D&D 5E Making crappy subclasses great again

[CubicsRube]

We all know there's a few subclasses that just don't seem to compete for flavour or punching power next to their bretheren. What kind of simple changes would you make to some subclasses to make them a viable or even top tier choice?

Some changes I'd make:

Barbarian beserker - frenzy does not cause exhaustion
Beastmaster ranger - you can command your animal companion as a bonus action
Pact of the blade warlock - gains medium armor proficiency, can get gwm as an invocation at 5th level
Valor bard - gains a fighting style at 3rd level

 

[mellored]

Champion: +1 HP per level.

 

[CubicsRube]

I almost feel like the champion should have a paladin like aur Bility, such as granting saves to all allies withon 30 feet against fear for example. Can be at 7th when they get remarkable athlete

 

[jaelis]

4 elements monk: reduce ki cost for all disciplines by one

 

[Stalker0]

We all know there's a few subclasses that just don't seem to compete for flavour or punching power next to their bretheren. What kind of simple changes would you make to some subclasses to make them a viable or even top tier choice?

Some changes I'd make:

Pact of the blade warlock - gains medium armor proficiency, can get gwm as an invocation at 5th level

There is another great thread about this the BladeLock and Hexblade merging. Right now we are discussing just allowing them a version of eldritch blast in melee and giving them eldritch blast for free. Simple and I think it does the job well.

 

[Gladius Legis]

Purple Dragon Knight Fighter: Switch around the Lv. 3 and 10 features. So give Inspiring Surge at Lv. 3 and Rallying Cry at Lv. 10. The new Inspiring Surge enables a 2nd ally at Lv. 10 and a 3rd at Lv. 18. Rallying Cry now adds CHA mod to the healing.

Arcane Archer Fighter: Give 1 more use of Arcane Shot each at Lv. 7 and 10.

 

[Xeviat]

4 elements monk: reduce ki cost for all disciplines by one

This helps, but it doesn't help them play like a gish. Here's my thoughts:

Give them cantrips. Let them use their martial arts or flurry after using a cantrip. Make all disciplines bonus actions (sun soul monk can bonus action burning hands for 2 ki)

 

[acorn_stasis]

changes with italics
Blessing of the Trickster
Starting when you choose this domain at 1st level, you can use your action to touch a willing creature [delete this: other than yourself] to give it advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) and Charisma (Deception) checks. This blessing lasts for 1 hour or until you use this feature again. Also, you gain proficiency in the Stealth and Deception skills if you do not already have them.

 

[ad_hoc]

Beastmaster ranger - you can command your animal companion as a bonus action

This is too much. And removes their 7th level ability.

Instead, give exceptional training at 3rd level. Bonus Action to have the beast take the Dash, Disengage, Dodge, or Help action. Now your beast can team up with you to attack.

At 7th level command to attack as a bonus action.

Pact of the blade warlock - gains medium armor proficiency, can get gwm as an invocation at 5th level

Pacts aren't subclasses. You just made Pact of the Blade better than every other Pact for every type of Warlock. Pacts are minor boons.

Also a full feat for an invocation on top of that is too much.

Valor bard - gains a fighting style at 3rd level

See College of Swords if you want an alternate to Valor Bard

4 elements monk: reduce ki cost for all disciplines by one

See Sun Soul for an alternate to 4 Elements

 

[CM]

See College of Swords if you want an alternate to Valor Bard
See Sun Soul for an alternate to 4 Elements

Isn't this thread about boosting weak subclasses, and not trying new subclasses?

Myself, I'm a little unhappy with the spell school restrictions on the eldritch knight and arcane trickster, but I haven't officially houseruled either yet (no demand from players).