Druid Multiclass Options: A Complete DnD 5e Guide

Last Updated on January 22, 2023

Multiclassing is an excellent way to improve your character customization and depth.

By taking a second class on your characters, you give them access to extra features they would otherwise not have access to and give them more depth in roleplay with their extensive knowledge of multiple disciplines.

What Is Multiclassing?

Multiclassing is the process of taking more than one class on a single character. In Fifth Edition, characters can naturally have up to 20 levels across all their classes. However, class level is different from the character level.

Class level is the current level of any individual class, while character level is the summation of all of an individual’s class levels. So a character who has 10 levels in Warlock and 10 levels in Druid is a level 20 character.

When a character in Fifth Edition takes a second class, they need to meet certain prerequisites before they can add the class to their character sheet.

For instance, you’ll need at least 13 Wisdom before you’re able to take Druid on your character sheet. So, your 10 Wisdom Barbarian will need to sink at least 1.5 Ability Score Increases into Wisdom before they’re able to spec into Druid.

How Do Spell Slots and Levels Work With Multiclassing?

As per the Player’s Handbook, spellcasters use both their class and character level to determine their capacity for spellcasting. Players determine their spellcasting features and information using the following methods.

Spells Known

Players will determine their spells known based on their individual class levels. So, a player with three levels in Wizard and four in Barbarian (why?) will know three Wizard Cantrips and spells up to the 2nd level.

Spell Slots

Spell slots for multiclassed spellcasters use their own table that is based on Character level. Some DMs may instead choose to give their multiclassed players spell slots based on the character’s individual class levels.

However, following this table will allow you to determine your spell slots based on character level.

Whether or not your DM will make you use the Multiclass table or take spell slots from individual classes is entirely up to them.

However, you should never be afraid to ask your DM for something that will make the game more fun for you. The worst they can say is no!

Now, one critically important thing to remember is that multiclassed spellcaster can upcast their lower-level spells using a spell slot that is of a higher level than their class level.

For instance, if you have Burning Hands, you can use a 9th-level spell slot to cast it if you have one, even if your Wizard level is only three. 

However, you cannot cast Spells with a higher base level than your class level allows. So you would not be able to cast Prismatic Wall if your Wizard level is only three, even if you have 9th– level spell slots.

Additionally, spell slots you have gained from the Pact Magic feature can be used to cast or upcast spells from other classes, and spells slots from Multiclassing can be used to cast Warlock spells, including Pact Magic spells.

Why Should I Multiclass?

You should multiclass because all the cool kids do it! In all seriousness, the only reason you should ever multiclass a character is because you want to do it.

However, there are some immediate benefits that players get from multiclassing. Here’s a quick guide to why multiclassing might be the tactic you need for your character sheet.

Bonus Proficiencies

If you take a second class that has access to different proficiencies, your character will get those proficiencies.

A caster with access to medium armor is much more versatile in battle than one without, and a melee character with access to a few melee spells is similarly more versatile.

When choosing classes for bonus proficiencies, you usually just dip one level into your desired class.

Taking more than one level in a class indicates that you’re aiming for some of the class’s features or other mechanics only available at a higher level.

Additional Spells

Spellcasters may dip levels into other spellcasting classes to get access to that class’s spell list. Dipping a few extra levels into Wizard, for instance, gets you access to a whole host of arcane spells you can cast using your Druid levels.

Additional Class Features

Multiclassing also affords the player additional class features. For instance, dipping one level into Monk gets you Unarmored Defense (more on this later…), and dipping four levels into Fighter gets you Extra Attack.

Roleplay 

Sometimes you want your character to have bonus abilities for roleplay. Taking another class allows them to have experience and information that can only be obtained by people of that class, like the Druidic language or Thieves’ Cant.

Best Druid Multiclass Options

When it comes to Druids, you’ll want to choose something that provides things that Druids don’t usually have.

Proficiencies in things like armor, weaponry, and extra spells can really help a Druid make their mark on the world.

You’ll also want to consider classes that have crossover stats with Druids to take some of the weight off your shoulders when it comes to optimizing your stats.

Best Druid Multiclass: Cleric

Clerics and Druids have the same spellcasting stat, Wisdom, which makes them a fantastic option for multiclassing.

Additionally, since both Druids and Clerics have the same prerequisite stat, you’ll probably already have the stat bump needed to spec into Cleric from the beginning of the game.

Clerics also give the Druid access to proficiencies with all simple weapons and additional skill proficiencies.

Any Druids intending to be their party’s primary healer should consider Circle of the Moon Druid with Life Cleric as this provides one of the strongest healing sets you can build in the Fifth Edition.

Druids who spec into Cleric will also want to consider taking the War Caster feat to allow them to cast spells while holding a Shield and Weapon.

Runner Up: Sorcerer

Sorcerer is an excellent option for any Druids who want a little more firepower (literally) than the Druid class provides on its own.

Sorcerer has an extensive and deep spell pool that allows the Druid to get access to damage spells like Fire Bolt, Burning Hands, and Fireball.

Since Sorcerer requires at least 13 points in Charisma and will be using a different spellcasting modifier than the Druid class, you’ll want to make sure your stat pools reflect this and can support both classes without worry.

Honourable Mention: Monk

Monk is an EXCELLENT class for dropping a level or three in, especially for spellcasters, and especially for Druids.

Since Monks prioritize their Wisdom (after Dexterity), they’ll get the maximum value out of the Druid’s high Wisdom pool. 

The Monk’s Unarmored Defense is such a great option for spellcasters and especially Druids since it scales off of their Wisdom, allowing the Druid to reach high Armor Class levels that would be inaccessible to them by default.

The only reason Monk isn’t our best choice is that you probably won’t want to go 10:10 Druid/Monk like you could with the better choices.

Since Monks are best either at very few levels or at capstone level, they only good an honourable mention this time.

Final Thoughts

Multiclassing is an excellent way to change up your character sheets and add additional depth to your character that you might otherwise not have.

We’ve compiled some multiclass options you can choose from based on mechanics, but there’s no right or wrong choice when it comes to tabletop games!

As always, the most important part of any game is that you are having fun! So, choose the class that is going to make you happiest, and mechanics be damned!

As long as you aren’t taking over the game and being a nuisance for your party and DM, all choices are equally valid!

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