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Is Blood Hunter 5e in a Book? The Unofficial Class Explained

No, the Blood Hunter class for Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (5e) is not found in any of the official core rulebooks published by Wizards of the Coast. It’s the creation of Matthew Mercer of Critical Role fame and exists as a separately published, unofficial class.

The Curious Case of the Blood Hunter: A Deep Dive

The Blood Hunter occupies a unique space in the D&D 5e ecosystem. It’s incredibly popular, widely played, and even considered by many to be exceptionally well-designed. Yet, it remains outside the official canon. So, what’s the story?

Mercer’s Creation and 3rd Party Status

The Blood Hunter was initially created by Matthew Mercer for a special D&D game with Vin Diesel, drawing inspiration from characters like Geralt of Rivia from The Witcher and Diesel’s own The Last Witch Hunter. It proved so popular that Mercer refined and released it as a third-party supplement. This means it’s published outside of Wizards of the Coast’s direct control and sold independently.

Two Versions: Classic and 2020

Adding another layer of complexity, there are actually two versions of the Blood Hunter class: the original “Classic” version and a revised “2020” version. The 2020 version addresses some balance concerns and clarifies certain mechanics based on player feedback. So when looking for the class online, it is very important to ensure it’s the most recent, and therefore, most balanced version.

The Wildemount Connection

While not in the Explorer’s Guide to Wildemount book, the class is very much from Wildemount. The setting is Critical Role’s primary campaign world, and the Blood Hunter’s lore is deeply tied to the continent’s history, particularly the events of the Marrow War. This connection gives the class a rich backstory and provides plenty of roleplaying hooks for players and DMs who are running campaigns in Wildemount. Many consider Wildemount canon up to Campaign Two Episode 50.

Why Isn’t It Official?

The Blood Hunter’s unofficial status boils down to a few factors:

Third-Party Origin: Because it wasn’t developed internally by Wizards of the Coast, it doesn’t automatically become part of the official ruleset.
Design Philosophy: While generally well-regarded, the Blood Hunter’s mechanics are somewhat complex and require players to manage their own health in a risk-reward fashion. This might be a departure from the design philosophy for classes included in the Player’s Handbook.
Licensing and Rights: The legal and logistical complexities of incorporating third-party content into official publications can be significant.

Despite its unofficial nature, the Blood Hunter has gained widespread acceptance and is often allowed at tables with the Dungeon Master’s (DM’s) permission. After all, at the end of the day, legality is entirely up to your DM.

Blood Hunter’s Unique Playstyle

The Blood Hunter carves out a niche as a supernatural warrior who uses forbidden knowledge and self-inflicted wounds to combat monstrous threats. This creates a very different playstyle compared to other martial classes.

Blood Hunters and Roleplay

Blood Hunters are ripe for roleplaying opportunities. Their association with dark secrets, moral compromises, and the constant struggle against their own inner demons can lead to compelling character arcs. The class is inspired by stories with dark and broody roleplay and can be a great experience.

Blood Hunter FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the nature and use of the Blood Hunter class in D&D 5e:

Is the Blood Hunter legal in Adventurer’s League? No. Because it’s not official content, the Blood Hunter is typically not permitted in Adventurer’s League games. It is a licensed 3rd party product, so it’s an “approved” material, but not considered official.
Where can I find the Blood Hunter class rules? You can usually find it on D&D Beyond, where it is a purchasable option. It is important to confirm which version, Classic or 2020, you are getting.
Is the Blood Hunter a complex class to play? Yes. The Blood Hunter requires careful resource management (especially hit points) and an understanding of its various Crimson Rites and Orders. It can be complex for even an experienced player to manage.
What ability score is most important for a Blood Hunter? Blood Hunters benefit from either Strength or Dexterity for weapon attacks. Wisdom or Intelligence is required for hemocraft features, which can be selected with DM permission.
What are the Blood Hunter Orders? The Orders are subclasses that define a Blood Hunter’s specialization. Some examples include the Order of the Lycan, Order of the Mutant, and Order of the Ghostslayer. The Blood Hunter class is very unique in Dungeons and Dragons’ online service D&D Beyond.
Is the Blood Hunter a spellcaster? Not in the traditional sense. While they use supernatural abilities, these are powered by their own blood (Hemocraft), not conventional spell slots. They have distinctive mechanics that evoke a supernatural feel while being distinct from spellcasting.
What is the best race for a Blood Hunter? Several races work well. Half-Orcs and Goliaths provide bonuses to Strength and Constitution, while Variant Humans offer versatility. Hill dwarves, wood elves, and stout halflings are also good options.
Is there a specific alignment typically associated with Blood Hunters? Not necessarily. Their motivations can range from righteous vengeance to pragmatic monster hunting. However, their methods often tread a morally gray area, making neutral or chaotic alignments common.
How does the Blood Hunter’s Hemocraft work? Hemocraft involves sacrificing your own hit points to empower your attacks and abilities. This creates a risk-reward dynamic where you become more powerful at the cost of your own health.
What inspired the creation of the Blood Hunter? Matthew Mercer drew inspiration from The Witcher series, The Last Witch Hunter movie, and other sources to create a class that felt both dangerous and compelling.
Is it appropriate to use the Blood Hunter in any D&D campaign? It depends on the tone and setting of the campaign. The Blood Hunter’s dark themes may not be suitable for lighter, more whimsical games. However, they can be a perfect fit for grimdark or horror-themed adventures.
Is the Blood Hunter balanced compared to other classes? The 2020 version is generally considered to be more balanced than the original. However, some players may still find certain aspects of the class to be overpowered or underpowered, requiring DM adjustments.
Can Blood Hunters multiclass effectively? Yes, Blood Hunters can multiclass, but it requires careful planning. Classes that synergize well with their martial abilities and Hemocraft include Fighters, Rangers, and Rogues.
Are Blood Hunters common in Exandria? It depends on the region. They are more prevalent in Wildemount, where their order originated, but they are still considered an unusual and often distrusted group.
Where can I learn more about the design principles behind the Blood Hunter? Following Critical Role and Matthew Mercer’s social media channels often provides insights into their creative process and design choices. Resources like the Games Learning Society offer a framework for understanding the broader implications of game design.

The world of tabletop role-playing games continually evolves. To understand its nuances and implications, visit the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

Is Blood Hunter 5e in a book?