D&D 5E The classes that nobody wants to play

[Ogre Mage]

As a companion to the "Most played classes in your local gaming area?" poll I started, what are the classes in your local gaming area that never or rarely show up at the gaming table? If you have any insight as to why, feel free to elaborate. You may choose up to 4.

In my local gaming area, rangers, barbarians and to a somewhat lesser degree warlocks are rarely seen.

 

[Lanliss]

No one in my group has an urge to play either Clerics or Paladins. I think the cause is too much roleplay restrictions.

Other than that, 2/3 of them hate casters, or dealing with the spell system in general, so not many of those either.

 

[Gladius Legis]

Rangers, for reasons that are pretty obvious by now.

Around my area, Druids aren't very popular, either, for whatever reason. Maybe the whole nature boy/girl theme just isn't very popular ... but then again there's no lack of Barbarians in my area, so I just don't know.

Don't see many Monks, either, though that class is certainly an acquired taste.

 

[S'mon]

Ranger, obviously, and I've only once seen anyone play a 5e Sorcerer. It seems pretty pointless when both Bard & Wizard seem to cover the same ground better.

IME Barbarian is the most popular class! It tends to be the default melee class now, replacing Fighter.

My Sunday 5e group is Druid, Monk, Bladesinger Wizard, Paladin and Barbarian. Previous PCs included
Warlock Bard and Cleric. That seems a pretty typical spread; I also see Fighter and Rogue played though Fighter tends to be a 'here's your pregen' class, not something chosen by experienced players.

 

[kalil]

In my circles monks are not really played, probably because kungfu-chop-chop against dragons and stone giants feels pretty silly and slapstick (not bashing monk lovers in sny way, just speculating in cause)?

 

[JonnyP71]

Paladins, my players know I hate them with a passion.

I saw one played once, in another group with another DM, he died facing down a Lich. Stupid Paladin, 'twas all he deserved.

 

[Ogre Mage]

In my circles monks are not really played, probably because kungfu-chop-chop against dragons and stone giants feels pretty silly and slapstick (not bashing monk lovers in any way, just speculating in cause)?

I personally find the monk class to be rather on the weak side and am surprised it is not more unpopular in my gaming area (sorry monk lovers). They seem to show up in about "average" frequency in my area. Of the monks I have seen they ranged from average-to-lame in effectiveness.

 

[JonnyP71]

I play/dm in 3 groups, none of them pick a class based on perceived effectiveness.

 

[Lanliss]

I personally find the monk class to be rather on the weak side and am surprised it is not more unpopular in my gaming area (sorry monk lovers). They seem to show up in about "average" frequency in my area. Of the monks I have seen they ranged from average-to-lame in effectiveness.

One of my players who DMs plans to ban monks, unless I can find a way to suitably nerf them. He doesn't like that they are moderately effective at almost everything, rather than having some strong points and some weak points. I am thinking a d6 hit die might make him happy.

 

[AaronOfBarbaria]

Why is there not a "All the classes get played by somebody in my group" option?