D&D 5E How strong is Moon Druid for level 4-9?

[Merudo]

The main problem I have with Moon Druid is that after level 5 or so, it seems they are better off casting spells instead of trying to melee with Wildshape.

Hence it may be more productive to be a better summoner (Shepard druid) or caster (Land Druid) instead of being able to shapeshift into weak monsters.

 

[TwoSix]

The main problem I have with Moon Druid is that after level 5 or so, it seems they are better off casting spells instead of trying to melee with Wildshape.

Hence it may be more productive to be a better summoner (Shepard druid) or caster (Land Druid) instead of being able to shapeshift into weak monsters.

I think you already have your answer. Go with your gut! You don't really want to play Moon Druid, you're past the point where Moon Druid is overwhelmingly strong (Levels 2-3), so play a caster druid. You already have concerns about Moon Druid, so any negative aspect that shows up in play is going to be highlighted in your mind.

There have been studies showing when people have to make a choice between a brand new option and staying with the status quo, people are almost always happier going with the new option. Moon Druid is the guide approved status quo for you, so take the shiny new Shepherd Druid out for a test drive.

 

[Paul Farquhar]

Non-moon druids can shapeshift into weak creatures, which has a lot of out-of-combat utility. They still get access to flying and swimming at the same levels.

 

[Satyrn]

I'm playing one, at 7th level right now.

It is exceptionally fun outside of combat because the versatility of shapes lets me contribute to scouting, infiltration, intimidafion, tracking, hunting etc etc etc in unique and varied ways, all depending on the animal I wildshape into. I've found the giant spider to be my best friend for this.

In combat, I am having a blast, too. Giant constrictor is my go-to form for combat right now. It's a giant bag of seemingly unending hit points with a terrible AC. I'm getting hit a lot - like, all the time - but I'm soaking up the damage with a shrug , and that is so much fun. The snake's constriction attack, along with the huge body, and high strength all help with battlefield control, too. I am not the biggest damage dealer, but I am a force.

 

[Tony Vargas]

I'm late joining a campaign that will go level 4 to about 9..

That's squarely in the game's "sweat spot" almost any character should be just fine. Moon Druid might seem a bit much at first (4th), but he'll even out after a bit, by 9th you'll 'just' be another full caster.

 

[Stalker0]

They are just fine at those levels

 

[Dualazi]

Borderline OP. Moon druids will always be ridiculous because they have full spellcasting, which is quite strong in and of itself, on top of incredible utility/survivability. While their beast form damage does drop a bit, it's by no means gone and can also benefit from riders that the beasts have. I have a moon druid in my current game at level 8 and he wrecks house, giant constrictor/giant octopus are his go-to forms and they are immensely frustrating, spammable restrain neuters a lot of enemies. I honestly can't think of any point where the moon druid isn't still competitive due to those two factors.

 

[Mistwell]

Level 5 is when you get Conjure Animals, which is the Druid Fireball. 8 wolves, or 8 constrictor snakes, etc.. It's a very powerful spell. At 7th level you get Conjure Woodland Beings, which is also super powerful. 8 invisible flying ranged attacking poisonous sprites! Or 8 spellcasting invisible flying pixies. These are really excellent spells. Arguably overpowered.

 

[Satyrn]

Level 5 is when you get Conjure Animals, which is the Druid Fireball. 8 wolves, or 8 constrictor snakes, etc.. It's a very powerful spell. At 7th level you get Conjure Woodland Beings, which is also super powerful. 8 invisible flying ranged attacking poisonous sprites! Or 8 spellcasting invisible flying pixies. These are really excellent spells. Arguably overpowered.

Huh. The only thing I've done with Conjure Animal since I got it a few months ago was harass a basilisk (and become an art gallery sensation for my sculptures of Monkeys At Play)

I guess I oughtta try out the spell in combat sometime.

 

[Merudo]

Level 5 is when you get Conjure Animals, which is the Druid Fireball. 8 wolves, or 8 constrictor snakes, etc.. It's a very powerful spell. At 7th level you get Conjure Woodland Beings, which is also super powerful. 8 invisible flying ranged attacking poisonous sprites! Or 8 spellcasting invisible flying pixies. These are really excellent spells. Arguably overpowered.

Maybe, but a Shepherd druid get more powerful summons and a totem to heal them, while the Land Druid gets more spellslots to cast Conjure Animals / Conjure Woodland Beings.