D&D 5E Another advice on what to play thread. Utility, creativity, fun.

[xTaffer]

Hey everyone!
It's my first post here, I haven't played DnD for quite some time and will be picking up my dice again!
I remember some 5 years ago when I was looking into 5e after playing mostly 3.5 as a teen and had found a very nice graph of what people considered helpful, powerful, and most importantly fun.
Things might have changed or not since then and I also can't seem to find that page.
Anyhow, I love utility and creativity and being interactive. Like illusionists, wizards in general, bards.
But I 've also always had a sweet spot for thieves.
How useful are they in a group? I don't care that much about the damage I can dish out, if I can find another way to do stuff and make things happen.
I know I can read the books but I 'd love advice from people who have spent enough time trying things out and seeing how it tends to play out in game.
Thanks for reading <3

 

[DND_Reborn]

Welcome to the forum! Have a like.

I LOVE rogues and wizards both in utility roles. With Expertise rogues (and bards) can shine, but with the right spell selection and ritual casting, wizards have a lot to offer. My favorite PC ended up being a Cleric/Rogue/Wizard, adding the knowledge domain cleric.

A fun build for you might be the super skill PC with tons of Expertise and proficiency in all skills by level 7.

Both classes, and bards as well, are all very useful IME, the biggest thing is deciding if you want to be focused or go for more of a jack of all trades, master of none?

 

[Eltab]

Look at Rogue / Arcane Trickster for your first go at a 5e character. You will be somewhat constrained but not be overwhelmed with options.

It is easy to get Sneak Attack, so you can easily achieve the 'Consolation Prize' of DPR in a fight, while you learn how the rules work and practice the more-fun stuff.

 

[Burnside]

In 5E I don't think you can beat a bard for utility and creativity and just generally having something to contribute to pretty much every situation - especially the College of Lore bard. Wizards are also excellent in this respect but may be stronger in combat than the bard while not as good socially (or will need to burn spell slots to accomplish things socially that the bard can do with just skills).

I love the Arcane Trickster a lot and the spells and skills also make this a strong choice for this kind of character. However, you might find that other rogue subclasses have less out-of-combat utility than you might expect (particularly compared to a bard).

The 5E bard in general is WAY better than the 3.5E bard.