D&D 5E What is the "Simple" Full Casting Class?

Which full casting class is the simplest overall?

  • Bard

  • Cleric

  • Druid

  • Sorcerer

  • Warlock

  • Wizard


Results are only viewable after voting.

ezo

Get off my lawn!
So, for 2024 as well as 2014.

Relatively simple question. A lot of people think of the Fighter as the most simple class to play, and the Champion the simplest subclass to go with it. In a discussion tonight, the topic turned in the same mindset but to the full caster classes: Bard, Cleric, Druid, Sorcerer, Warlock, and Wizard in 5E.

If you had a newbie or someone who just likes to play simple classes, but REALLY wanted to be a full spellcaster, which class would you tell them is the simplest? If you want to share why you believe so, please do!

Now, this is a broad question, certainly. Simplest in which regard? Learning, playing, what tier, etc.? Well, all I can say is go with your "gut" when (if?) you decide to vote.

Also, throw in your choice of simplest subclass for the simplest full caster in a response if you want.

Thanks to all who choose to contribute!

NOTES:
  • You only get one vote and cannot change it. First impressions IME on this are often the best. ;)
  • Sorry, no "other" option this time. Full casters, core only, no 3PP, etc.
 

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CleverNickName

Limit Break Dancing (He/They)
I've played them all over the last decade, and the warlock was by far the easiest for me. I recommend it to players who are new to the game and want to try a spellcaster because:
  • Limited selection of spells means less decision paralysis, less pressure to "pick the right one" on every turn
  • All spells use the same level (simpler resource management)
  • Spell slots replenish after a short rest (less resource management)
  • Versatile enough to fit most concepts. Wanna be a healer? Go with Celestial Pact. A witchy goth? Hexblade is here for you. A clever trickster? Archfey's got what you need.
  • The best ranged attack in the game, which means your fragile character can hang out in the back out of harm's way but still be effective, even after running out of spell slots.
The warlock is pretty much Easy Mode for magic-users. And that's a good thing.
 
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CleverNickName

Limit Break Dancing (He/They)
You didn't find the limit of 2 spell slots for most levels played really limiting???

It isn't like you can get in a short rest after every or even most encounters (at least, again, not IME), so when I've played a warlock I really felt the spell slot pinch often.
I mean...it's supposed to be limiting, I think. But having too many options all at once isn't always a good thing either, especially if you've never played a spellcaster (or 5E) before. Besides: you have Eldritch Blast and/or Toll the Dead to keep things "magical" on the battlefield until you get to take a rest, and scrolls can easily supplement your library (and spell slots) later on.
 
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Charlaquin

Goblin Queen (She/Her/Hers)
You didn't find the limit of 2 spell slots for most levels played really limiting???
I mean, yeah, it is limiting. Thats what keeps the complexity low (for a spellcaster).
It isn't like you can get in a short rest after every or even most encounters (at least, again, not IME), so when I've played a warlock I really felt the spell slot pinch often.
The math expects approximately one short rest after every other encounter. If your group doesn’t get that reliably, you should consider houseruling (or suggesting such a house rule to your DM) to address that, because you won’t be getting the designed play experience.
 

Mistwell

Crusty Old Meatwad (he/him)
Warlock. For many simple builds most of the time you're just shooting eldritch blast. You can use a couple of more advanced spells, a couple of special abilities, but it's about as many decision points in combat as a champion fighter. And champion fighter is the model for simple class.

Wizard, in my opinion, is one of the most complex casters. So many decision points. Our games often stall on the wizards turn.
 

FitzTheRuke

Legend
Definitely the Warlock.

I don't mean to cast shade on the Warlock (I like them fine) but I find it more exciting to play and to DM for a Champion Fighter than I do for your average Warlock (I'm speaking mechanically here, in combat) who nine-times-out-of-ten IME, casts Eldritch Blast on their turn and nothing else.

I find even the limits of "hacking with a sword" to be more narratively exciting.

Fortunately, the Warlock makes up for their rather boring (IMO) combat narrative for some excellent RP and story-stuff with their patron, and their personal struggles with their pact, whatever those may be.

You win some you lose some.

I can't imagine anyone voting on this poll for a Druid. It is by far the most complicated class in the game.
 


Tales and Chronicles

Jewel of the North, formerly know as vincegetorix
Wizards. They barely have any feature outside of more spells. They don't even need to prepare their rituals, so that's one less stress on your prep for the day!

And magic being what it is in DnD, you'd be hard pressed to pick completely useless spells. Just pick the ones that sound cool and you'll be halfway there!
 

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