D&D 5E What is the "Simple" Full Casting Class?

[Zardnaar]

Thinking more it's cleric I think overall.

Then draconic sorcerer.

Warlock*.
The * assumes it's run by a competent experienced player. I've seen sad warlocks with no Eldritch blast. It's kind of the most complicated class in the game tbh. It's got more develops than most 3.5 classes as it's almost build your own class from this menu.

2014 had 9 basic combos between pact and patron then spells and invocations layered on top of that.

3.5 fighter is comparatively simple only had feats. 2024 they have to deal with that. 3.5 wizard was also more simple come to think of it.

I would go as far as saying its one of the most complex classes to build it's simple to run if you know what to do.

I've also seen thise newbie players who are "don't tell ne what to do". They're not interested in knowing abut Eldritch blast. Hunters mark or whatever we take for granted. They'll pick whatever appeals.

Session 0 I usually say something like build a somewhat effective character eg 16 in your prime and basic competence. Ask for help if required. You don't need a youtube powergamer build.

Or as one recent player figured out nudge don't command.

 

[jmartkdr2]

I will note that the 2024 warlock looks a lot more complex, especially with the Agonizing Blast rewrite - now it’s a lot less obvious what cantrips to pick.

 

[Ashrym]

I voted Warlock. Patron spells picks a lot of the spells available for the player and Pact Magic paces the casting of those spells for the player and Eldritch Blast is a straight forward typical approach to combat.

They even have a relatively small list for their limited selection of spells to go through.

There is a good argument for clerics, however. Their spell list and usage is pretty straightforward and domain spells preselect a large portion for them as well. Having access to the full list makes changing them easier so poor spell selection one day can be more forgiving for the next.

I'm surprised there were votes for Sorcerer. I don't see using Font of Magic and also applying those points to Metamagic as simple as all. Between those features and planning out spell preparation than cannot be easily changed it's one of the most complex caster classes.

 

[Quickleaf]

My hot take: There is no simple spellcaster class in D&D.

 

[Zardnaar]

My hot take: There is no simple spellcaster class in D&D.

That's what the brackets in the title indicate.

The precinstructed characters in DoSI were really good for newbies imho.

DM could do that. I'm rebuilding the life cleric into a light for a 13 year old player (his decision btw 4 sessions in he figured out 8 dexterity sucks).

 

[FrogReaver]

I voted Warlock. Patron spells picks a lot of the spells available for the player and Pact Magic paces the casting of those spells for the player and Eldritch Blast is a straight forward typical approach to combat.

They even have a relatively small list for their limited selection of spells to go through.

There is a good argument for clerics, however. Their spell list and usage is pretty straightforward and domain spells preselect a large portion for them as well. Having access to the full list makes changing them easier so poor spell selection one day can be more forgiving for the next.

I'm surprised there were votes for Sorcerer. I don't see using Font of Magic and also applying those points to Metamagic as simple as all. Between those features and planning out spell preparation than cannot be easily changed it's one of the most complex caster classes.

I feel wizard is actually simpler than warlock in 2024. Pretty much your choice is spells. Your dm can even help you out if you choose horribly by giving you a few scrolls to nudge you in the right direction.

 

[ECMO3]

So, for 2024 as well as 2014.

Relatively simple question. A lot of people think of the Fighter as the most simple class to play, and the Champion the simplest subclass to go with it. In a discussion tonight, the topic turned in the same mindset but to the full caster classes: Bard, Cleric, Druid, Sorcerer, Warlock, and Wizard in 5E.

If you had a newbie or someone who just likes to play simple classes, but REALLY wanted to be a full spellcaster, which class would you tell them is the simplest? If you want to share why you believe so, please do!

Now, this is a broad question, certainly. Simplest in which regard? Learning, playing, what tier, etc.? Well, all I can say is go with your "gut" when (if?) you decide to vote.

Also, throw in your choice of simplest subclass for the simplest full caster in a response if you want.

Thanks to all who choose to contribute!

NOTES:

• You only get one vote and cannot change it. First impressions IME on this are often the best.
• Sorry, no "other" option this time. Full casters, core only, no 3PP, etc.

If you are talking about simple to play in game it is Wizard by far. If you are talking easiest to build/create probably Druid, but that is much more of a competition.

I voted Wizard. As far as play here is how I would rank them (most simple to most difficult):
Wizard
Sorcerer
Warlock
Cleric
Druid
Bard

 

[ECMO3]

Definitely the Warlock.

I don't mean to cast shade on the Warlock (I like them fine) but I find it more exciting to play and to DM for a Champion Fighter than I do for your average Warlock (I'm speaking mechanically here, in combat) who nine-times-out-of-ten IME, casts Eldritch Blast on their turn and nothing else.

I get this, but Warlocks can be a lot more than Eldritch Blast, especially if you pick up a few levels of Bard or Sorcerer.

I have played Warlocks that had Eldritch Blast, but I have played Warlocks that don't too and I have never played a Warlock who's role was just to be a blaster.

IME playing a Blaster Warlock is like playing a Healer Cleric. It is something you can do very well and very easily with the class mechanics, but you can also go different directions with it as well.

 

[Ashrym]

If you are talking about simple to play in game it is Wizard by far. If you are talking easiest to build/create probably Druid, but that is much more of a competition.

I voted Wizard. As far as play here is how I would rank them (most simple to most difficult):
Wizard
Sorcerer
Warlock
Cleric
Druid
Bard

I find bards are relatively simple in game play and the complex part is only in spell selection as far as spellcasting is concerned.

Sorcerers are balancing slots to points, points to slots, metamagic, and spell planning.

The idea that sorcerers are more simple in complexity than bards seems like a weird take to me. ;-)

 

[Zardnaar]

I find bards are relatively simple in game play and the complex part is only in spell selection as far as spellcasting is concerned.

Sorcerers are balancing slots to points, points to slots, metamagic, and spell planning.

The idea that sorcerers are more simple in complexity than bards seems like a weird take to me. ;-)

Dragons order 2014 is fairly simple imho. 2024 isn't that hard.

You might not be optimal but it's kinda hard to mess up unless you try eg deliberately not pick fire spells as a fire one.