You are going to miss out on Death Strike for 19 levels anyway though. Better to have the extra attack for 16 than Death Strike for 1.
That's very true, but I feel like going so deep into Fighter takes away from the Assassin aspect of my character, since that is what he is primarily and I think only level dipping into Fighter. So while Fighter 5 is probably the more optimal build, I don't think it suits my character so well... And Death Strike is a pretty sweet capstone ability too...Death strike, but what do you do for the first 10+ levels between Fighter (3) and 17th level. Don't focus on the end build, you will play more from levels 1-16 then on 17+
Yes, I see what you mean. Dual Wielder does kind of seem like a waste of an ASI, especially since I don't think I'm getting an Extra Attack. I do however plan on keeping Mobile.Dual strike with mobility sure, but that's 2 feats. Its at most 1 point of dmg per attack. IMO it would be better to spend the feat elsewhere. Mobility is good for action economy. Usually you can just walk away anyway with Cunning Action, its rare that you use all your movement to just get next to someone. The main lure to me of dual strike is the AC bonus (hard to come buy) and drawing 2 weapons, it allows you to keep other things in your hands (like a bow) and still get right in there if need be.
Unfortunately (for me) I am the only melee character in my party, everyone else is a spellcaster. However, I do have a mastiff for the purpose of Sneak Attack, and very much plan on trying to get as many off-turn SAs as possible. I'll do some research on the best way to do this, but it seems like the better option for now is Fighter 3 with Riposte, Trip Attack and Precision Attack.Most people read sneak attack wrong, its once per turn, not once per round. Find ways to get off-turn attacks and you are GOLD. Definitely talk any fighter in Battlemaster just for Commanders Strike, and any cleric into Command to order then to run away and trigger OppAtt. Also remember RANGED attacks trigger sneak attack also, a thrown dagger or handaxe is just as effective as you standing there. So the fighter with Commanders strike can be next to the creature and you can get the sneak attack in with that thrown weapon. Why move closer when you can throw daggers like V?