Which D&D Class is Strongest at Level 20?

The answer to “Which D&D class is strongest at level 20?” isn’t simple, as the “strongest” class depends heavily on the specific definition of strength, the scenario, the party composition, and the player’s skill. However, considering a balance of sustained damage output, burst potential, survivability, control, and versatility, the Wizard, particularly subclasses like Chronurgy or Divination, often emerges as a contender for the top spot, closely followed by Moon Druids and certain optimized Fighter builds (particularly Battle Masters).

Understanding “Strength” in D&D

Before delving into specific classes, it’s crucial to define what constitutes “strength” in D&D 5e, especially at level 20. This isn’t just about dealing the most damage per round. It encompasses:

• Damage Output (Sustained and Burst): The ability to consistently inflict significant damage and unleash devastating attacks in short bursts.
• Survivability: Resilience against damage, including high hit points, armor class, saving throws, and access to defensive abilities.
• Control and Crowd Control: The capacity to manipulate the battlefield, hinder enemies, and protect allies.
• Versatility: The ability to adapt to different situations and roles, fulfilling multiple functions within a party.
• Utility: Access to spells, abilities, or skills that provide out-of-combat support, such as healing, information gathering, or problem-solving.

Top Contenders for Strongest Class at Level 20

The Wizard: Master of Reality Bending

At level 20, Wizards become unparalleled masters of magic. Their access to the most powerful spells in the game, combined with subclass features, makes them incredibly versatile and potent.

• Chronurgy Wizards: Can manipulate time to re-roll attack rolls, ability checks, or saving throws, ensuring success when it matters most. Their Convergent Future ability guarantees a specific outcome, making critical spells nearly unmissable.
• Divination Wizards: Pre-roll two dice each long rest and substitute them for their own or others’ rolls. This dramatically increases the chance of success and can completely turn the tide of battle.
• Spell Selection: Wizards can access game-changing spells like Wish, Time Stop, Meteor Swarm, Shapechange, and Foresight. These spells offer immense damage potential, battlefield control, and defensive capabilities.

The Wizard’s primary weakness is their relatively low hit points and reliance on spell slots. However, clever positioning, defensive spells like Shield, Mirror Image, and Contingency, and the ability to end encounters quickly with powerful spells mitigate these issues.

The Moon Druid: Unkillable Shapeshifters

Moon Druids at level 20 achieve near-immortality through their constant Wild Shape ability. They can transform into powerful beasts with significant hit points multiple times per combat, effectively acting as regenerating tanks.

• Unlimited Wild Shape: The Moon Druid’s level 20 ability to Wild Shape an unlimited number of times allows them to absorb tremendous amounts of damage.
• Powerful Beast Forms: Access to high CR (Challenge Rating) beasts like Mammoth or Giant Scorpion provides significant offensive and defensive capabilities.
• Spellcasting Support: Druids retain access to powerful healing spells, such as Heal and Mass Heal, and battlefield control spells like Earthquake and Tidal Wave.

While Moon Druids may lack the sheer damage output of a Wizard in specific scenarios, their unparalleled survivability and adaptability make them incredibly powerful.

The Optimized Fighter: Damage Dealing Machines

While often overlooked in discussions of level 20 power, highly optimized Fighters, especially Battle Masters, can achieve incredible damage output and battlefield control.

• Action Surge: Fighters’ ability to take two actions on their turn, combined with multiple attacks, allows them to unleash devastating damage bursts.
• Battle Master Maneuvers: Maneuvers like Precision Attack, Riposte, Menacing Attack, and Trip Attack provide control, damage boosts, and utility.
• Feat Selection: Feats like Great Weapon Master, Polearm Master, and Sharpshooter amplify damage significantly.
• Magic Item Synergies: With access to powerful magic weapons and armor, Fighters can become virtually unstoppable.

A Fighter’s strength lies in their consistent damage output and survivability. While they may lack the spellcasting versatility of a Wizard or Druid, their raw combat prowess is undeniable.

Honorable Mentions

Other classes that can be exceptionally strong at level 20, depending on build and circumstances, include:

• Cleric: Provides unparalleled healing and support, with some subclasses like the Life Domain becoming near-immortal healers.
• Paladin: Offers high damage output, excellent defenses, and powerful auras that buff allies.
• Sorcerer: Can unleash powerful spells with metamagic, allowing for creative and devastating combinations.

The Importance of Party Composition and Strategy

It’s crucial to remember that individual class strength is less important than party synergy and overall strategy. A well-coordinated team with complementary strengths will always outperform a group of individually “strong” classes that don’t work well together.

Ultimately, the “strongest” class at level 20 depends on the player’s skill, build optimization, party composition, and the challenges faced. All classes have the potential to be incredibly powerful in the right hands.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is the Wizard really the strongest class at level 20?

While not definitively the “strongest” in every situation, the Wizard’s unparalleled access to powerful spells and versatility makes it a top contender. Their ability to control the battlefield, deal massive damage, and adapt to various situations is unmatched.

2. How does the Moon Druid achieve near-immortality?

The Moon Druid’s unlimited Wild Shape ability at level 20 allows them to constantly transform into beasts with high hit points, effectively regenerating their health multiple times per combat.

3. Can a Fighter truly compete with spellcasters at level 20?

Yes, a highly optimized Fighter build, focusing on damage output and survivability, can be incredibly effective at level 20. While they lack the versatility of spellcasters, their consistent damage and resilience make them formidable opponents.

4. What are the best Wizard subclasses for level 20 play?

Chronurgy and Divination Wizards are often considered top-tier due to their powerful subclass abilities that manipulate time and probability, ensuring success in critical moments.

5. What are the key spells that make Wizards so strong?

Spells like Wish, Time Stop, Meteor Swarm, Shapechange, Foresight, and Maze provide immense damage potential, battlefield control, and defensive capabilities.

6. What are the weaknesses of the Wizard class?

Wizards have relatively low hit points and rely on spell slots, making them vulnerable if caught off guard or if their resources are depleted.

7. What are some powerful beast forms for a level 20 Moon Druid?

Powerful options include the Mammoth, Giant Scorpion, and other high CR beasts that offer significant offensive and defensive capabilities.

8. What feats are essential for a level 20 Fighter build?

Feats like Great Weapon Master, Polearm Master, and Sharpshooter significantly enhance a Fighter’s damage output.

9. How important are magic items for a level 20 character?

Magic items are crucial for optimizing character strength at level 20, providing significant boosts to attack, damage, defenses, and utility.

10. Which classes excel at support roles at level 20?

Clerics and Paladins are excellent support classes at level 20, providing healing, buffs, and protective auras to their allies.

11. How does party composition affect class strength?

A well-balanced party with complementary strengths can significantly enhance the effectiveness of each class, allowing them to cover each other’s weaknesses and capitalize on their strengths.

12. Are Rogues viable at level 20?

Yes, while they may not be as overtly powerful as some other classes, Rogues can still be incredibly effective at level 20, dealing significant burst damage and providing valuable scouting and utility.

13. What is the role of strategy in determining class strength?

Strategy is paramount at level 20. A well-executed plan can overcome even the most powerful individual characters.

14. Does multiclassing enhance or detract from level 20 strength?

Multiclassing can be beneficial if done strategically, but it can also delay access to powerful level 20 class features. Careful planning is essential.

15. How does the DM’s playstyle influence class effectiveness at level 20?

The DM’s playstyle and the types of challenges presented can significantly impact class effectiveness. Some classes excel in combat-heavy campaigns, while others thrive in more roleplay-focused or exploration-based scenarios.