D&D 5E How strong is Moon Druid for level 4-9?

[Merudo]

I'm late joining a campaign that will go level 4 to about 9, and I was wondering how powerful the moon druid is at these levels.

There is no doubt that the Moon druid is exceptional at level 2, but decreases steadily in power until level 10 (when they get a moderate boost with the elementals) and level 20 (great improvement to Wildshape).

In particular, the Moon Druid doesn't really get a boost at level 5, while martials get a massive boost through Extra Attack.

Since we will be skipping level 2-3 (where the Moon Druid shines most), is rolling a Moon Druid still a good idea? Is Wild Shape still going to be relevant at level 5-9? Or is it better to pick a different circle or go Cleric?

 

[jgsugden]

It is fine. Not over the top, not too weak. If you like the idea of playing one, go for it.

 

[Kobold Stew]

In particular, the Moon Druid doesn't really get a boost at level 5, while martials get a massive boost through Extra Attack.

You do get a boost at level 6, however: your CR for your Beast shape becomes 2, and then 3 at level 9. That's substantial.

At level 6 you have access to Giant Elk, Sabre-toothed Tiger and Giant Vulture.

Moon Druid is powerful all the way through.

(and can be built with almost any stat layout -- allows for lots of individuation for RP).

 

[eryndel]

My daughter's playing a level 6 moon druid in an AL game and she's still having fun with it. Sure, it's not the heady days of level 2, but getting a sabre tooth tiger, or an allosaurus is fun times. Most importantly, its these levels that she reminds herself that she is still a full caster. There is still plenty of fun in the class.

 

[TwoSix]

You don't need extra attack at 5, you just got conjure animals.

 

[Ancalagon]

You don't need extra attack at 5, you just got conjure animals.

And level 3 spells in general - it's a substantial bump in power

But ultimately, the *most* important thing is that you have a character that is fun for you to play and contributes to the team. 5e is pretty sturdy and unless you deliberately make a bad character, your PC will be good enough. (the ranger-beastmaster and monk-element are the weakest if you wanted to know)

 

[Zardnaar]

They are decent but it depends on how the dm constructs encounters. Some shapes don't fit in dungeons for example and ranged encounters not so good. Sentinel and things like warcaster help.

Level 6 is still good 9 not so much.

 

[ccs]

You'll be perfectly fine playing a Moon Druid

 

[Paul Farquhar]

You also have to consider that the DM may rule that you can't use certain creatures as your character is unfamiliar with them. Sabre toothed tigers and giant vultures are not exactly everyday animals!

But it's up to the DM to rule, if you want to play something go ahead unless the DM says otherwise. Chances are, joining an ongoing campaign, the other party members will be more powerful than you initially because they have more magic items.

 

[Horwath]

You get 5th level power bump with 3rd levels spells as all full casters get.

on 4th level you can have beasts with swimming speed.

on 6th level you get CR2 beasts for wild shape. And bypass of magic damage reduction for your natural attacks.

on 8th level you can have beasts with flying speed. great utility.

on 9th level you get CR3 beasts for wild shape.


Moon druid is not most powerfull, but it can be most versatile class.