Character reference · 2024 rules
Character Playbook
Choose a class and species to see what matters most at the table: which abilities to raise, what to do on your turn, which levels change your play, and mistakes to avoid. Tips are written in our own words from the 2024 Player's Handbook.
Human Fighter
Role: Reliable weapon master
Raise first: Strength or Dexterity, then Constitution.
A natural pairing: Human traits directly support how a Fighter plays.
Human advantages
- Heroic Inspiration after each Long Rest.
- Extra skill and an extra Origin feat.
Tip: Use the extra Origin feat for Alert or Tough to cover a weakness.
On your turn
- Pick a weapon whose Mastery fits your plan (Topple, Sap, Graze).
- Action Surge on the turn that ends a fight.
- Second Wind is a Bonus Action heal; use it before you're desperate.
Outside combat
- Tactical Mind spends Second Wind to boost a failed check.
Levels that change your play
- Level 1: Fighting Style, Second Wind, Weapon Mastery.
- Level 2: Action Surge, Tactical Mind.
- Level 3: Choose your Archetype.
- Level 5: Extra Attack, Tactical Shift.
- Level 11: Two Extra Attacks.
Feats worth considering
Great Weapon Master · Sharpshooter · Polearm Master
Read the featsCommon mistakes
- Saving Action Surge for a fight that never comes; it returns on a Short Rest.
- Ignoring Weapon Mastery properties.