use of an ASI.
5. Can I change my feats later on?
In most cases, once you have chosen a feat, you are stuck with it. However, some DMs may allow you to retrain feats under certain circumstances. Talk to your DM to see if they allow feat retraining in your campaign.
6. How do multiclassing and feats interact?
If you multiclass, you can still take feats at the appropriate levels. Your total character level determines when you get ASIs, not your level in a particular class. This means that a multiclass Fighter will still get seven opportunities to take feats or increase their ability scores.
7. Can my DM give me extra feats as a reward?
Yes, the DM has the discretion to award feats as a reward for completing quests or achieving other milestones. This is not a standard rule, but it is a common practice in many campaigns.
8. Are there feats that boost AC?
Yes, there are a few feats that can boost AC (Armor Class). The “Defensive Duelist” feat allows you to use your reaction to add your proficiency bonus to your AC against one melee attack, and the “Dual Wielder” feat gives you +1 to AC when you are two-weapon fighting.
9. What’s the difference between a feat and a skill?
A skill is a specific area of expertise, such as Athletics, Acrobatics, or Stealth. A feat, on the other hand, is a special ability that grants a wider range of benefits, which could include improving skills, enhancing combat capabilities, or granting access to new spells.
10. Are feats considered optional rules?
Yes, feats are considered an optional rule in D&D 5e. The Dungeon Master can choose whether or not to include feats in their campaign. If feats are not used, players simply increase their ability scores at the appropriate levels.
11. How many feats does a human fighter get?
The number of feats a human fighter gets depends on whether they select the variant human option during character creation. If they do, they get a feat at level 1, in addition to the feats they could potentially gain every time their class allows them to increase an ability score. This means that a variant human fighter can have up to 8 feats by level 19.
12. Can you take 2 half feats?
Yes. When you would gain a single feat, you can instead gain two half-feats but do not receive their Ability Score Increases. This counts as taking both feats for the purpose of being able to only take each feat once.
13. How do fighters and gunslingers interact?
As stated above, fighters and gunslingers can select combat feats as bonus feats. Member of other classes can take these feats as long as they meet the prerequisites.
14. Are Fighters weak in D&D?
Fighters in general aren’t especially strong or weak compared to the other classes, but that can change depending on your subclass. The Battle Master Fighter is one of the better subclasses. You can use several maneuvers depending on your situation.
15. Can you get extra feats?
The only way to gain extra feats without leveling up is to buy them. Here’s a short list of feats that can be bought, and in what way. The general cost of a feat is around 10,000 gp, with the exception of wayfinder resonance powers. Dark Blue Rhomboid (Ioun Stone).
Conclusion
The Fighter class is a powerhouse in D&D 5e, largely due to its access to more ASIs than any other class. This allows Fighters to take up to seven feats, giving them unparalleled flexibility in customizing their combat style and building a truly unique character. By carefully selecting the right feats, you can create a Fighter who excels in any role, from a heavily armored tank to a deadly damage dealer. Remember, the best feats for your Fighter will depend on your chosen subclass, your preferred play style, and the needs of your party. Experiment with different options and have fun exploring the many possibilities that the Fighter class has to offer.
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