D&D 5E What is the "best" character for ONLY levels 1-4

[holyground]

I'm curious about creating characters that are optomized for levels 1-4, which is generally the level for the one shots during adventure's league. I have tons of fun creating low level characters, but I'm interested in a wider viewpoint.

So, make a character that's engaging and excellent, that will top out at level 4. Or, to put it another way, which class is the most powerful during levels 2 and 3?

 

[exile]

So far, I have made a human/cleric(life)/folk hero and a halfling/rogue/outlander. I like them both, but think the cleric may be the "stronger" of the two.

That said, play what you want; and keep in mind that the AL "one shots" will probably not always be for low-level characters.

 

[Neonchameleon]

I'm curious about creating characters that are optomized for levels 1-4, which is generally the level for the one shots during adventure's league. I have tons of fun creating low level characters, but I'm interested in a wider viewpoint.

So, make a character that's engaging and excellent, that will top out at level 4. Or, to put it another way, which class is the most powerful during levels 2 and 3?

Human Druid. Take the Shillelagh Cantrip as your combat ability and whatever the Polearm feat is called.

Your attack using your staff is based on wisdom (16) - and is a 1 handed weapon doing d8 damage, with the other end doing d4 - but still using your wisdom. You also get a free attack on anyone who moves adjacent to you. In short you're capable of beating down most fighters - roughly the same AC (Hide armour, Large Shield), damage output that hangs with the very best of them.

And you're a spellcaster with all the normal druid tricks.

 

[GrumpyGamer]

I am tempted to say fighter, as second wind and action surge are very powerful at lower level. With that said I played up to 3rd level almost 4th level at GenCon and we did not have a cleric, or any other healer, in about half of the groups; those groups were a lot more difficult. Playing a healer will likely make you the MVP class.

 

[Neonchameleon]

For something less combat focused, human ( variant) Warlock with the Actor feat. Which means you start with dex and cha 16 and are really good at pretending to be other people and have the ability to create illusions at will from your cantrips. At level 2 take the invocation that allows you to Disguse Self At Will. And You get to be a shape shifting telepath with Advantage disguising yourself. Level 3: poach everyone else's Cantrips -you'll be able to fight up to level 4 on dex alone so run riot with all three sets of minor magical effects and Guidance.

 

[Tony Vargas]

Human for the feat at 1st level seems to be a pretty good idea (for the third ed in a row, but moreso, because feats are so 'big' now).

 

[The Crimson Binome]

Your attack using your staff is based on wisdom (16) - and is a 1 handed weapon doing d8 damage, with the other end doing d4 - but still using your wisdom.

Of note, attacking with both ends of a one-handed weapon is controversial. From what I understand, the DMs running the Adventurer's League games will be given significant leeway in interpreting such rules, so you might show up to a game and have your gimmick denied. (It just means you wouldn't be able to use a shield while you do this.)

 

[holyground]

Great responses so far, thank you all. I especially enjoyed the actor one.

 

[random.brown]

Playing a healer will likely make you the MVP class.

On that note, are there any healing cantrips for Clerics?

I figure if Magic Users (of whatever stripe) now have damage-dealing cantrips, it's only right Clerics should have an equivalent.

 

[holyground]

I believe the only healing OTHERS abilities before level 4 are cure wounds, healing word, certain divine domains, and lay on hands.