D&D 5E What is the best "5th" class?

[5ekyu]

Just curious,

What, in your experience, is the best 5th class to a party - As in 4 characters cover the basics - what's the best 5th?

Now, I recognize the "correct" answer is "whatever that player wants to play" - but lets jump past that. I also recognize groups often have more than 4 or 5 players (heck mine rotates 6-7) but for ease of reference, I just chose 5th.

I'd love to see the boards thoughts on this (in addition to the poll).

voted "other" cuz it should vary based on what the original four were and how the party wants to proceed. Essentially they can use the 5th man to double down on some aspect or to spread around etc... really very dependent on too many "first four" variables.

 

[Azzy]

Paladin, of course. But, then, the first four characters should also be paladins.

 

[CTurbo]

I voted Bard because every 4 man group should already have a Cleric and a Paladin.

 

[Ancalagon]

I think that the fifth member should be someone who can assist in several roles - doesn't have to be a master at X, but she can back up other characters. Monk, bards, sometimes warlock can be good fits for this.

Ironically, the kind of character that does well as a fifth character *also* does well as a character in a small (2-3) member party!

 

[Ancalagon]

That being said, I think there are 3 tasks that are particularly important to fill:

1: Stealth. It's nice to be able to back up the rogue, and if already a number of characters are stealthy, and with the use of group checks, if the 5th member is stealthy the *entire* party can become stealthy

2: Light tanking. There can be a lot of pressure on the party tank, and being able to relieve some of that pressure is useful

3: Healing: If there is only one healer in the party, being able to dish out a bit of healing would help

... so really a Ranger could be a great 5th member too...

 

[schnee]

Definitely Bard.

Their Reaction with Cutting Word changes the tides of battle. They're the best counter spellers, bar none. Their Inspiration is a non-concentration buff that scales ridiculously well to high levels. Their action economy is on par or better with Rogues, so they're efficient. And, they're full casters to boot.

The only thing that makes me sad about this poll is that the Druid is absolutely the next best '5th' character.

They're full casters with amazing breadth - defense, offense, healing, and utility. They're divine casters so they can change up their capabilities on a daily basis. And, their Wild Shapes have amazing out of combat utility. If it's Moon, they tank a ton of damage at the very least. If it's Land, they hurl as many spells as a Wizard per day.

 

[TwoSix]

I didn't vote for Bard or Druid because they should be in the mix for the Core 4. Barbarian or Fighter up front (unless you make a full ranged party, which is also good), Bard or Warlock for the exploration/social role, Druid or Cleric or Bard for the healer/support, and Wizard or Cleric or Druid for ranged control.

Paladins give strong melee with the capability to nova, and backup spell/healing support, plus saving throw bonuses. I like them in almost any party to round it out.

 

[FrogReaver]

A second wizard is my pick.

 

[aco175]

I was thinking another fighter, maybe a fighter/bowman type. A 2nd tank can free up may of the others to better fill their role and help to end combats faster. It takes some of the pressure off the first tank by both taking the brunt of damage. Some of this depends on the type of games groups play. Mine tends to have more fights and less negotiations.

 

[Slit518]

I voted Other - The Shaman is a better 5th wheel in a character party.