I find having a Druid/Cleric in the party for strong reoccurring aoe damage is strongest.
(I prefer Druid for earlier 2024 moonbeam. Also stacking goodberries with leftover slots at the end of the day is still a thing.)
A couple of primary controllers Bard/Wizard/Sorcerer. I’d recommend the versatility of Wizard here for at least one of these. Being able to summon fey/undead can turn 1 into a quasi striker. Fireball is strong aoe damage. Essentially you can fill in whatever role a particular encounter needs the most, especially if the other caster already controlled most of the important enemies.
If I was only bringing one primary controller I’d probably go sorcerer as he’s a bit better at it. Twin and heighten are great now. The bonus spells are great. Potentially higher ac with dragon sorc is great. Etc.
(The easiest campaign I ever played in was a 2014 one with 2 wizards. Levels 1-7).
Add 1-2 strikers and that is usually my ideal party. Though one can definitely be traded for a 2nd cleric or Druid.
