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Message: <blockquote data-quote="FrogReaver" data-source="post: 9167135" data-attributes="member: 6795602">Effective 5e defenders can be built.  I've done it.  It's just solo classed fighters are terrible defenders.  You really need a good combination of high hp/ac, good mobility, proper use of positioning, good OA damage and all the while not sacrificing too much damage to get these effects.  Ability to grapple is also a huge bonus.  That's a combination fighters just don't provide out of the box.That said...<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Cleric - Spirit Guardians + Dodge likely makes a more effective defender and you have spells useful for other situations</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Druid - Conjure Animals.  That spell alone does a better job of defending than any build i've seen.  And that's even if the dm is picking or randomizing the animals you summon.  Add in Plant Growth for any enemies lacking ranged attacks.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Wizards - Web (but plenty of others).  Web is just so effective and it's only a 2nd level slot.  (Heck, speaking of narrow doorways and hallways web is great there too, also grease in a small space can be hilariously effective and is only a level 1 slot).</li> </ul>All of these options reasonably achieve what a Defender is trying to achieve only A) better and B) are only a small amount of your build budget.I guess i'm saying I mostly agree - just wanted to elaborate on it a bit.***Almost forgot - the defender role is largely subsumed by the healer role.  There's little need to funnel enemies into a strong defender when you can just heal whatever hp was lost by whatever party member.</blockquote>

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